Faces of Technology
Preparing the Nation ’ s
Protectors
Sara Moola will never forget 2003 . At a conference in Tampa , the geospatial information systems expert crossed paths with Mike Vaughn , a veteran and contractor with more than 20 years of experience in military special operations . Their shared passion to make a difference would become the foundation for a successful business partnership and , two years later , a successful marriage .
“ We started the company because of a vision and a passion for this ,” said Moola , CEO of Visual Awareness Technologies and Consulting Inc . ( VATC ).
VATC provides cutting-edge tools for simulation and training , intelligence , research and human performance . Its patented technology platform allows multiple military forces from land , air and sea to collaborate on the same training exercise . One of its latest developments , Digital Media Replicator , integrates simulated data from news , blogs and social media to replicate the real-time data soldiers review and respond to on deployment . VATC ’ s unique platform also enables mission planners to determine the allocation of resources for a simulation . Their decisions are measured during the training exercise and evaluated post-training .
“ We ’ ve been researching , developing and testing this for quite a few years , but not until recently had we developed a testable solution that ’ s now productized and will be coming out at I / ITSEC in Orlando ,” Moola said , referring to the Interservice / Industry Training , Simulation and Education Conference , the world ’ s largest modeling , simulation and training conference hosted annually in Orlando .
Geospatial data , one of the foundational elements of VATC ’ s technology , is driven by Moola ’ s expertise . She was first introduced to a GIS laboratory while working for an environmental management firm . The technology inspired her to complete a master ’ s degree in GIS at Clark University and , later , she transitioned into GIS roles for military intelligence .
Moola oversees more than 150 employees at VATC ’ s 36 locations worldwide , including its headquarters in Tampa , which were established
Sara Moola
CEO Visual Awareness Technologies and Consulting Inc . | www . vatcinc . com
Education : M . S . in Geographical Information Systems and International Development , Clark University
Peace Corps Fellowship
Company : VATC Inc ., provides services and technology solutions for Special Operations Forces training , including a missionreadiness platform called EPIC ( Exercise Performance Indicators Capability ), which combines subject matter expertise , secure networks and VATC ’ s patented technology for training and special operations exercise .
to serve the local military presence at MacDill Air Force Base and to facilitate collaboration with research partners in Orlando . The region ’ s capacity for research and development is a primary reason Moola believes defense partners should look to Florida for innovation .
“ The technology corridor is so powerful in two areas : Orlando , which is our military research arm , and Tampa , which has Special Operations Command and Central Command ,” Moola explained .
She and Vaughn are committed to serving the region ’ s large defense community . Ninety percent of VATC ’ s employees are veterans and the couple has established a charitable leadership program for children of fallen Special Operations Forces .
“ The long game is important to us and the difference we make in the operational environment is important to us ,” said Moola . “ I enjoy seeing the commitment of our employees to our customers and knowing we ’ re making a difference .”
18 florida . HIGH . TECH 2017