Bluefin Robotics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Battelle Memorial Institute, today announced the appointment of David Kelly as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Kelly joins Bluefin from Battelle where he was Vice President of Information Technology Solutions, a leading provider of national security support.

“David’s broad business experience in both commercial and government markets, coupled with his exceptional systems development background make him the ideal person to lead a strong Bluefin Robotics team to even greater scientific, engineering, and business accomplishments,” said Fred Byus, a member of the Bluefin Robotics Board of Directors and Battelle’s Vice President of Navy and Special Operations markets.

Kelly brings over 25 years of comprehensive, hands-on experience in high-tech and R&D in Fortune 500, start-up, and non-profit environments to Bluefin.  Before joining Battelle in 2002, Kelly worked for esoftsolutions, Raytheon, and Texas Instruments.  He holds an MBA from Southern Methodist University; an MS in Computer Science from University of Texas at Dallas; and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Kelly is an Executive Committee Member for the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, a Senior Member of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).

Former Bluefin CEO Brian Abraham, who led the company through significant growth in revenue, clients, and programs, left Bluefin late last year to accept a position with Whitebox Advisors.

About Bluefin Robotics
Bluefin Robotics manufactures and develops Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) vehicles, systems, and technology.  Founded in 1997, the Company has grown to become a world leader in AUV products designed for military, commercial (oil and gas exploration, sea floor mapping), archaeological, and other applications.  Bluefin Robotics is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Battelle Memorial Institute.  For more information visit http://www.bluefinrobotics.com or contact Deanna Abraham at (617) 715-7080 or at

About Battelle
Battelle is the world’s largest non-profit independent research and development organization, providing innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing needs through its four global businesses:  Laboratory Management, National Security, Energy Technology, and Health and Life Sciences.  It advances scientific discovery and application by conducting $4 billion in global R&D annually through contract research, laboratory management and technology commercialization.  Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle oversees 20,400 employees in more than 120 locations worldwide, including seven national laboratories which Battelle manages or co-manages for the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Battelle also is one of the nation’s leading charitable trusts focusing on societal and economic impact and actively supporting and promoting science and math education. For more information visit http://www.battelle.org