Built for Mission-Critical Environments
K2 delivers disciplined execution across defense, intelligence, infrastructure, and emergency response missions.
Who We Are
Krilla Kaleiwahea (K2) is a Veteran-Operated, Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) federal contractor delivering construction, technology, operational, staffing, and emergency response solutions across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies.
We bring private sector speed, disciplined program management, and senior federal experience to complex, high-stakes environments, executing with precision where it matters most.
Rooted in kuleana, a deep sense of responsibility, K2 operates with accountability, agility, and long-term stewardship in every mission we support.
Michael Krilla & Rachel Kaleiwahea
1942 - Oahu
Our 'Ohana
Peter's grandmother, Native Hawaiian Rachel Kaleiwahea, met Peter's grandfather, Michael, while he was stationed in Hawaii with the U.S. Army. Six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Rachel gave birth to her first son.
She drove the car, while in labor, as her husband illuminated the road with a lantern, since headlights were not permitted on the Island due to air raid threats.
Decades later, Peter and his cousin Jeffrey, who was born and raised in Hawaii, came together to honor their intertwined 'Ohana by creating the Krilla Kaleiwahea Foundation.
Our Leadership
Leadership Rooted in Experience
Co-Founder
Peter Krilla
Peter Krilla is Native Hawaiian and an executive leader of process improvement with over 27 years of experience across retail, procurement, vendor management, and retail concept construction management for Nike, including leading a global, cross-functional team to open Nike's new global flagship stores, House of Innovation, in NYC, Shanghai, and Paris.
Co-Founder
Jeffrey Krilla
Jeffrey Krilla brings a wealth of expertise in international business, management, and diplomacy to K2, thanks to his extensive government, military and corporate experience, including serving as a Senior State Department Official (Senior Executive Service) and a Naval Intelligence Officer.
Defense
Kyle Picou
Kyle Picou is a Marine Corps veteran and senior program management professional with 20+ years of leadership in aerospace, defense, and government contracting. He specializes in program execution, business operations, and strategic growth. His background includes managing $130M+ DoD programs, leading deployed aviation teams, and supporting intelligence-driven operations worldwide. He holds an Aerospace and Defense MBA from the University of Tennessee.
International
Ramsey Day
Former Assistant Administrator for Africa at USAID, overseeing government-wide initiatives such as Power Africa and Prosper Africa. Chief of Public Liaison/Chief of Staff for the Europe and Eurasia Bureau in the George W. Bush Administration.
Technology and Mergers & Acquisitions
Spencer Farrar
Specialist in strategy, operations, finance, and digital transformation, with a focus on value creation in private equity, aerospace & defense, and technology. Experience in national security and international affairs (Asia-Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa). US Marine Corps Intelligence Officer with 30+ years active & reserve duty. Holds an MBA from Yale.
Medical and Staffing
Dr. John Lawrence
Physician, author, and wellness strategist with deep expertise in integrative and regenerative medicine. Former urgent care medical director and founder of a functional health clinic blending Eastern and Western approaches. Currently, the Director of Health and Wellness at Voicesense, a voice analytics pioneer advancing mental health care.
Strategic Advisor
Melike Yetken Krilla
Corporate responsibility leader with over 15 years of government experience, advising on human rights, responsible business practices, and risk management for social and economic good. Former White House staffer for President Obama’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.
Communications
Alexis Krilla
Bachelor's in Business Management and Master's in Environmental Sustainability from Harvard University. Experienced in marketing, communications, and public relations, Alexis has supported numerous organizations in building impactful strategies.
Commerce
Robert L. Mallett
Served in former President Bill Clinton's administration as Acting Secretary and Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce. He has held senior executive positions at major healthcare companies, including United Healthcare and Pfizer Inc.
Intelligence and Defense
Mary Wolff
With more than 16 years of experience in defense, technology, intelligence, and cyber enablement, she has led growth initiatives supporting national security programs and sensitive activities across both government and industry. She earned a BA from Princeton University, where she competed as a varsity lacrosse player, and an MA from JohnsHopkins University.
Resilience, International, Defense
Mark Simakovsky
Founding partner of Heartland Global Advisors, he is a former senior U.S. official who led USAID’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and held key roles at the Departments of Defense and State. He is a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
What Sets K2 Apart
Mission-Level Execution
We operate in complex, high-stakes environments where precision, accountability, and disciplined program management are critical to mission success.
Top-Secret Facility Clearance
K2 maintains Top Secret facility clearance, enabling secure, compliant support across defense, intelligence, and sensitive federal programs.
Rapid Mobilization
We respond quickly to evolving mission needs, deploying experienced teams and scalable solutions to support time-sensitive federal operations.
NHO Structure with Long-Term Stewardship
As a Native Hawaiian Organization-owned company, K2 is structured for long-term growth, reinvestment, and sustained impact across the communities we serve.