TEAM THUNDER ENSURING MISSION SUCCESS

Meet Team Thunder—the powerhouse driving our mission forward! United with our employees and customers, we’re dedicated to advancing National Security and Global Defense Programs while setting the standard for excellence in engineering services. Together, we don’t just meet expectations—we exceed them, time and time again!

Rita Peterson, Chief Executive Officer

As a woman and minority leader in the National Security Industry, Rita Peterson has defied the odds, carving out a legacy of innovation, resilience, and empowerment. With a deep connection to her ancestral heritage, she is unwavering in her mission to uplift individuals, break barriers, and create pathways to success for talented professionals of all backgrounds. Her vision is rooted in economic empowerment, opportunity creation, and fostering a future where excellence is accessible to all.

For nearly two decades, Rita has led Caribou Thunder, a global engineering services small business, driving cutting-edge initiatives within the National Security, Defense, and Intelligence Communities. Her leadership has been instrumental in delivering mission-critical solutions, ensuring the security of our nation alongside trusted industry partners. Under her direction, Caribou Thunder has become a key player in National Security, providing the technical expertise, agility, and forward-thinking strategies necessary to navigate the complexities of the industry.

As a visionary entrepreneur, Rita excels in overcoming adversity, turning challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth. Her strategic leadership and adaptability have positioned Caribou Thunder at the forefront of National Security, Global Defense, Space and Deep Space Defense, driving cutting-edge solutions in an ever-evolving industry. Working alongside her exceptional team, she continues to push boundaries, leading complex projects that enhance defense capabilities. Rita has successfully navigated one of the most demanding markets in the U.S., where small businesses often face detrimental challenges. The growth and sustainment of Caribou Thunder stand as a testament to her resilience, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to excellence—ensuring the company not only endures but thrives in its service of mission fulfillment.

Tom Piffarerio, Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Caribou Thunder, Tom Piffarerio is a driving force behind the company’s rapid growth, operational success, and industry expansion within the Department of Defense (DoD), National Security, and Intelligence Communities. His leadership has been instrumental in scaling Caribou Thunder, strengthening its market presence, and ensuring long-term sustainability. With a proven track record in execution excellence, business development, and compliance, Tom ensures the efficient delivery of mission-critical solutions, aligning with contract requirements and advancing customer mission objectives.

With deep expertise in Defense contracting, regulatory compliance, and risk management, Tom specializes in navigating complex programs, ensuring alignment with evolving priorities, and maintaining full adherence to FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and advanced cybersecurity regulations. He excels in contract negotiations, stakeholder engagement, and operational oversight, leveraging a solutions-oriented approach to optimize resources, drive efficiency, and enhance program performance in high-stakes environments.

A strategic leader with a forward-thinking vision, Tom drives Caribou Thunder’s continued success by fostering key industry partnerships, strengthening customer relationships, and implementing scalable processes that enhance efficiency and growth. His ability to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and drive innovation ensures the company remains a trusted provider of cutting-edge engineering services and technical solutions in the National Security, Department of Defense, and Intelligence Communities. Through visionary leadership and operational agility, he continues to position Caribou Thunder at the forefront of Defense contracting, innovation, and mission success, reinforcing its role as a leader in delivering high-impact solutions that support National Security objectives.

Alexis Sanchez, Executive Assistant to the CEO

Alexis Sanchez serves as the Executive Assistant to Caribou Thunder’s Founder and CEO, Rita Peterson, playing a pivotal role in supporting the company’s leadership and strategic initiatives. Since joining Caribou Thunder as the company’s first Bookkeeping Intern, Alexis has demonstrated exceptional adaptability and dedication, quickly evolving into an indispensable team member. Her role has expanded significantly, encompassing executive support, project management, strategic relationship building, marketing and branding initiatives, and operational excellence across multiple business functions.

In her multifaceted role, Alexis expertly manages the CEO’s complex schedule, coordinates high-level meetings, and facilitates engagements with key leaders in Defense and National Security. She plays a crucial role in event and travel coordination, ensuring seamless participation in industry conferences and networking opportunities. Beyond her Executive responsibilities, Alexis continues to leverage her expertise in accounting, training, and process development, contributing to the company’s financial and operational efficiency.

Her contributions extend into Caribou Thunder’s philanthropic non-profit organization, Indigenous Minds, where she leads the coordination of the weeklong S.T.E.A.M.S. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Spirituality) Camp; an initiative dedicated to empowering underprivileged students from reservations across America.

Alexis’s proficiency, professional agility, and passion to learn makes her an invaluable asset to Caribou Thunder. She continuously seeks to expand her knowledge in National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, positioning herself for long-term growth in these critical industries. Her ability to seamlessly manage high-level responsibilities, enhance executive operations, and drive strategic initiatives underscores her commitment to Caribou Thunder’s mission, customers, and employees—both domestically and internationally.

Gage Murawski, Program/Account Manager

As Caribou Thunder’s first Program and Account Manager, Gage Murawski plays a pivotal role in expanding the company’s presence within the Department of Defense (DoD), National Security, and Intelligence Community. With a proven track record in leading high-profile defense programs, he enhances Caribou Thunder’s ability to support complex technical missions, strengthen client relationships, and drive strategic growth in the defense sector.

As an experienced Program Manager, Gage excels in team development, performance optimization, and results-driven execution. Working in a small business environment, he effortlessly adapts to multiple roles, demonstrating organizational agility and a well-rounded leadership approach. His problem-solving skills ensure seamless operations, while his ability to motivate, develop, and communicate effectively fosters an exceptional, mission-driven workforce.

Gage works closely with Defense partners and Industry leaders, ensuring Caribou Thunder consistently exceeds expectations in service excellence, compliance, and innovation. His leadership represents a key milestone in the company’s rapid growth, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality, technically advanced solutions that address the evolving demands of National Security, Defense, and Intelligence operations.

Beyond his core responsibilities, Gage is pioneering Caribou Thunder’s strategic initiative to become a Prime Defense Contractor in 2025. His leadership and close collaboration with CEO Rita Peterson, serve as a critical link between Executive Leadership, their customers, and frontline teams executing high-priority missions. With a steadfast commitment to National Security, operational excellence, and cutting-edge advancements, Gage continues to drive Caribou Thunder’s evolution, fostering a culture of growth, mentorship, and excellence while solidifying the company’s reputation as a trusted leader in the Defense industry.

Salvador Rosas, Recruiting Manager

Salvador Rosas is a dynamic and results-driven Recruiting Manager with extensive experience in talent acquisition within the Department of Defense (DoD) industry. With a proven ability to develop and execute high-impact recruitment strategies, he plays a pivotal role in identifying, attracting, and securing top-tier talent for mission-critical National Security, Defense, Intelligence, Space, and Deep Space programs. His leadership ensures Caribou Thunder remains at the forefront of delivering elite, security-cleared professionals to support the nation’s most sensitive and strategic initiatives.

A highly analytical and data-driven leader, Salvador specializes in workforce planning, process optimization, and strategic hiring initiatives, ensuring every recruitment effort is aligned with DoD contract requirements and mission objectives. His expertise in performance metrics and talent pipeline development enables continuous refinement of hiring strategies, increasing efficiency, retention, and overall program success. His ability to anticipate workforce demands and align recruitment efforts with evolving defense priorities makes him an indispensable asset in strengthening Caribou Thunder’s talent infrastructure.

Beyond his strategic approach, Salvador is a passionate team builder and mentor, fostering a culture of collaboration, professional development, and operational excellence. Through comprehensive training programs, hands-on leadership, and effective communication, he empowers recruiters to enhance candidate engagement, streamline hiring processes, and deliver exceptional talent solutions. His leadership has been instrumental in scaling Caribou Thunder’s workforce to meet the increasing demands of the Defense industry.

With a strong commitment to customer relations and industry partnerships, Salvador works closely with Defense contractors, key industry leaders, and our customers to bridge the gap between hiring demands and workforce solutions. This expertise has elevated Caribou Thunder to a highly sought-after small business, strengthening its reputation as a trusted leader in DoD talent acquisition.