Darryl Wilkerson

Darryl is a career aerospace and defense executive with more than 40-years of experience in the national security domain. As a Senior Partner he is engaged cross-functionally in the activities of the firm but specializes in supporting the development, optimization, and operationalization of portfolio company growth strategies and operational capabilities. His affiliation with Acorn Growth Companies began in 2004 when he joined as a member of the board of advisors.

Wilkerson transitioned from his advisory role in 2006, and joined Acorn as Vice President of Strategy and concurrently, as President and CEO of its first acquisition. Under his leadership, what began as a small-business aftermarket parts and components engineering and development company was repositioned to respond to the growing needs of the defense intelligence community. In a brief period of time, the company added a significant amount of IP, aircraft systems engineering, design, development, and integration capabilities and launched a very successful defense intelligence business.

Prior to joining Acorn Growth Companies Mr. Wilkerson served in the United States Air Force, and in senior management roles within the national security portfolios of Teledyne Brown Engineering and L-3 Communications.

Wilkerson holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in business administration and organizational management, respectively. He is currently a fully matriculated doctoral student at the Overton Graduate School of Business (Liberty University).