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From Military Discipline to Corporate Visionary
Scott Graeff, President and CEO of Luna Innovations, exemplifies how discipline, leadership, and vision can shape industries and redefine innovation. His journey—from serving in the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment to leading one of the world's most advanced fiber optic technology companies—is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership.
Growing up in Riverview Park, PA, Graeff earned a BS in Commerce from the University of Virginia. Before launching into the business world, he served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and was part of the elite guard detail for President Reagan—roles that laid the foundation for his values of honor, accountability, and precision.
Career Path: From Finance to Fiber
Scott’s early career was rooted in finance and technology. Before joining Luna, he:
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Co-founded a software tech startup acquired by a Fortune 500 company
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Served as a partner at Gryphon Capital, a Virginia-based venture capital firm
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Held senior positions at major financial institutions, completing $8B+ in M&A and IPO transactions
This blend of entrepreneurial drive and capital markets expertise made him uniquely positioned to guide a tech-focused public company like Luna Innovations.
Luna Innovations: Pioneering the Future with Fiber
Founded in 1990 by a professor at Virginia Tech, Luna Innovations has become a global leader in fiber optic-based sensing and measurement solutions. Since its IPO in 2006, Luna has evolved into a powerhouse in:
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Telecom & 5G infrastructure
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Aerospace & defense
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Automotive & electric vehicles
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Energy & infrastructure monitoring
Under Graeff’s leadership, Luna has refined its mission to:
“Enable the future with fiber.”
He likens Luna’s technology to the human nervous system:
“Fiber optic sensors are the nerves of smart materials, and our products are the brain that collects and aggregates the data.”
Strategic Transformation: A Vision for Long-Term Growth
When Scott Graeff became CEO, he made bold moves to streamline operations and sharpen Luna’s focus:
✅ Strategic Initiatives:
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Divested non-core business segments to strengthen focus on fiber optic platforms
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Acquired high-impact assets to expand capabilities and scale
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Built recurring revenue streams through long-term technology integrations
Notably, Luna’s collaboration with Lockheed Martin on the F-35 fighter jet program highlights its unique position in the defense sector—embedding fiber sensors directly into advanced aerospace materials.
Market Differentiator: Treating Fiber as the Sensor
What sets Luna apart? Unlike traditional test equipment providers, Luna treats fiber itself as the sensor. This distinctive approach enables:
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Higher precision
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Real-time distributed sensing
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Seamless integration into next-gen materials
Since 2018, Luna has transformed into a “pure play” fiber optics leader, now sought after by global OEMs and integrators across multiple industries.
Navigating Challenges with Agility
The fiber optics industry isn’t immune to volatility—supply chain issues, rising component costs, and obsolescence are constant threats. Luna’s response?
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Agile engineering teams rapidly adapt product designs
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Strategic sourcing ensures continuity in manufacturing
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Strong customer relationships allow proactive forecasting and innovation
People-First Leadership
Graeff attributes Luna’s success not just to its technology, but to its people. During the global pandemic, he doubled down on transparency, empathy, and accessibility.
“By sharing our own struggles and actively listening to others, we build trust and lasting relationships.” – Scott Graeff
He regularly visits Luna’s offices worldwide, engaging directly with employees to maintain alignment between vision and execution.
Words of Wisdom for Future Leaders
Scott Graeff’s leadership mantra is simple, powerful, and actionable:
💡 “Say what you mean, mean what you say, and do what you say you’ll do.”
He cautions against overpromising, emphasizing that authenticity, accountability, and consistency are what truly build trust over time.
Final Thoughts: A Vision That Extends Beyond Technology
Under Scott Graeff’s leadership, Luna Innovations has become more than a fiber optic company—it’s a cornerstone of the future of sensing technology across critical industries.
With cutting-edge solutions and a people-centered culture, Luna continues to expand its global footprint and shape how the world connects, measures, and evolves.