Diné Development Corporation (DDC), a Navajo Nation-owned provider of IT, engineering, professional, and environmental solutions, recently announced the opening of the Navajo Code Talkers Building in Dayton, Ohio. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in DDC’s 20-year history and demonstrates its commitment to both its clients and the Navajo Nation.
Located in downtown Dayton, DDC is now part of a growing business district known for entrepreneurship and innovation. The new facility will feature DDC’s innovation center, which is designed to enhance growth and capabilities, allowing the company to better serve clients in the Dayton area and around the world. This location also improves DDC’s accessibility to key defense agency clients and expands its operational hub.
Since establishing a local presence in Beavercreek in 2017, DDC has grown its regional footprint to include six of its ten subsidiaries, which provide IT, data, cyber, and cloud solutions to federal defense and civilian agencies.
“DDC’s new facility is a monumental achievement in our history,” stated Jackie Goodwin, Chief Operating Officer of DDC. “We’re proud to expand our footprint in a vibrant community with a dynamic history of innovation. This expansion not only enables us to better serve our clients, but also connects us with the rich talent and resources of the Miami Valley.”
“Just as the Navajo Code Talkers were dedicated to protecting our nation during World War II, Diné Development Corporation is continuing this legacy by defending our country against the digital threats of today,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “We are grateful that DDC has chosen to continue its important work here in Ohio, where the contribution to the aerospace and defense sectors of this country is unmatched.”
The grand opening comes after a 10-month renovation of the former Entrepreneurs’ Center located at 714 E. Monument Avenue. This new 36,000-square-foot, LEED-certified facility is situated in a HUBZone and reflects DDC’s dedication to community renewal and economic development. In collaboration with the Dayton Development Coalition and JobsOhio, DDC secured $3 million in grants and has committed to creating 100 new jobs in the city, positioning the organization for sustained regional growth.
“DDC’s investment in Dayton’s Tech Town campus fills once vacant office space with 100 new jobs while advancing the Navajo Nation’s legacy of protecting our national security,” commented J.P. Nauseef, President and CEO of JobsOhio. “The new operations will spark more vitality downtown and provide DDC with unparalleled proximity to its customers near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as demand for its cutting-edge engineering and professional services grows.”
“Job growth extends benefits far beyond the company. New jobs bring opportunities, economic resources, and a growing sense of pride in our community. For DDC, those opportunities will extend to the Navajo Nation and build upon their unique history in national security,” added Jeff Hoagland, President and CEO of Dayton Development Coalition.
DDC’s mission is inspired by the Navajo Code Talkers, whose creativity during WWII played a crucial role in securing victory for the U.S. The building is dedicated to honoring their legacy, which reinforces DDC’s commitment to safeguarding critical data and protecting our nation. The facility includes exhibits that celebrate the accomplishments of the Navajo Code Talkers, an essential part of the Navajo People’s enduring story of resilience, adaptability, and ingenuity.
“This endeavor stands as a powerful symbol of Navajo tradition and technological advancement,” commented Austin Tsosie, Chief Executive Officer of DDC. “We are immensely proud to dedicate this building to the Navajo Code Talkers, carrying forward their spirit of ingenuity to drive sustainable prosperity for the Nation for future generations.”
DDC celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 17. The event was attended by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Dayton Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr., Montgomery County Commissioner Debbie Lieberman, various government officials, representatives from the Navajo Nation, clients, and community partners. The ceremony highlighted the new facility and underscored DDC’s commitment to investing in the local economy and promoting sustainability inspired by the legacy of the Navajo Nation.
