Co-Chief Executive Officer                

Bob is a nationally recognized intelligence and national security executive with four decades of leadership spanning global threat assessment, military intelligence, special operations, organizational transformation, and strategic risk.

During more than 36 years of Army service, Bob held command and senior intelligence positions from the tactical through the strategic level across the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. He completed six combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He served as Director of Intelligence for Joint Special Operations Command, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Forces Afghanistan, and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. He also commanded the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and served as Commanding General of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca.

Bob subsequently served as the U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-2, the Army's senior advisor to the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army on intelligence, counterintelligence, and security. He concluded his military career as the 21st Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, where he led the Department's principal all-source intelligence organization and provided senior national security leaders with assessments of foreign military capabilities, emerging threats, operating environments, and strategic competition.

Following military service, Bob has continued to advise organizations at the intersection of national security, technology, public policy, and strategic risk. He also serves as a commissioner on the bipartisan Congressional Afghan War Commission.

Bob holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Appalachian State University and graduate degrees in strategic intelligence and strategic studies.

Founding Partner | Co-Chief Executive Officer       

Ed is a nationally recognized defense and technology executive whose more than four decades of leadership have shaped Army modernization, cyberspace operations, defense innovation, and national security strategy.

During more than 36 years of Army service, Ed commanded at every level from company through Army Service Component Command, including the 2nd Infantry Division and U.S. Army Cyber Command. As the Army's senior cyber commander, he helped establish the Army Cyber Branch, built the initial 41 Active Army Cyber Mission Force teams, integrated offensive and defensive cyber capabilities into operational planning, combat operations, and Army training, and created Task Force ARES, the joint offensive cyber task force that disrupted the Islamic State's networks and operations.

As Director of the Army's Office of Business Transformation, Ed led the task force that established the organizational foundation for Army Futures Command, reshaping how the Army identifies requirements, prioritizes modernization, accelerates acquisition, and delivers capabilities to Soldiers. His leadership helped shape the Army's long-term approach to cyberspace operations, modernization, and technology integration for future conflicts.

Following military service, Ed has advised government and industry leaders on national defense, emerging technology, organizational transformation, and corporate strategy, helping them align technology investments with mission priorities and long-term strategic objectives.His post-Army roles have included corporate board service, executive advisory positions, and academic appointments.

Ed is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and holds advanced degrees from the U.S. Naval War College and National War College.

Founding Partner | President                       

Ken is a national security and business executive with more than three decades of leadership experience spanning military intelligence, special operations, cyberspace operations, organizational development, and federal market growth. He has led intelligence, cyber, and organizational transformation initiatives supporting the U.S. Army, Department of Defense, and Intelligence Community.

During more than 31 years of Army service, Ken held senior command and leadership positions across intelligence, special operations, and cyber organizations. He commanded the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, providing intelligence and mission support to one of the Army's premier rapid deployment formations. He also served as J-2 and Director of Intelligence for Special Operations Command Central, leading intelligence support for joint special operations across the CENTCOM area of responsibility. He later commanded the 66th Military Intelligence Brigade in Germany, leading theater intelligence operations across Europe. He subsequently served as Chief of Staff of U.S. Army Cyber Command and Commandant of the U.S. Army Cyber School, where he helped establish the Army Cyber Branch and institutionalize the Army's cyber education and force development programs.

Following military service, Ken led a major government contractor's portfolio in Augusta, Georgia, expanding the company's presence across the Army and Intelligence Community and aligning corporate capabilities with evolving intelligence and cyber requirements.

Ken is a graduate of West Virginia University and the Joint Military Intelligence College. He also completed a U.S. Army War College Senior Service College Fellowship at the Central Intelligence Agency.

Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer                

Eric is a seasoned executive with a distinguished career spanning military service, executive leadership, and academic expertise. He brings more than three decades of leadership experience supporting national security, organizational growth, operational excellence, and business transformation.

An Army combat veteran, Eric served 25 years across infantry, intelligence, and special operations organizations, with experience spanning Joint, Interagency, Corps, and Service Component levels. Following military service, he spent more than a decade in the defense contracting industry, advancing to executive leadership while expanding portfolios supporting U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), and the Intelligence Community. He has led complex growth, operations, finance, and strategic initiatives, built high-performing organizations, strengthened client and partner relationships, and delivered mission-critical capabilities to government clients.

Eric holds a Doctorate in Business with a specialization in Leadership, as well as master’s degrees in management and human resources development. He previously served as an Associate Professor in a graduate MBA program, including instruction of the capstone course. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute and a certified Intelligence Professional through the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence.

Director, Client Services                               

Stephen is a senior intelligence, defense technology, and client services leader with nearly four decades of experience spanning military operations, scientific and technical intelligence, program execution, and federal business development.

Over a 28‑year Army career he held command and senior staff assignments across Joint, interagency, and Service Component organizations, including command of the 502nd Military Intelligence Battalion, service as I Corps G‑2, appointment as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff of the Army, and command of the National Ground Intelligence Center, where he directed scientific and general military intelligence on foreign ground forces and weapons systems.

Following military service, he moved into senior industry roles leading customer engagement, program management, and federal business development, advising on cross‑domain connectivity, autonomous edge processing, and resilient command‑and‑control for contested environments. He focused on translating operational requirements into acquisition‑ready solutions and aligning industry innovation with mission priorities.

Stephen holds a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College, a Master of Public Administration from the University of West Florida, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and International Studies from the University of West Florida.

Director, Growth & Business Development            

Dan is a national security technology and federal growth leader with more than three decades of experience spanning military operations, intelligence, special operations, cybersecurity, enterprise modernization, and business development. He translated mission requirements into technology investments and positioning differentiated capabilities across the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.

During more than 31 years of Army service, Dan served across infantry, special operations, and intelligence organizations and held command and senior staff positions at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. While serving within the U.S. Army Special Operations Command G-6, he led communications modernization and strategic resourcing for distributed special operations forces, including initiatives involving classified mobility and protected satellite communications.

Dan later served at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, where he led cybersecurity and enterprise transport modernization. His responsibilities included identifying operational requirements, shaping investment priorities, programming resources, overseeing implementation, and sustaining critical enterprise capabilities supporting NGA’s global mission. He aligned technology investments with mission priorities, cybersecurity requirements, and long-term enterprise resilience.

Dan is a graduate of the Army Irregular Warfare Scholars Program and holds a master’s degree in Homeland Security.

Senior Principal Advisor

Dave is a national security, cyber, and organizational leadership executive with over 30 years of experience spanning armor, military intelligence, cyberspace operations, joint integration, and Army human capital development.

During over 31 years of Army service, Dave commanded armor, intelligence, and cyber units. As Commander of the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade (Cyber), he led the Army’s offensive cyber brigade during a period of rapid operational growth. Under his command, the brigade brought 21 Cyber Mission Force teams to full operational capability, supported four combatant commands, expanded cyber support to Corps and below echelons, and integrated expeditionary cyber elements into training rotations and combat deployments. He later served as Executive Officer to the Commanding General of U.S. Army Cyber Command.

Dave’s joint and deployed assignments involved integrating intelligence and cyber professionals from the military services, national intelligence agencies, allies, and coalition partners, showcasing his ability to foster collaboration and mutual respect.

Dave is a graduate of the University of North Georgia, holds a master’s degree in public administration, and completed the U.S. Army War College as a Senior Service College Fellow at the National Security Agency.

Senior Principal Advisor

Dave is a senior intelligence and national security executive with 35 years of leadership experience spanning joint operations, capability development, organizational transformation, and multinational partnerships.

During his Army career, Dave served in the 75th Ranger Regiment, commanded intelligence organizations, and held senior leadership positions at the Corps and Army Service Component Command levels. He served as Acting Commander of the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and as TRADOC Capabilities Manager for Intelligence, where he helped shape Army modernization through the development of operational concepts, capability requirements, force designs, and materiel solutions.

His joint and multinational experience includes an advisory assignment in Afghanistan supporting institutional development within the Ministry of Interior and strengthening coordination among U.S., Coalition, and host-nation partners.

Dave holds a Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University and a Master of Business Administration. He completed the U.S. Army War College as a Senior Service College Fellow assigned to the Central Intelligence Agency.

Chad Barnes, LTC, USA (Ret.)
Principal Advisor

Chad is a special operations and national security leader with more than 23 years of experience directing combat, contingency, and irregular warfare missions in complex operational environments. He brings extensive expertise in operational planning, joint force integration, strategic partnerships, and the leadership of geographically dispersed organizations.

During his Army career, Chad served in senior positions across the U.S. Special Operations enterprise, including assignments supporting multiple joint special operations task forces. His responsibilities included planning and directing sensitive operations, coordinating across military and civilian organizations, and integrating capabilities in support of theater and national security objectives.

Chad’s service culminated as Deputy Director of Operations and Irregular Warfare for a Theater Special Operations Command. In that role, he helped lead regional operations, synchronize activities across multiple countries, and build partnerships with U.S. government agencies, embassies, international partners, and allied forces.

Chad earned a master’s degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, where he completed the Army Irregular Warfare Scholars Program.

Principal Advisor

Corey served as a US Army Signal Officer for 29 years and has commanded up to the brigade level. He has extensive joint and operational experience including assignments with the Joint Staff, Army Staff, Defense Information Systems Agency, and various army major commands. He specialized in providing US Forces and coalition partners with robust and resilient information technology capabilities to enable mission command and decision advantage. Corey received his undergraduate degree from Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina, holds master’s degrees from the National War College, Georgetown University, and University of Oklahoma.

Principal Advisor

Paul served in the US Army for 35 Years as an intelligence, electronic warfare and cyber operations officer. Paul has supported intelligence and cyber operations at the tactical, operational and strategic levels at every echelon both within the US and through multiple worldwide deployments. Paul was by name requested to serve as the first Chief Warrant Officer of the Cyber Branch (CWOB) and was instrumental in building the first new Army branch in 70 years. Paul also served as the command chief warrant officer for the Cyber Protection Brigade where he was responsible for recruiting, managing and training over 150 subject matter experts in defensive cyber operations. After retiring from the Army Paul transitioned to the private sector and served as a program manager and lead for a global defense contractor from 2020 to 2023 focusing on business development in the cloud, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning arenas as well as growing IT services and intelligence opportunities. Paul has been a University of Maryland Global Campus faculty member for 17 years and currently teaches Information Systems Management.

Principal Advisor

Jason served for more than 28 years in the US Army, holding senior leadership positions in various intelligence, training, Ranger, and special operations organizations. Having commanded at the detachment, battalion, and brigade levels, Jason culminated his military career as the Senior Intelligence Officer at US Army Futures Command, where he was responsible for predicting the battlefield of 2050 and securing our concept and capability development from competitor collection efforts. Jason’s joint experience involves serving in multiple joint special operations task forces with extensive interagency and embassy experience. Jason is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, National Intelligence University, and the National War College.

Principal Advisor

Kim is a US Air Force veteran and retired from US government service after 23 years of leadership and operational roles in Cybersecurity, Defensive Cyberspace Operations, and Computer Network Operations. Kim spent more than 17 years of her career as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at US Central Command, where she established a premiere Cyber Security Division and Insider Threat Program;  led a multi-tiered 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC), a Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) team that exceeded audit and regulatory requirements, and a strategic cyber planning element that planned global cyber protection team employment, conducted multi-national exercises and supported partner nation engagements in the Central region.  Kim culminated her government service at Ginnie Mae (Department of Housing and Urban Development), where she led and matured the Information Security program through workforce development, strategic planning, and readiness exercises and ensured critical infrastructure protection measures within the financial services sector.  Kim is a graduate of the National Defense University and holds a master’s degree in Government Strategic Leadership and a bachelor's in Computer Information Systems.

Principal Advisor

Tori served 34 years in the United States Navy, rising from the enlisted ranks to command-level leadership. He was the Deputy Chief of the Office of China and the Pacific at the National Security Agency, where he led over 2,600 personnel supporting strategic SIGINT operations. He also served as Executive Officer at Cryptologic Warfare Group SIX, overseeing more than 2,400 personnel across global cyber and SIGINT missions. Tori held senior leadership roles at Commander SEVENTH Fleet and Carrier Strike Group FIVE in Japan. He has a B.S. in Computer Science from Norfolk State University, an M.S. in Computer Science from the Naval Postgraduate School, and an M.S. in National Security and Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School at the National Defense University.

Rodd retired from US Government service in February 2020 after 36 years of leadership and operational roles at the National Security Agency.  He retired in the dual-hatted role as the Deputy Director NSA Georgia (NSAG) Capabilities Directorate/Deputy Chief, Regional Capabilities Center – Southeast.  Before this role, he established the NSA Threat Operations Center (NTOC) at NSAG and managed the NTOC for 10 years, providing the basis for his cybersecurity experience.  After retiring from the NSA, Rodd transitioned to his current role at Augusta University (AU) as the Director of Cybersecurity Operations, where his team is responsible for securing the systems and data for AU and Wellstar Medical College of Georgia Health.  Rodd holds a Master of Science in Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from West Virginia Institute of Technology (now WVU Institute of Technology).

Joe served over 31 years in the US Army, culminating in successive strategic senior leadership positions in major Defense Department organizations including the Defense Information Systems Agency, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, Headquarters Department of the Army CIO/G6, and United States Cyber Command. In his final military role as the Chief of Staff for USCYBERCOM, he was instrumental in elevating the command to full operational capability. Joe had made significant contributions and gained a wealth of operational, tactical, and institutional experience in organizations such as XVIII Airborne Corps, 82nd Airborne Division, 3rd Infantry Division, the Army Cyber Center of Excellence, and the US Military Academy at West Point, NY. After retirement, Joe started a consulting company and has excelled in helping clients in the Defense Cyber and Information Technology sectors. Joe is a graduate of Cornell University, the Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies, and the National Defense University’s Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He serves on several boards and advisory teams in public and private entities in support of Defense Cyber and Information Technology companies.

David served more than 25 years in the U.S. Army, holding command and senior leadership positions in military intelligence, special operations, and multinational organizations. He commanded the 504th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade and deployed to Eastern Europe supporting NATO after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He directed intelligence operations during the Afghan crisis and the Kabul Non-Combatant Evacuation. David has served in multiple roles as a J2 (Intelligence) Special Operations Joint Task Force. In these roles, he coordinated intelligence strategies across multiple theaters. His career includes twelve combat and operational deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe. He held key command assignments at the battalion, brigade, and joint task force echelons. In each position, he shaped intelligence support for crisis response, sensitive and strategic operations. David is a graduate of the Eisenhower School at the National Defense University (MS, Strategic Acquisition), the National Intelligence University (MS, Strategic Intelligence), and the University of San Diego (MS, Global Business Leadership).

Matt served 37 years in the US Navy, beginning his distinguished career as an enlisted Navy SEAL operator before earning his commission through the Navy’s Seaman to Admiral Program. Throughout his service, he led and executed complex crisis response operations across the globe. Matt commanded the Naval Special Warfare Development Group and subsequently served as a flag officer at both the Joint Special Operations Command and United States Special Operations Command, where he played a pivotal role in shaping strategy and overseeing global special operations missions.

Today, Matt advises defense companies on federal strategy, growth, and capability development. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in defense analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School and serves as a Senior Fellow at the Center for Naval Analyses.

Enrique is a US Army combat veteran with 34 years of enlisted and officer service leading arctic, mountain, airborne, and mechanized infantry units and multiple high visibility program offices as a DoD Certified Acquisition Professional in Program Management, Information Technology Systems, and Contracting. He led multiple Army, US Special Operations Command, and DoD Joint Program and Project Management Offices responsible for executing the development, delivery, deployment, and sustainment of Command, Control, Communications, Computing, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) capabilities and critical infrastructure worldwide for POTUS, the National Command Authority, Intelligence Community, USSOCOM / JSOC enterprise, ARCYBER, Army Installations, and CENTCOM Contingency Operations. He culminated his career as the Director of the Operational Integration Office for the National Reconnaissance Office. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at San Antonio, master’s degrees in Procurement and Acquisition Management from Webster University, and in National Security and Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School of the National Defense University.

Michael Glenn Driscoll, a U.S. Navy cryptologic veteran, retired with 34 years of technical and senior leadership roles within the Department of Defense and National Security Agency. Recently, Mike advised the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) on integrating SIGINT, cyber, AI, and robotics into transregional mission strategies. Previously, he served as a senior executive in the Defense Department, both overseas and domestically, for the National Security Agency from 2016 to 2024, directing multi-million-dollar defense programs and pioneering real-time targeting methodologies for national security. Acknowledged as a Subject Matter Expert in asymmetric warfare, he held the role of the first Director National Intelligence Representative to JSOC at Fort Bragg, NC (2016–2020), enabling SIGINT-driven operational and cyber-based strategies. Earlier, as a Senior Technical Leader at NSA Fort Gordon, GA (2007–2016), he excelled in providing near-real-time and tactically focused SIGINT to deployed elements downrange. Notably, he achieved significant productivity increases and SIGINT operational effectiveness through the integration of automation and AI. Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Winthrop University and has completed advanced training at the Defense Language Institute and the Intelligence Community Leadership Corps.

Mark is a results-driven leader with 34 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, specializing in joint operations, crisis response, budgeting, communications, and risk forecasting. As Deputy Commander of the Atlantic Area, he oversaw most Coast Guard assets and served as principal liaison to U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Homeland Security Today named him a "Trailblazer" in 2023 for his innovation and influential communications.

Mark commanded three ships, including the advanced JAMES, and as a flag officer was the Coast Guard's CFO, leading a $14 billion budget, risk management, and a new financial system. The Coast Guard became the first Armed Service to pass an independent audit. He also directed the Joint Interagency Task Force South, orchestrating multinational counter-narcotics operations with diverse U.S. and international partners.

Mark earned degrees in Government (from the US Coast Guard Academy), Public Administration (from Harvard Kennedy School), and National Security Strategy (from the US National War College), as well as a Business Dynamics certificate from MIT.

AJ Forysiak is a seasoned senior executive with more than 27 years of experience within the Department of Defense as an intelligence and cyber professional leading complex and multi-national programs supporting Cyber, Military Intelligence, ISR, and NSA. AJ is a graduate of Seton Hall University and holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from American University, a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Brown University, and he is a Senior Executive Fellow from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

David Glaser retired after more than 36 years of service in the US Army, leading complex law enforcement, security, and national security organizations at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. His senior assignments included serving as the Provost Marshal General of the US Army, Commanding General of the US Army Criminal Investigation Command, Deputy Commanding General for Operations of the 5th US Army, and Chief of Staff of US Army Central. He also served as Senior Advisor to Afghanistan’s Ministry of the Interior and in key Pentagon roles shaping post-9/11 antiterrorism and force protection strategy. At the national and international level, he served on the National Joint Terrorism Task Force Executive Committee, the NATO Chiefs of Police Executive Board, and multiple international policing policy boards. He holds an MBA, is a graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute, and has extensive experience in executive education, teaching police and corrections leaders in both US-based and international programs. He currently serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Sam Houston State University, advising executive leadership on strategy, risk, and institutional transformation while remaining active in executive education and strategic leadership development.

Ryan retired after 35 years of service in the United States Marine Corps, having planned, led, and managed risk at all levels, from tactical to strategic. His last assignment was as Director of Operations, J-3, U.S. Cyber Command. His previous general officer assignments included: Commanding General of Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command, Commanding General of Marine Corps Forces Space Command, Commanding General of Joint Task Force Ares, Commanding General of Marine Corps Information Command, and Cryptologic Service Component Commander for the Marine Corps. Before these assignments, he served as Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, and the Western Recruiting Region, and Deputy Director, Future Operations, U.S. Cyber Command. He spent the first twenty-plus years of his career primarily in the infantry community, including commanding at the regimental level. He graduated from the George Washington University, holds master’s degrees from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the U.S. Army War College, and is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.

Bryan is a cybersecurity and national security technology advisor with experience supporting organizations across defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure sectors. He advises leadership teams on strengthening cyber resilience across cloud, enterprise IT, and operational technology (OT/ICS) environments while navigating federal security and compliance frameworks. He works with emerging technology companies scaling within the federal market to align products with mission requirements and authorization pathways such as FedRAMP and DISA security frameworks. Bryan previously served in the United States Navy, including assignments as a Joint Fleet Telecommunications Operations Center operator at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic and as a Tier 1 Direct Support Communicator supporting Naval Special Warfare. He later served as a senior enlisted leader within the Cyber Security Branch at United States Central Command, overseeing cyber hunt and insider threat operations to protect Department of Defense networks. Bryan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Technology Management from Saint Leo University.

Jeff is a retired Senior Executive from the U.S. Department of Defense, with a career spanning nearly thirty years. He has been at the forefront of driving large-scale cybersecurity, data, and digital transformation initiatives across government, defense, and industry. His most recent role as Deputy to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Cyber Command, saw him overseeing a 16,000-person workforce and a $2.5B portfolio. He directed enterprise data, AI, and analytics strategies to strengthen national defense. Before this, he was Vice Director, Joint Staff J6, where he played a pivotal role shaping defense-wide technology modernization and cybersecurity initiatives for the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. His earlier role as Executive Director of JFHQ-DODIN involved leading global network operations and cyber defense for one of the world’s largest and most complex networks. A retired Army Reserve Military Intelligence Officer, he spent his active-duty time supporting the special operations community. He holds master’s degrees from the U.S. Army War College and James Madison University, and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi.

Joe is a retired 30-year military officer with a career spanning the Intelligence Community, Interagency partners, and Congress. Joe is credited with creating the Army’s Open-Source Intelligence Office (OSINT) and subsequently serving as its first director. Here, Joe steered the development and codification of OSINT training, certifications, compliance, staffing, doctrine, procurement, research, and managed attribution procedures. He also served from the outset with Operation Warp Speed - the US pandemic response spanning both the Trump and Biden administrations. While there, he functioned as both the Senior Intelligence Officer and Deputy Director for Security & Assurance, safeguarding select Public-Private-Partnerships from cyber, physical, operational, and insider threats. Joe went on to direct a named national intelligence operation, where he led an interagency task force charged with protecting vital elements of the US defense industrial base (DIB) and its associated supply chain from risks posed by state actors. He executed programmatic interagency budgets across various agencies and authorities, ranging from $2.5 million to $31 million in funding. He routinely presented closed-door congressional briefings to legislative members and their staffs for both House and Senate committees. Joe is a current PhD candidate at Virginia Tech, focusing on state-based economic and financial coercion.

Keith Lawless is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel and a former Defense Intelligence Agency’s Senior Executive Service cadre member, totaling more than 43 years of government service. During his three-decade Marine Corps career, Keith served in various senior intelligence positions at the battalion, regimental, group, wing, task force, expeditionary force, and service component levels. His command tours included the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity (MCIA) and the Marine Corps Intelligence Schools. He was also the first G2 assigned to the newly established Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), tasked with building a formidable and sustainable intelligence organization for the command. After military service, he spent ten years as the Deputy Director of Intelligence for the US Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida, and another two years as the Deputy Director of Intelligence for NORAD and the U.S. Northern Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Keith is the recipient of numerous military and government civilian awards and citations and holds advanced degrees in strategic intelligence and military history.

With 38 years of military service, Dale commanded at all levels, culminating as Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard, leading 12,000 troops in readiness, training, and mobilization. As Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at the National Guard Bureau, he oversaw strategic training and resource allocation for 325,000 Guardsmen. He previously commanded the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center and led the Atterbury-Muscatatuck Center for Complex Operations, developing premier urban and cyber training environments. He strengthened U.S. defense partnerships through the State Partnership Program with Slovakia, Niger, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. As NATO’s Urban Operations Workgroup Director, he shaped multinational interoperability strategies. Dale holds master's degrees in strategic studies (U.S. Army War College) and business management (Oakland City University) and a B.S. in business (Indiana University Southeast).

Rob served almost three decades in the U.S. Air Force as a senior national security professional, cyber and technology leader, and strategist. He held succeeding senior executive positions in Defense organizations including Headquarters Air Force A2/6, U.S. Transportation Command, Joint Special Operations Command, Air Mobility Command, and the U.S. Department of Transportation among others. He has applied his deep experience in cyberspace operations, logistics, and joint special operations to mission challenges including digital transformation, air and port operations, talent management, global operations, and crisis response & resiliency.

Elaine McCusker is a senior executive with over 30 years of defense and national security expertise developed through complex policy, strategy, budget and leadership positions in the private sector, academic community, government service and on Capitol Hill. As Acting Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), Elaine oversaw the development, justification and execution of an average annual $700 billion defense budget supporting the National Defense Strategy. She led complex engagement strategies with multiple stakeholders, including the U.S. Congress, to explain difficult, sometimes contentious issues. As a professional staff member on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Elaine provided research and recommendations to Senators conducting oversight on a wide range of issues and drove pertinent sections of the annual National Defense Authorization Act, including provisions such as: Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) scholarship for service program; and an initiative for the prevention, mitigation and treatment of blast injuries.

Dave's 34+ year military career spanned the US Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve. As an Army Strategist (Functional Area 59), his expertise focused on cyber, personnel, and force planning. He led the efforts to create the Army's cyber career field (17-series MOS), to establish a Joint cyber task force (JTF-ARES), and to manage the OPLAN 10xx family of plans, which included multinational/bilateral support plans and the development of response plans for the Maximum Pressure Campaign. Dave served as the strategic advisor to the 40th chief of staff of the Army. Dave transitioned his skills to the private sector, leading a CEO's relationship management initiative and excelling in sales management. An accomplished academic, Dave is a graduate, fellow, and former School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS) instructor.

Gus is a retired Army Colonel and a retired Department of the Army Civilian with 41 years of service. He served 34 years in the Army and led Infantry and intelligence units from platoon to brigade level. He served as an exchange officer to the United Kingdom Defense Intelligence Staff, advisor to the Iraqi Ground Forces Command, and combat developer for Special Operations. As an intelligence officer, he served at every level, from the Battalion to the Service component as the principal. He served as a bilingual training technician with the Panama Canal Commission and the US Army School of the Americas. Gus has almost twenty years of experience as a trainer and intelligence officer with Latin American militaries. He is a native Spanish speaker and qualified in two other foreign languages. His education includes a Master of Science degree from Troy State University and the Army War College.

Erick is a Cyberpsychology Researcher and Cyber Behavior Scientist with 29 years in the US Marine Corps and Army, specializing in special operations, intelligence, and cyber missions. His expertise covers SIGINT, CNO, OSINT, HUMINT, and cyber operations in both tactical and strategic settings. He is an NDSEG Fellow and Pat Tillman Scholar. His research focuses on cyber behavior analysis, insider risk, and the national security impact of human–AI interaction, especially AI companions and emotionally responsive agents affecting cognition and behavior. He earned a PhD in Cyberpsychology from Capitol Technology University, contributes to operational cyberpsychology, and studies human performance in digital environments. He also holds an M.S. in Cybersecurity and completed graduate studies at the National Intelligence University.

Darsie Rogers offers 36+ years of senior executive experience leading Special Operations Forces in combat and contingency operations and later advising C-Suite Executives in leadership, organizational and risk management, and strategic planning. As the Special Operations Command Central Commander, Darsie led geographically dispersed US Special Operations across the Middle East, routinely engaging US Ambassadors, Government Agencies, regional partners, and foreign government dignitaries. He served in the Pentagon and multiple command positions, culminating as the Deputy Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Darsie holds a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and master’s degrees from Louisiana State University and the US Air Force War College.

Mike served more than 35 years in the Department of Defense as a senior civilian, culminating as the Vice-Director of the Defense Logistics Agency where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the global organization responsible for the nine supply chains that enable warfighter missions. Mike is an expert in material process management, oversight, policy, and performance as well as navigating complex government budgetary and contracting processes. Today, Mike serves a variety of defense-related clients in the areas of supply chain security and logistics management. He is a graduate of the Ohio State University, USAF Air War College, and Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Leadership Series.

Former Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence. Bob served as a Naval Intelligence Officer for over 34 years and as a leader within the Navy’s Information Warfare Community since its inception. He has decades of leadership experience in the Intelligence, Defense, and National Security arenas. He leveraged the global pandemic challenges as an opportunity to reimagine and improve business processes, helping his agency emerge stronger, more agile, and more human from the experience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of the Pacific and a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Dusty Shultz, a distinguished senior military leader, has Army Cyber, Intelligence, and Space Operations expertise. She led global operations countering malign state actors in Latin America, integrating AI, and enhancing multinational intelligence collaboration as the former Director of Intelligence at US Southern Command. As the Army Director of Strategic Operations, she advised the Chief of Staff on cyberspace, electronic warfare, and information operations, driving organizational efficiencies. A crisis response leader, she commanded disaster relief efforts during Hurricanes Imma and Maria in Puerto Rico. Fluent in English and Spanish, she excels in building high-performing teams and mentoring future leaders. A permanent member of the Council of Foreign Relations, Dusty holds degrees from Texas Tech University, American University, and the National War College.

Laretta served as a Soldier and Department of Army Civilian for 20 years. She was the US Army NETCOM’s first cybersecurity director and the US Army Cyber Protection Brigade’s first Deputy to the Commander. She is an expert in federal cybersecurity policy and defensive cyber operations. She led the Army’s transition to the risk management framework and established the precursor to the Army’s big data platform. She specialized in cyber change management and process engineering. She holds a Doctor of Computer Science degree, emphasizing Big Data Analytics.

Tricia served more than four decades in a variety of civil service roles, culminating as the Senior Executive for the Defense Vetting Service within the Defense Counter-Intelligence and Security Agency. In that role, she led the effort to modernize the personnel clearance process from periodic reviews to continuous vetting. Tricia’s experience is wide ranging - from special access acquisition programs to operational testing of critical missile defense technology - transcending all facets of security.

Pat Wempe dedicated more than 30 years to the US Army, where he held a variety of command positions in infantry, recruiting, and intelligence units up to the brigade level. He served as the Senior Intelligence Officer for the US Army Special Operations Command and worked in numerous Army, Special Operations, Joint, and Interagency organizations. After retiring from the military, he spent nearly four years as a Strategy Consultant, Account Growth Lead, and Program Manager for a global management and technology consulting firm. Pat holds a Bachelor of Arts from Bethany College and a Master of Science from Central Michigan University. He completed a Fellowship in Defense Analysis at the Naval Postgraduate School and is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College.