LtGen John A. Toolan, USMC (Ret)

Lieutenant General John ‘Jocko’ Toolan Jr served as the Commander, Marine Forces Pacific, from August 2014 until August 2016. He retired from active duty on 1 October 2016.

Commissioned in 1976 upon graduation from Fordham University, his first assignment was as an infantry platoon commander with 1st Battalion, 9th Marines in Okinawa in 1977.  He subsequently served at every command billet in the Infantry, while gaining broad experience in the Joint arena through his service on both the NATO and PACOM staffs.  He has extensive background in the Indo/Asia-Pacific region at both strategic policy and operational levels. He also holds a Master’s of Business Administration from National University.

From 1989 to 1991, Lieutenant General Toolan served as the operations officer for 2nd Light Armored Infantry Battalion, a role in which he led and planned ground combat operations in support of Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama and Operation DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM during the liberation of Kuwait.

Following a tour serving as the Commanding Officer of 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Lieutenant General Toolan attended Air Force War College in Montgomery, Alabama, and was subsequently assigned as the Deputy Joint Planning Officer at Supreme Allied Headquarters, Mons, Belgium.  In this position, he assumed duties as the Lead Planner for Operation ALLIED FORCE, the liberation of Kosovo, and retrograde operations in Bosnia.

Selected to Colonel, he was selected for a training command and then was chosen to serve as the 1st Marine Division Operations Officer for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM I and the “march up” to Baghdad in 2003.  Lieutenant General Toolan took command of Regimental Combat Team 1 during combat operations and led the regiment into Baghdad.  His regiment returned to Al-Anbar Province, Iraq for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II in 2004 and led the initial assault into Fallujah. Following regimental command, he was assigned as the Director of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia. In this role, he led significant changes to the college’s curriculum to emphasize socio-cultural understanding based on his experiences as a commander during combat operations in Iraq.

Promoted to Brigadier General in 2006, assigned to Office of the Secretary of Defence as the Principal Director for Asia/Pacific Affairs, this assignment required extensive understanding of the Asia / Pacific region, and an intense travel schedule, that took him throughout the region, interacting with multiple nations. He was a key participant in negotiations for a revised lay down of forces in the Pacific, assistance programs for the Philippines, and many other initiatives.  Selected as Deputy Commander, United States Forces Japan from 2008 to 2010.  This tour capitalized on his relationships he had built in the Pacific especially Japan. He was promoted to Major General in 2009. In July 2010, Lieutenant General Toolan was assigned as the Commander of the 2nd Marine Division.

In March 2011, he deployed on Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, as the Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in the role of Commander, Regional Command (South West) A NATO JOINT command until March 2012.  In September 2012, Lieutenant General Toolan was promoted to his current rank and assumed command of the I Marine Expeditionary Force the largest fighting force in the Corps. Lieutenant General Toolan assumed command of Marine Forces, Pacific in August of 2014.

Boards, Advisory and other positions: Senior Member—Marine Corps General Officers’ Executive Conference; Senior Mentor—Marine Staff Training Program; Member—National Association Corporate Directors.

Mr. Jay S. Holmes

Jay S. Holmes joined the Board in 2012 and currently serves as the Vice Chairman. He also serves on the Executive Committee. He previously served as the Chairman of the Audit and Investment committee.
Mr. Holmes graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College with a degree in economics and history. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1968 and served in Vietnam with the Third Battalion, 5th Marines as a forward observer. From 1970-71 he was an artillery instructor at Schools Demonstration Troops and The Basic School at Quantico. Holmes credits the Marine Corps’ unique culture and superior leadership experience as a major contributing factor to his successful business career in the commercial finance industry.
An accomplished business executive for nearly 40 years, Mr. Holmes spent the last six years of his career serving as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of a multi-billion-dollar commercial finance institution.
Since retirement he remains active in various organizations, including the Atlanta Civil War Round Table, the Atlanta World War II Round Table, U.S. Naval Institute and the Friends of Gettysburg. He holds life memberships in the Marine Corps League, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, National Rifle Association, American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Mr. Holmes enjoys physical fitness, sports, military history, and competition pistol shooting. He and his wife of 50 years, Cori, are “empty nesters” and have three grown children and 8 grandchildren. They reside in Knoxville Tennessee.

LtGen Charles G. Chiarotti, USMC (Ret)

Lieutenant General Chiarotti was commissioned December 21, 1985. Following graduation from The Basic School and Basic Motor Transport Officer Course, he was assigned to 1st Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 18, Okinawa, Japan. During this tour, he served as the Battalion Motor Transport Officer, S-4 Officer, and 2d Platoon Commander, Bravo Battery (Stinger Gunner). In May 1989, he was assigned to Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California and served as Operations Officer, Assistant Chief of Staff G-4, and Depot Motor Transport Officer.

In June 1992, Captain Chiarotti was selected to attend the Amphibious Warfare School, Quantico, Virginia. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Camp Pendleton, California for duty with 7th Motor Transport Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group as Commander of both Alpha and Headquarters and Service Company. Additionally, he served as Operations Officer, Combat Service Support Detachment 17. Upon transferring to MEU Service Support Group (MSSG) 15, he was assigned as the Operations Officer and subsequently deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU (SOC)). He deployed in support of WestPac in 1995.

In 1996, he was assigned to Combat Service Support Detachment (CSSD) 36, Iwakuni, Japan, for duties as Executive Officer. In June 1999, he was selected to attend the Naval Command and Staff College, Newport, Rhode Island. Following graduation in June 2000, Major Chiarotti was assigned to Marine Corps Forces, Europe, Stuttgart, Germany as the Southern Region Logistics Plans Officer. In August 2001, Major Chiarotti reported for duty as Plans Officer, Plans and Policy Division, Logistics and Security Directorate, Headquarters, U.S. European Command. Following the events of September 11, 2001, he served as Watch Officer, Crisis Action Team, European Theater Command and Control Center. Subsequently, he served as the Branch Chief, Logistics Support Operation, responsible for the planning and execution of logistics support operations in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM from within the European area of responsibility.

In May 2003, Lieutenant Colonel Chiarotti was assigned to 2d Force Service Support Group. He deployed as the Officer-in-Charge, Transport Support Detachment, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force, Camp Fox, Kuwait. Returning in November 2003, he assumed duties as Deputy, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3. In March 2004, he deployed in support of OPERATION SECURE TOMORROW as the Director for Logistics, Combined Joint Task Force, Haiti. Returning from Haiti in July 2004, he assumed command of MSSG-22 and was deployed in support of Revised Combined Arms Exercises 3 through 14, Camp Wilson, Twenty-nine Palms, California from September 2004 to March 2005. In May of 2005, MSSG-22 became part of 22d MEU (SOC). Lieutenant Colonel Chiarotti deployed MSSG-22 in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM in support of the 22d MEU (SOC).

He was selected for and successfully completed a Fellowship at Smeal School of Business, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, and was subsequently transferred to Okinawa, Japan on 7 July 2007, where he assumed command of Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3d Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). Following this assignment, he was assigned as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 until his reassignment to United States Central Command as Chief of Staff, Logistics Directorate.

In August of 2011, Brigadier General Chiarotti was assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Africa as Deputy Commander. Brigadier General Chiarotti was subsequently assigned as the Deputy, J-5 Plans and Strategy and finally the Director, J-5 Plans, Strategy and Programs for U.S. Africa Command until his assignment to II MEF as Commanding General, 2d Marine Logistics Group from June 2014 to June 2016.

In June 2016, Major General Chiarotti was assigned duties as Deputy Commander, United States Forces, Japan. June 2018, Lieutenant General Chiarotti was transferred to the Pentagon to assume the duties as Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics.

Lieutenant General Chiarotti retired from active duty in September 2021 and subsequently accepted the position as the President and CEO of the Marine Corps Association and its supporting Marine Corps Association Foundation.

Lieutenant General Chiarotti holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree from the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island.

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (with oak cluster in lieu of second award), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (with Gold Star in lieu of second award), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with oak cluster in lieu of second award), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with gold star in lieu of second award), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Lieutenant General Chiarotti was also awarded the French National Defense Medal (Silver Award).

Mr. Bryan H. Wood, SES (Ret)

Mr. Bryan H. Wood retired from federal service in April 2019 after a distinguished 33 year career serving the Marine Corps and the Navy, the final 14 years as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES). He retired as the Assistant Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps for Installations & Logistics where he served as the principal deputy responsible for providing  the department’s policy, direction and performance oversight for all installations and logistics functions at USMC bases and stations throughout the world and for the operating forces across the U.S. Marine Corps.
Mr. Wood served as Director, Pacific Division (PP&O), HQMC, responsible for capabilities, force posture, infrastructure and budgeting to support Marine Corps force realignments in the Pacific including the proposed relocation of Marine forces from Okinawa to Guam, Australia and Hawaii. This followed 24 years as an attorney with the Department of the Navy’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC). Mr. Wood’s Initial appointment to the Senior Executive Service was in 2003 as the Deputy Counsel for the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps,  In 2007, he was the first OGC attorney to deploy to a combat zone in his civilian OGC capacity when he volunteered to serve as the special legal advisor to the Commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) in Djibouti, Africa.

Previously, Mr. Wood served in various legal positions in the field, headquarters and the Pentagon. Mr. Wood received his bachelors degree from Central Connecticut State University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Bridgeport School of Law.  He is the recipient of both the Presidential Rank of Distinguished and Meritorious Executive, two Department of the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Awards (CSA), four DoN Superior CSAs, two DoN Meritorious CSAs and the Joint Service Civilian Commendation medal.

MajGen James Kessler, USMC (Ret)

A native of Mountlake Terrace, Washington, MajGen Kessler was commissioned a 2ndLt from The University of Washington in June 1980.  Kessler held various command and staff billets in his early career to include 1^st Tank Bn, 1stMarDiv where he deployed in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  He was selected to serve as the Aide-de-Camp to the Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, GEN John M. Shalikashvili.  He was later selected to attend the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (now called the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy), National Defense University.

MajGen Kessler was selected for, and assumed command of H&S Battalion, 3^rd FSSG, serving concurrently as the Camp Commander for Camp Kinser, MCB, Okinawa, Japan.  While there, he was deployed to Sri Lanka as the Commanding Officer, Marine Logistics Regiment-2, Combat Logistics Group-Sri Lanka, JTF-536, Operation Unified Assistance in support of the tsunami relief effort.  He was promoted to Brigadier General in 2006 and immediately reassigned to assume command of 2^nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

In Jan 2007, he deployed 2ndMLG forward as part of II MEF (forward) and Multi-National Forces-West in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  2ndMLG redeployed home in Feb 2008.  In April 2008, he relinquished command of 2ndMLG and assumed duties as Director, Manpower Management Division, M&RA.  In June 2009, he assumed command of Marine Corps Logistics Command (MCLC), Albany, Georgia.  In July 2011, he relinquished command of MCLC and was assigned as the Assistant Deputy Commandant, I&L (Facilities).  On 1 October 2011, Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM) was established and he became the first Commanding General, MCICOM concurrent with his Assistant Deputy Commandant duties.

MajGen Kessler retired from the Marine Corps in September 2013.  Subsequent to his retirement, he was hired by DynCorp International to run the Logistics Civilian Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) in Kandahar, Afghanistan responsible for logistics support to the southern half of the country.  After 18 months in-country, he returned home and was hired by Logistics Management Institute (LMI) as the Vice President for Materiel Management Division.

On 1 Oct 2018, he was hired to take over as the President and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation with offices at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.  He retired from MCHF in December of 2020 and established his own private consulting company, JAK Solutions

MajGen Kessler holds advanced degrees in Military Studies from Marine Corps University, a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of California, and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

LtGen Mark Brilakis, USMC (Ret)

Lieutenant General Mark Andrew Brilakis is currently assigned as the Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

He graduated from Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Class in May 1981.

Assignments in the Operating Forces include: Battery Officer, 1st Battalion, 10th Marines; Battery Commander, Battalion FDO, and S-3, 5th Battalion, 10th Marines; Naval Gunfire Control Officer and Assistant Supporting Arms Coordinator, Amphibious Group Two; Future Operations and MAGTF Planner, G-3, II MEF;

Executive Officer, 10th Marine Regiment; Commanding Officer 1st Battalion, 10th Marines; Commanding General, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Deputy Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and Commanding General, 3d Marine Division.

Assignments in the Supporting Establishment include: Company Officer and Commanding Officer, Company A, and Course Developer, MCI Company, Marine Barracks, Washington DC; Commanding Officer, Weapons Training Battalion, Training Command; and the Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command.

Headquarters and Staff assignments include: Status of Forces Officer, Plans, Policies, and Operations Department, HQMC; Head, Program Development Branch, Programs and Resources Department, HQMC; Director, European Liaison Office, Headquarters, U.S. European Command, Deputy J-3, United States European Command, and Assistant Deputy Commandant (Programs), Programs & Resources Department, HQMC.

Military Education: Amphibious Warfare School; Command and Staff College; School of Advanced Warfighting; and CMC Fellow, Center for Strategic and International Studies. Masters in Military Studies, Marine Corps University.

LtCol Christopher Davis, USMC (Ret)

Chris Davis is president of Raytheon International, Incorporated (RII), the international sales and marketing arm of Raytheon Company. Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) with 2016 sales of $24 billion and 63,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.
As president of RII, Davis is responsible for the company’s sales and marketing efforts in more than 80 nations worldwide. He is leading the RII team to achieve top-line growth through focus on global growth, enterprise collaboration and competitive advantage. International business has accounted for roughly 27 percent of Raytheon’s total sales. The company maintains international sales and consultant offices in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America and has operations outside the U.S. in Australia, Europe and Canada.
Previously, Davis served as Raytheon’s Country Leader for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he was responsible for executing an integrated, companywide engagement strategy for the UAE based on collaboration, and deep customer intimacy. His customer engagement and collaboration responsibilities included contract execution, offset dialogues and integrated pipeline development and execution.
A retired United States Marine Corps officer and aviator, Davis joined Raytheon Missile Systems (RMS) in 2006 after a 20-year military career, and after two years assisting the UAE president of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce with that chamber’s aerospace and defense portfolio. As RMS’ director of Middle East Business Development, Davis was responsible for sales and marketing in 10 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, and significantly participated in more than $1.4 billion of successful capture efforts.
While in the military, Davis lived for three years in Japan, and was a finalist for the Council on Foreign Relations’ International Affairs Fellow Japan. He is a combat aviator with over 2,000 flight hours in both rotary and fixed-wing (fighter) aircraft.
Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial economics from Union College in Schenectady New York, and a master’s degree in security studies from the Marine Corps University.

Col Robert Love, USMC (Ret)

Colonel Bob Love is a member of the Marine Corps Association Board of Directors and Board of Governors.

Colonel Love is the President of Daedalus Solutions, LLC, a consulting firm. He has extensive government and business experience.  He served as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) under three Administrations (Bush, Obama, Trump). He most recently served as the Chief of Staff (CoS) and Senior Executive to the 33rd Under Secretary of the Navy and CoS to two Secretary’s of the Navy (2018-2020).  His business experience includes Vice President for Defense and Naval Services at LMI, Vice President for Business Development at LMI and Executive Director at BAE Systems for International Business.

Colonel Love retired from the Marine Corps in August 2004. Colonel Love’s career included a variety of command & staff assignments to include command of a Marine Wing Support Squadron and an experimental Combat Logistics Battalion. He has deployed to Korea, Turkey, Norway, Okinawa, Kuwait and Iraq. He led the Marine Corps Capstone Logistics Modernization Effort, a flagship enterprise regarded by military and industry organizations as a model for transformation. During Operation Desert Thunder he served as the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Survey, Liaison, Reconnaissance Party.  After the September 11, 2001 attacks, he served as the OIC of the Reconstitution Liaison Support Team (RLST) and deployed to Kuwait/Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Upon his return from OIF, he was assigned as the Senior Logistics Advisor, Marine Corps Combat Development Command.

He is the recipient of eleven personal awards for outstanding performance of duties and has received the Federal Executive Association Outstanding Officer Award for superior leadership and management abilities. For his service as a member of the SES, the Secretary of the Navy awarded him the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award and the Secretary of Defense awarded him the Secretary of Defense Award for Outstanding Public Service.

Col Emily E. Swain, USMC (Ret)

Colonel Emily Elder Swain was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1987, upon graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
After completing the Motor Transport Officer Course, 2nd Lieutenant Elder received orders to 9th Motor Transport Battalion on Okinawa, Japan where she served as a platoon commander, detachment commander and company executive officer from 1989 to 1990. Subsequently, she reported to the Marine Wing Support Group-47 Operations section, to train reserve Marines. In 1994, Captain Elder was assigned to 7th Motor Transport Battalion as the Bravo Company Commander, Battalion S-4 and as an Action Officer in the 1st Force Service Support Group G-3.
After completing Amphibious Warfare School, she reported to Headquarters, Marine Corps (Installations & Logistics) as the Motor Transport Occupational Field Sponsor. Major Elder was selected to attend Command and Staff College, earning a Masters of Military Science degree, before transferring to the III Marine Expeditionary Force G-4 (Plans) office in Okinawa, JA.
In 2002, she reported to the 1st Force Service Support Group G-3 (Plans) but was quickly reassigned as the Operations Officer for Combat Service Support Battalion-18, a task-organized unit formed to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon redeployment, Major Elder became the Headquarters & Service Battalion Executive Officer, returning to Iraq for OIF II as the (Acting) Commander of Headquarters & Service Battalion at Camp Taqqadam. LtCol Elder subsequently became the Combat Service Support Group-11 Executive Officer as the FSSG transitioned to Marine Logistics Group.
LtCol Elder returned to Headquarters, Marine Corps in 2005 as the Section Head of MMOA-3, Officer Plans & Programs, and in 2008 was assigned to Programs and Resources as a Manpower & Infrastructure Analyst. Colonel Swain reported to the Navy Secretariat in 2009 as the Marine Aide to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower & Reserve Affairs. In July 2011, Colonel Swain assumed duties as the AC/S G-4 of MARCENT (Forward). Returning from Bahrain, Col Swain served as the Marine Corps National Account Manager at the Defense Logistics Agency Headquarters. Colonel Swain finished her 30 year career as the Inspector General of Marine Corps Base, Quantico.

Col John M. Reed, USMC (Ret)

Mr. John Reed is a member of the Marine Corps Association Board of Directors and Board of Governors.

He is the CEO & Founder of Reed Charters, LLC providing strategic planning and management services to Federal agencies and in particular to the United States Marine Corps. He leads the company providing consultation analysis to identify organizational goals, objectives, measurable performance metrics and actions for services and production. The company focuses on National Military Strategy planning through force development and campaigning in the US Indo Pacific Command Area of Responsibility. Reed Charters, LLC, is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and a Women Owned Small Business.

He retired as a Colonel from the United States Marine Corps at the end of 2015 after 26 years of service. He served as the 2nd Marine Division Assistant Chief of Staff G-3 and Chief of Staff to the Division Commanding General at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. As the Commanding Officer, he trained and formed Battalion Landing Team 2/7 for service with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in the US Indo Pacific Command Area of Responsibility participating in multiple Theater Security Cooperation Exercises and deterrence operations. He served as a lead planner in the establishment of Marine Corps Installations Command and served as the Assistant Chief of Staff G-3/5/7 for operations, future plans, and governmental external affairs for all Marine Corps installations. He has a Masters of Military Studies from Marine Corps Command and Staff College and has personal awards to include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Defense Meritorious Service Medals among other personal awards. He served in multiple combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

LtCol Jeff Speights, USMC (Ret)

Jeff Speights works in the Defense Customer Accounts organization, for the Raytheon Missiles & Defense (RMD) business, and serves as the Director for all Marine Corps accounts. He is responsible for facilitating all RMD activities involving the support of U.S. Marine Corps contracts, RMD customer requirements and other Marine Corps business opportunities. He has been with Raytheon for 8 years.

Raytheon Technologies, based in Waltham, MA, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and commercial and defense aviation and aerospace. Raytheon Technologies has 4 major businesses; Raytheon Missiles and Defense; Raytheon Intelligence and Space; Collins Aerospace Systems; and Pratt & Whitney.

Mr. Speights has over 38 successful years of experience in positions of increasing responsibility involving leadership, business development, and acquisition program management. Prior to assuming his current position Mr. Speights was employed by Vistronix Inc., where he served as Vice President, Business Development for their Defense Strategic Business Unit. Before Vistronix, Mr. Speights served in senior Business Development positions with Technology Associates, QinetiQ North America, and Ocean Systems Engineering Corporation.

Throughout these assignments, Mr. Speights was integrally involved in the identification, cultivation, and pursuit of new Navy / Marine

Corps opportunities, and the generation of revenue growth.

Mr. Speights has an extensive Marine Corps background, serving for 21+ years as an Air Defense/ Aviation Command & Control officer, including combat command during Operations Desert Shield / Desert Storm and the counter-narcotics Operation Laser Strike.

Additionally, Mr. Speights garnered a wealth of defense systems acquisition and program management experience during his two tours at Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, VA, where he served initially as the Marine Corps Liaison Officer to the U.S. Army Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal, AL, and subsequently as the Program Manager / Deputy Program Manager for the Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) program. During this assignment, he led the efforts of a diverse team of government agencies, laboratories, and multiple defense contractors in the acquisition process, encompassing all aspects of systems engineering, software development, and lifecycle support. He retired from active duty in 2005 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Mr. Speights received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration from the University of Mississippi in 1983. He is also a graduate of the Defense Acquisition University, and certified as a Defense Acquisition Professional.

Jeff currently lives in Stafford, VA with his wife Tammy.

Dr. Susan Johnston, Ph.D.

Dr. Susan Johnston is a member of the Marine Corps Association Board of Directors. She is currently an adjunct instructor at The Ohio State University in Adult Education specializing in Lifelong Learning. She is the author of a textbook, The Career Adventure, 5/E (Pearson Education) which offers guidance on career planning and professional development.
Dr. Johnston is formerly associated with the Marine Corps through her role as Director of Institutional Research at Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia. She is the recipient of two Civilian Meritorious Awards for her leadership in the accreditation initiative with the accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and as the director responsible for the institutional effectiveness of the University. Prior to her position at Marine Corps University, Dr. Johnston has worked for 30 years in the field of career planning. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Ph.D. in Workforce Development and Education. Her dissertation examined the qualities associated with performance in high-stress, high-stakes settings, specifically resilience and psychological hardiness.

Mr. Michael Martz

I have been in the construction, development and management business for the past 32 years. My experience has allowed me to be involved in all phases of each project fcom start to finish. The main focus for many years was commercial interior construction, which evolved into a new phase of construction of building very high end residential homes.
In the past 16 years, I have developed and redeveloped manufactured housing communities. My portfolio currently includes 4 communities that are owned by my companies.
The most current project has been Cottage Gardens Development. This project was taken from raw land to a total turnkey development for homebuyers. This project serves the need for affordable housing for many first time homebuyers, as well as general people looking for quality homes at affordable prices. Our developing has allowed us to create InLine Utilities, which supplies water and sewer services to our developments and adjoining properties.
The Cottage Gardens project was nominated 2 years in a row for the “Best Manufactured Housing Community in the United States.
Cottage Gardens is a 570 lot subdivision built and owned by my company and Sugarbercy Place Phase I is a 400 lot subdivision built by my company and sold to real estate investors. These developments are valued at approximately $84,000,000.00.
Cottage Gardens and Sugarberry Place as well as adjoining properties are serviced with water and sewer utilities by my company Inline Utilities.
At the present time we are purchasing resort property in the Dominican Republic and are exploring and investigating the needs for a Retirement Community and a Christian Camp for children.
These are just a few of the commercial projects that I have been involved in during my career:
Heights Hospital, Bellaire Hospital, Brownsville Medical Center, Williams Trace Retail Center, Kingwood Shopping Center, Pasadena General Hospital, Landmark Chevrolet, Bill Heard Chevrolet, Continental Airlines Training Center, Randall’s Retail Centers (Memorial, Shepard Square, Bissonet, Humble), Houston Intercontinental Airport, Cenmry National Bank, Exxon Re.ftnery, Houston Hobby Airport

Mr. Timothy Eichhorn

Wm. Timothy (Tim) Eichhorn is a former Marine infantry officer serving now as a partner and senior adviser with Rather & Kittrell Capital Management in Knoxville, TN.
Tim received his commission through the PLC program in 1987 upon graduation from Frostburg State College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.  His 8 years of USMCR active duty included stints with Lima Company 3/9 from May 1989 through May 1991, 1^st Reconnaissance Battalion May 1991 through May 1992 and 6^th Marine Corps District (RS Jacksonville) May 1992 through May 1995.  Tim then re-entered active duty for another 1.5 years with 4^th Combat Engineer Battalion from November 2004 until May 2006.
He served as platoon commander, weapons platoon commander and executive officer of Lima 3/9 and through deployments to Bridgeport MWTC, Honduras and Operations Desert Shield/Storm.  At 1^st Recon he served as BN S-3A, Dive Officer and company commander.  At RS Jacksonville, FL., Tim served as a three year executive officer.  At Delta Company, 4^th CEB, Tim served as company commander and deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom as AST/MTT to an Iraqi battalion in Fallujah from Jan 2005 to Aug 2005.
Tim manages corporate and personal assets for clients of Rather & Kittrell Capital Management nationwide as well as the local East Tennessee region.  Tim joined Rather & Kittrell in 2004 after nine years of consulting and non-profit work.
Tim has served as president of the Maryville, TN Little League, The Downtown Knoxville Kiwanis Club, The Lt. Alexander Bonnyman Detachment #924 of The Marine Corps League and on boards of The East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association and The Salvation Army, Knoxville and Maryville TN.  He also currently serves as a member of The Blount County (TN) Audit Committee.

Tim and his wife, Beth, have three grown children: Catherine (Eric), Caroline and Blake (Kaci).  Catherine and Eric are Marines at Camp Pendleton and Blake is a Marine in North Carolina.

Mr. Michael Stocker

Mike Stocker is a Board-Certified Family Law Attorney who has been in private practice for 40 years.  He graduated with honors from Sam Houston State University with a BS in Criminal Justice and obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law. He has been active in many family law related groups and activities, to include formerly serving as President of the Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists.
Mike is a well-known and respected family law trial attorney in the greater Houston area and state of Texas. He brings his faith and strong family values to his law practice by delivering expert advice with compassion for his clients during their difficult times. His love of children has driven him to provide pro bono legal services to a number of at-risk children, placing them in stable homes with good parents.
He has a long-standing family history of military service, from his grandfather who served in France in WWI as well as his father, who left Texas A&M College after a year to enlist in the Army during WWII where he served in the Philippines.
Mike’s childhood desire was to become a military pilot, but he was declined for service due to back issues. He was able to see his family’s military dedication continue when both of his children became Marine Corps Officers. His daughter Carrie Stocker, a 2002 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps. His son Charlie Stocker, a Marine Corps veteran and former AAV Commander, entered into the service as an officer after graduating from Texas A&M University. Mike has known and experienced the pride, thrill and concern of seeing his children through multiple deployments. He also experienced the joy of seeing his son on the job as Mike joined Charlie on a Tiger Cruise in 2010.
At the age of 18, he fulfilled his childhood longing to become a pilot, and has since logged over 8,000 hours of flight. As a 30-year cancer survivor, Mike has combined his love of flying with his heart for cancer patients as a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight, a non-profit organization providing free transportation for patients to and from cancer treatment centers.
Mike enjoys flying, hunting, fishing, biking and other outdoor activities with friends and family, including his wife Susan, their children and four grandchildren. Mike is an active volunteer in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 642 in Houston. Mike and Susan live in The Woodlands, Texas where they are members of Woodlands United Methodist Church.

Col Andrew Starr, USMC (Ret)

Andrew “Andy” O. Starr joined the board in 2023 and has been a member of the association for nearly two decades, both as an active-duty officer, and private consultant.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors, Board of Governance, and various committees.  Andy is a native of Lake Forest, Illinois, and a graduate of Lake Forest College, with a Bachelor of Arts in History.  He served 29 years in the United States Marine Corps, as Supply Officer, Logistics Officer, and Contracting Officer.  He held numerous Command & Staff billets, and served joint tours with the Army and Air Force.  He distinguished himself in service, assigned to every element of the Marine Air Ground Task Force; Division, Air Wing, Force Service Support Group, to include two tours at Headquarter Marine Corps, Marine Corps System Command and Marine Corps Logistic Base, Albany, Georgia.  He has completed every level of advance educations through Top Level School at the Air War College.

An accomplished private consult for the last decade, as well as coach of various sports for Middle School, High School, or Special Olympics’.   A longtime member the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled Veterans of America, National Rifle Association, MOAA, St. Jude’s Hospital, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.   He also has a secondary talent of owning, restoring, and showing very rare Buick cars across North America.  Besides showing cars, Andy is an avid fishermen and hunter.  He organizes Military tributes with various charity events each year.  He is married to the lovely Stacy L. Starr, and they have two childred Andrew and Abigail, residing in Waterford, Virginia.

Maj Thomas Craig, USMC (Ret)

Thomas “Tom” Craig represents, advises, and counsels individuals and entities in a wide variety of matters, including government contracting, sensitive government inquiries and internal investigations, complex civil litigation, export and other regulatory compliance, structuring business transactions, and criminal defense.

Mr. Craig has extensive experience representing government contractors, especially in high stakes litigation. He assisted a major defense manufacturer in obtaining a nine-figure judgment from its principle subcontractor in a case involving allegations of overcharging and trade secret violations. While he handles all matters related to government contractors, from bid protests

to teaming agreements, Mr. Craig specializes in high-profile and high-risk matters that require comprehensive coordination of legal, media, political, and consulting efforts.

His other matters include breach of contract claims against the government, enforcement of work share agreements, violations of non-competition agreements, bank fraud claims, grand jury subpoenas, and alleged trade secret violations. He also has extensive employment law experience, including drafting employment contracts, advising on employment practices and policies, and litigating a wide variety of employment issues.

Before joining FH+H, Mr. Craig practiced law at Williams & Connolly LLP. Mr. Craig earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Illinois and graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center where he was also an editor of the Georgetown Law Journal.

Mr. Craig had a distinguished military career, serving more than 21 years as an active duty Marine, primarily in intelligence and counterintelligence billets.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

+ Assists U.S. companies working in the national security environment by navigating regulations regarding investments, exports and security requirements.

+ Assists both Commercial and Government Contracting Companies in resolving complex disputes, including through negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation

+ Assists government contractors in resolving disputes with their government customers, including negotiations, administrative claims, and formal litigation.

+ Advises corporations on complex business transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.

Ms. Ariane Whittemore, SES (Ret)

Ariane Whittemore is a visionary leader who has improved business operations for organizations across the Department of Defense (DOD) over the last 28 years.  Throughout her senior executive career, Ms. Whittemore has successfully navigated complex and intricate financial and operational challenges to achieve mission success.  The hallmark of Ms. Whittemore’s career is leading with strength, integrity, innovation, and complete dedication to excellence.

Grant Thornton Public Sector LLC, Managing Director.  Ms. Whittemore successfully created over $50 million in new business while simultaneously achieving the highest client satisfaction ratings and 20% profitability.  Her extensive technical expertise in strategic planning, policy development, and financial management combined with her ability to build strong partnerships across the Defense sector, has delivered powerful results.  Her promotion to Managing Director sets her apart from all others who joined Grant Thornton after successful government Senior Executive Service careers.

United States Marine Corps, Assistant Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources. Served as the Marine Corps’ Senior Civilian Executive responsible for advising the Commandant of the Marine Corps on Program and Resource Management for over $35 billion annually and led the Marine Corps financial statement audit.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Senior Civilian Advisor to the Commander:  Tackled the Commander’s most pressing and complex organizational and leadership challenges to improve the way U.S. Indo-Pacific Command engaged with the 39 nations across the Asia-Pacific region.  Led development of the inaugural Strategic Communications and Resource Management organizations; developing processes, tools, and organizational structure to ensure Command communications and resources were synchronized with Command strategy and objectives.

Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Fleet Readiness and Logistics) and Acting Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Fleet Readiness and Logistics). Led staff of 200 in Installation Management, Logistics and Readiness policy and program development and annual allocation of $25 billion in funding, balancing required Navy output with available resources and improving Navy effectiveness and efficiency resulting in cost reduction/avoidance of 15%. Selected by Chief of Naval Operations to serve as Acting, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, refocusing the Fleet Readiness and Logistics policy staff into an operationally responsive, agile logistics provider to the warfighters during war.

Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Financial Management and Comptroller, Budget Director.  Leveraged financial and public policy acumen to lead Department of the Navy budget development, justification, and execution in various Budget Director positions for Working Capital Fund and Business Operations, Aircraft Procurement and Operations, and Ship Maintenance and Operations.

Ms. Whittemore completed master’s degree studies in Public Financial Management at American University and holds a bachelor’s degree, magna Cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, in Economics and International Studies from Dickinson College.  She also holds executive education certificates in Change Management from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, National and International Security from Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Strategic Management from Cornell University, and Leadership at the Peak from the Center for Creative Leadership.  Ms. Whittemore is a Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM).

Previous Board of Directors Experience:

Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), Board Member and Finance Committee Member

Armed Forces Retirement Home, Board Member and Finance Committee Chair

Col Christopher Escamilla, USMC (Ret)

Mr. Chris Escamilla is a member of the Marine Corps Association Board of Directors and Board of Governors.

He is currently the Chief Operating Officer for Mistral, Inc. based in Bethesda, Maryland.

As a Marine, Chris was a career artillery officer serving in numerous locations both in the United States and abroad.  In addition to numerous operational tours to include Marine Expeditionary Unit and Operation Iraqi Freedom deployments, he commanded 3d Battalion, 11th Marines in 29 Palms, California as well as Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) Camp Fuji in mainland Japan.  His dey staff assignments included serving at Combined Forces Command/United Nations Command in the Republic of Korea and tours at Headquarters Marine Corps at Program and Resources and Manpower and Reserve Affairs.  Chris is a graduate of Harvard Business School Advance Management Program (AMP), holds a Master in Arts in Strategic Studies from the Marine Corps War College and a Master of Arts in National Security Studies from American Military University, and was a 2015-2016 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Seminar XXI (Foreign Politics, International Relations, and the National Interest) Fellow. He retired from the Marine Corps in 2023.

Col Eric Chase, USMC (Ret)

Colonel Eric Chase, USMC (Ret) is a member of the Marine Corps Association Board of Directors.

After graduation from Princeton University in 1968, Col. Chase served as a Marine officer on active duty for 39 months. He was an infantry platoon commander in Vietnam until wounded in January 1970.

He graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School with honors in 1974.

From 1971 to 1998, he had numerous reserve assignments, including infantry company commander and Commanding Officer, 4th Civil Affairs Group. During 1994-95 on special assignment at Headquarters Marine Corps, he was the reserve member of CMC’s working group on roles, functions and missions.

From 1991 to 1998, he was a member of the Adjunct Faculty of the Command and Staff College in Quantico, and served on the Marine Corps Law of War teaching team.

Col. Chase’s publications number about 200. He has written about military and defense issues in The New York Times, The Washington Post, NewsweeJ<, the Marine Corps Gazette, Strategic Review, and other newspapers and journals. He has appeared on many broadcast programs as a military expert, including Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, Larry King Live, and The Charlie Rose Show.

Personal awards include the Legion of Merit (2 awards). Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V” and Combat Action Ribbon.

SgtMaj Thomas Eggerling, USMC (Ret)