LtGen Mark A. 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.

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 Charles G. Chiarotti, USMC (Ret)

Lieutenant General Chiarotti was commissioned December 21, 1985. Following graduation, he was assigned to 1st Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 18, Okinawa, Japan, serving as the Battalion Motor Transport and S-4 Officer, and 2d Platoon Commander, Bravo Battery. In 1989, he was assigned to H&S Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, as Operations Officer, Assistant Chief of Staff G-4, and Depot Motor Transport Officer.

In 1992, he graduated from AWS and was assigned in Camp Pendleton, CA for duty with 7th Motor Transport Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group as Commander of both Alpha and Headquarters and Service Company and as Operations Officer, Combat Service Support Detachment 17. Upon transferring to MSSG15, he was Operations Officer and subsequently deployed with the 15th MEU (SOC) and deployed in support of WestPac in 1995.

In 1996, he was assigned to CSSD 36, Iwakuni, Japan, as Executive Officer and1999 was selected to attend the Naval Command and Staff College, Newport, Rhode Island. Following graduation in 2000 he was assigned to Marine Corps Forces, Europe, Stuttgart, Germany as the Southern Region Logistics Plans Officer and in 2001, he reported for duty as Plans Officer, Plans and Policy Division, Logistics and Security Directorate, Headquarters, U.S. European Command. After September 11 2001, he served as Watch Officer, Crisis Action Team, European Theater Command and Control Center and then 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.

In 2003, LtGen 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 and assumed duties in November as Deputy, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3. He deployed in 2004 supporting OPERATION SECURE TOMORROW as the Director for Logistics, Combined Joint Task Force, Haiti and upon return in July assumed command of MSSG-22, deploying for Revised Combined Arms Exercises 3 through 14, 2004 to 2005. Lieutenant Colonel Chiarotti deployed MSSG-22 in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM in support of the 22d MEU (SOC).

He completed a Fellowship at Smeal School of Business, Pennsylvania State University, and then was transferred to Okinawa, Japan in 2007 where he assumed command of Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3d Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and then served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 until his reassignment to US Central Command as Chief of Staff, Logistics Directorate.

In 2011, he was assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Africa as Deputy Commander and 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 2014 to 2016.

In 2016, he was assigned duties as Deputy Commander, United States Forces, Japan and was in 2018 was transferred to the Pentagon as Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics.

He retired from active duty in September 2021 and is now serving as the President and CEO of the Marine Corps Association.

He 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 Navy Superior Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal , the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and was awarded the French National Defense Medal, and the Order of the Rising Sun by the Emperor of Japan.

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.

LtGen John Broadmeadow, USMC (Ret)

John Broadmeadow retired from the Marine Corps in October 2020 as a three-star general with nearly 40 years of progressive leadership experience in a variety of positions. He successfully led large, diverse organizations across the globe, in combat, and during periods of significant change. He now leverages extensive experience in executive leadership, logistics / supply chain management, strategic planning, and corporate change management while consulting in the private sector and with various government organizations.

John’s final Marine Corps assignment was as the Director of the Marine Corps Staff in the Pentagon. In addition to leading Headquarters Marine Corps’ response to COVID-19, he integrated the actions of seven three-star Deputy Commandants executing a Marine Corps-wide change management effort to implement the Commandant’s Planning Guidance. This 15-year strategic approach is radically shifting the Marine Corps’ force design, operating concepts, and Service training and education to remain competitive against growing threats from global near peer adversaries.

Previously, in his first three-star job he was assigned as the Deputy Commander of the United States Transportation Command, proudly serving with the more than 140,000 service members and civilians from across all the Armed Services providing globally integrated air, sea, and surface transportation for all personnel and cargo in the U.S. Department of Defense.

General Broadmeadow’s career has been highlighted by several notable accomplishments in expeditionary operations. He led the logistics planning and execution for the Marines’ initial amphibious assault into Afghanistan in 2001 immediately following the attacks of 9/11. He then served multiple tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, culminating with leading the drawdown and retrograde of equipment from Helmand Province in 2013. He’s experienced with Humanitarian Operations having led

forces in both Somalia for Operation Restore Hope and in Japan following the earthquake, tsunami, and

nuclear plant damage that devastated the coast north of Tokyo. As a General Officer, he commanded a

Marine Expeditionary Brigade and both the Marine Corps Logistics Command and Marine Corps Installations Command each having multi-billion-dollar portfolios making him responsible for significant portions of the Marine Corps’ overall budget.

After his Marine Corps retirement, John was asked to sit as a Panel Member for the Department of the Navy’s Strategic Review of Amphibious Operations and as an Executive Fellow for the Institute forDefense and Business. He is now an Advisory Board Member for Crowley, a Senior Mentor for the Marines Corps’ MAGTF Staff Training Program, and a member of the Norwich University Board of Trustees. Additionally, he provides advice and coaching to organizations and executives in several sectors.

Col Richard Brady, USMC (Ret)

Rich Brady is CEO at the American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC).  ASMC is a global organization representing more than 14,000 finance and accounting professionals in government and business in the defense sector. ASMC promotes the education, training, and certification of the defense financial management workforce, supports financial transformation in the defense sector, and upholds the highest ethical and professional standards.

Rich joined ASMC after serving 32 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring as a Colonel in 2021.  In his time in the Marine Corps, he served in a variety of command and staff positions throughout the United States and overseas, including command of the Marine Corps Financial Management School, command of U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command, a combat tour in Iraq, multiple tours in the Pentagon, and as a defense attaché in the country of Georgia.

He serves as the Chair of the Global Board of Directors of the Institute of Management Accountants, a member of the Advisory Board of the Georgian think tank GEOCASE, and Chair of the Membership Committee of DC Metro Chapter of the Private Directors Association.

Rich holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business from Saint Louis University, a Master of Science in Finance from the Naval Postgraduate School, a Master of Science in Strategic Resource Management from the National Defense University, and completed the Executive Development Program at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Government Financial

Col John 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.

SgtMaj Robin Fortner, USMC (Ret)

Sergeant Major Fortner was born in Brooklyn, New York.  In August of 1990, she enlisted into the United States Marine Corps and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., where she was meritoriously promoted to private first class.  Private First Class Fortner was transferred to Camp Lejeune, N.C., to attend the Basic Supply School and obtain the MOS 3051.  Private First Class Fortner graduated at the top of her class and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in January 1991. After completion of school, Lance Corporal Fortner’s first assignment was 2d Supply Battalion, 2d Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
During her tour, Lance Corporal Fortner was meritoriously promoted to the rank of corporal in June 1992 and later transferred to Marine Air Traffic Control Squadron 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, Japan. While serving as the Warehouse Chief, Corporal Fortner began cross training into the Supply Administration MOS 3043 and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant in February 1994.
In June 1994, Sergeant Fortner was transferred to Marine Air Control Squadron 6, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, Cherry Point, N.C., serving in various billets to include Supply Chief, Color Sergeant, and Armorer.  She was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant in March 1998.
In June 1999, Staff Sergeant Fortner reported to Weapons Field Training Battalion, MCRD Parris Island, S. C. to serve as a Primary Marksmanship Instructor.  After graduating number one in PMI School, She trained both male and female recruits in the basic fundamentals of marksmanship before reporting to Drill Instructor School in April 2001.
Staff Sergeant Fortner graduated as Honor Graduate of Drill Instructor School, and assigned to Co. O, 4th Recruit Training Battalion. In September 2002, Staff Sergeant Fortner was promoted to the rank of gunnery sergeant and also served as Company First Sergeant.
In 2004, Gunnery Sergeant Fortner transferred to Okinawa, Japan and was assigned to G-4, 3d Marine Logistics Group as the Supply Chief.  Additionally she served as the lead Supply Analyst and Drill Analyst for the Commanding General’s Inspection Program.  During this tour, she deployed several times, in addition to serving with Joint Task Force 536 to Colombo, Sri Lanka in January 2005.  Gunnery Sergeant Fortner attained the rank of first sergeant and reported to Headquarters Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force on Camp Hansen, Okinawa in May 2006.
First Sergeant Fortner was later transferred to 9th Communication Battalion, I MEF Headquarters Group, Camp Pendleton, CA in July of 2007.  She deployed to Camp Fallujah, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008 and to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010.
In April 2011 Sergeant Major Fortner assumed the duties as the Battalion Sergeant Major of 4^TH RTBN, Parris Island SC. Sergeant Major Fortner took an active role in preserving the legacy of female Marines through two monumental ceremonies celebrating 70 years of Women Marines.  In August 2013 Sergeant Major Fortner received orders to 2D Law Enforcement Battalion, Camp Lejeune, N.C.  June 2014 Sergeant Major Fortner received orders to the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force where she is currently serving.
Sergeant Major Fortner’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3rd Award) and various campaign and unit awards.  Sergeant Major Fortner is the recipient of the 2012 Megan McClung Leadership Award. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies and currently pursuing a Masters of Arts degree in Leadership and Management.

MajGen Michael Martin, USMC (Ret)

Major General Martin was commissioned in 1990 through the Platoon Leader’s Course program after graduating from UMASS/Amherst with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.  Following The Basic School and Infantry Officers Course, Lieutenant Martin was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines where he served as a Platoon Commander and Executive Officer and deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) aboard the USS GUAM in support of Operation Provide Promise.

In 1993 Lieutenant Martin reported to the 1st Marine Corps District for duty as the District Advertising Officer until being reassigned as the Recruiting Station New York Operations Officer.  In 1996 Captain Martin assumed duties as the Inspector-Instructor for Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines where he served until leaving active duty in 1998.

In 1999 Captain Martin joined Marine Air Support Squadron-6 in Chicopee, MA as the Assistant Logistics Officer and served in this capacity until being mobilized in February 2003 with 1st Marine Expeditionary Force where he served as the Ground Watch Officer and deployed to Iraq.

From 2004 to 2006 Major Martin was the Commanding Officer of Bravo Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Frederick, MD.  In 2006 he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and attended the Command and Staff Distance Education course in Willow Grove, PA.  He assumed Command of 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in August 2007 and deployed the battalion to Afghanistan from November 2009 to May 2010.

In 2011 Lieutenant Colonel Martin joined 25th Marine Regiment as the Assistant Operations Officer and in 2012 he was promoted to Colonel and assumed his role as the Deputy Regimental Commander of 25^th Marines until July 2015. Colonel Martin received his Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College in July 2014 and completed AJPME at the Joint Forces Staff College in October 2015.

In July 2016 Colonel Martin assumed his duties as the senior Marine of the IMA detachment at the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command in Norfolk, VA. where he served until he was promoted to Brigadier General in 2017.

Major General Martin’s General Officer assignments include: Deputy Commander (Mobilization) Marine Forces Command, Norfolk, VA; Director, Reserve Affairs, and Deputy Commander (Mobilization), Combat Development & Integration, Quantico, VA; Commanding General 4^th Marine Division, and Deputy Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, New Orleans, LA; and Assistant Deputy Commandant, Plans, Policies, and Operations, Headquarters Marine Corps.

Major General Martin and his wife Sandy reside in Southwick, MA and have seven grown children and 6 grand-children (with one on the way).  In his civilian career, Major General Martin is the founder and Managing Partner/Senior Portfolio Manager at Paladin Wealth Partners in West Springfield, MA.

MajGen Thomas Weidley, USMC (Ret)

MajGen (Ret) Weidley was raised in suburban Philadelphia, PA and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio Northern University in 1987.  He was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps that same year and was subsequently designated a Naval Aviator and Attack Helicopter pilot in the years that followed.  During over 34 years of service, he participated in multiple combat operations in the Middle East, as well as numerous assignments and deployments ashore and afloat within the Indo-Pacific Region.  He also earned a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

MajGen (Ret) Weidley was privileged to command Marines at multiple echelons during his military career, including the aviation Squadron, Group, and Wing levels.  Serving as a General Officer for eight years, he executed a diverse array of assignments from Marine Corps University President to Commanding General of Marine Corps Installations – East, to Assistant Chief of Staff for Strategy, Plans, and Policy for U.S. Forces in Korea.  He retired in the fall of 2021.

MajGen (Ret) Weidley joined Capewell, an Aerospace and Defense Company in the Argosy Private Equity portfolio shortly after military service as the Chief Operating Officer.  In May of 2023, he was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer where he remained until Capewell was sold in August of 2024.  Following the bifurcation of the business, MajGen (Ret) Weidley remained President and CEO of Aerial Machine & Tool Corp and Rhine Air Inc, where he serves today in Meadows of Dan, VA.

Mr. Michael Parker, SES (Ret)

Mike Parker serves an an executive supporting Salesforce Global Public Sector Strategy and Business Development. He is responsible for supporting global government strategic accounts within Federal, State, Local, and provincial governments as well as driving digital transformation in the public sector. He joined Salesforce in 2020 after 34 years of federal service in the Department of Defense. Mike proudly served 20 years in the Marines at various locations throughout his career, culminating at Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps. After a 20-year stellar career as a Marine, Mike joined the DoD as a public servant to continue following his national call to service. As a DoD civil servant, Mike served in the Marine Corps, Navy and most currently the Air Force as a part of the Senior Executive Service (SES) corps.

Before joining the Salesforce family, Mike served in an array of leadership positions throughout his career, culminating in his role as Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Air Force Headquarters Manpower, Personnel and Services (A1) in the Pentagon. During his career, Mike was able to lead major transformational programs successfully to achieve mission readiness.

Mike graduated from San Diego State University, then completed his graduate studies at the Naval Post-graduate School in Monterey, CA. As a top graduate at NPS, he received the Grace Hopper Award for the Academic Honors Program. Mike earned his Doctoral degree from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Mike remains passionate about mentoring and supporting veterans and is eager to actively participate and volunteer through Salesforce Military and Vetforce. As a former adjunct professor, he enjoys teaching and coaching students.

He resides with his wife Nora in La Quinta, CA. His daughter proudly serves the Air Force and lives in Texas with his grandson. The Parker family are sports enthusiasts, avid runners, enjoy outdoor activities and spending time with friends and family.

Mike is eager to continue to serve the Marine Corps as a volunteer board member at the Marine Corps Association and support Marines and their families worldwide.

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 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.

Col Jonathon Dunne, USMC (Ret)

As a member of the Senior Executive Service, Jon currently serves as the Executive Director for Program Analysis and Evaluation within the Chief Finance Office at the Transportation Security Administration. In this role, he leads enterprise-wide analysis, strategic out-year resourcing, and major program evaluation for a nationwide workforce of more than sixty thousand personnel. He provides senior executive guidance on long range budgeting, organizational performance, and mission support modernization efforts.

He is also a Senior Non-Resident Fellow at Forward Defense within the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security.  His work focuses on multinational defense investment strategies, emerging technology integration, and coordinated approaches to long term deterrence.  Further, Jon is a thought-leader and active contributor with the Chief of Staff Association, a global professional network that connects, develops, and supports chiefs of staff and senior strategic advisors across industry, government, and nonprofit sectors.

Mr. Dunne retired in late 2024 from the United States Marine Corps as a Colonel after thirty-one years of service, culminating in his role as the Chief of Staff for Marine Corps Combat Development Command. In this capacity he oversaw the Marine Corps’ enterprise level modernization, requirements generation, capabilities development, strategic analysis, and long-range planning portfolio.

Jon received master’s degrees in military science and then Operational Science from Marine Corps University and a master’s degree in National Security and Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School at National Defense University.  His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and other personal and campaign awards. He served in multiple operational deployments supporting global contingency operations.

As a Board Member, Jon is fully committed to supporting the Marine Corps Association’s core mission of fostering professional development, amplifying Marine Corps thought leadership, and sustaining the programs that strengthen Marines and their families.

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 Matthew Jones, USMC (Ret)

Dr. Matthew Jones, a retired Marine Corps infantry officer, is Professor of Practice in Joint Warfare at the Marine Corps War College. 

While on active duty, his command assignments included the Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group and the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. 

Staff assignments included Chief of Staff and Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G-3) of I MEF, Director of Ground Combat Element Branch, HQMC (PP&O), and Director of Operational Assessments, ISAF Joint Command, and Military Assistant to the Executive Secretary in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. 

He has served in combat in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and Kuwait and has deployed extensively to the Western Pacific region. Personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and three Combat Action Ribbons. 

Following retirement he worked as an independent consultant on wargaming, simulation, and service strategy development projects within the Marine Corps Combat Development and Training and Education Commands, as a senior analyst at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc., and as a Special Advisor to the 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps. 

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Yale University, a Masters of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College, and a PhD in Military History from the University of Leeds. 

Col Christopher Patton, USMC (Ret)

Chris Patton is the Senior Manager for Marine Corps Programs, Lockheed Martin Government Affairs. He is responsible for liaison with the Marine Corps at Marine Corps Base Quantico and Naval Air Station Patuxent River on all Marine programs. Chris joined Lockheed Martin in 2021.

Chris is currently attending the Lockheed Martin Business Development Leadership Academy and will graduate in November 2024.

Chris served as an attack helicopter pilot and unmanned aircraft mission commander and retired from the Marine Corps in 2020 after 28 years of service at the rank of Colonel.

After receiving his commission in 1992, Chris served as a Field Artillery officer before he transitioned to aviation and earned his Naval Aviator wings in 1997. His aviation fleet assignments include tours serving as an attack helicopter pilot and as a UAV mission commander. He commanded Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 in Camp Pendleton, CA and Marine Aircraft Group 24 in Kaneohe Bay, HI.

Chris’ staff assignments include serving with the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation Department, and the Joint Staff J-8. Additionally, he served as the Assault Support Branch Head in Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation Department. His last tour was as the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation Department.

Chris completed the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program in 2015 and is a graduate of the Marine Corps War College where he earned a Master of Strategic Studies degree. Additional degrees include a BA in psychology from Eckerd College and an MBA.

Chris serves on the Board of Directors and acts as the Spokesman for the Virginia Property Rights Alliance, which is a 501(3)(c) non-profit that focuses on property rights issues in rural Virginia.

Chris is married to Tami Patton and they have three grown children. Additionally, the Patton family owns and operates the Oak Grove Farm in southern Virginia.

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.

LtCol William Holdorf, USMC (Ret)

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.

Maj Misty Cook, USMC (Ret)

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.

Mr. Joseph Evans

Joe Evans currently serves as the Head of Anti-Financial Crimes (AFC) for the Americas, and as the Head of BusinessLine AFC for the Investment Bank at Deutsche Bank. In this capacity, Evans is responsible for managing an effective and compliant financial crimes program within the areas of his remit. Prior to joining Deutsche Bank in September of 2022,Evans was the Global Head of Financial Crime Compliance Operations for Mitsubishi Union Financial Group (MUFG),Ltd. In this role, Evans was accountable for the design and implementation of his global function, which covered the areas of AML Transaction Monitoring, Financial Crimes Investigations, Quality Assurance, Intelligence & Analytics, Technology, Data Governance, Project Management and Regulatory Remediation. Evans was also responsible for establishing the Global Compliance Offshoring Center in India and the delivery of an enhanced financial crimes technology platform across the enterprise.

Prior to joining MUFG in 2017, Evans served as the Executive Officer for Financial Crimes Compliance at HSBC Holdings, Plc. in London, England. Evans was responsible for driving a five-year plan to deliver a BAU, enterprise-widefinancial crimes program to comply with HSBC’s Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA).

From 2009-2012, Evans was the Regional Director of North & Central America for the U.S. Drug EnforcementAdministration (DEA) based in Mexico. Evans was the senior executive accountable for leading and executing the U.S. counterdrug strategy in the region. During his 21 years of service with the DEA, Evans held several key roles located in Florida, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Virginia, Panama and Mexico.

Evans is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in Civil Engineering Technology. He served for nine years as a Reconnaissance and Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps deployed to Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Evans is the recipient of several notable awards to include the DEA Administrator’s Award for DistinguishedService and the U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Law Enforcement.

Mr. Gavin Philipps

Gavin is the Chief Commercial Officer of Egg Medical, where he leads global commercial strategy, market development, and strategic partnerships. In this role, he works closely with health systems, physicians, and clinical leaders to advance innovative radiation protection solutions that improve safety standards for medical professionals. His background includes leadership roles in medical technology commercialization and business development, with a focus on scaling emerging companies and driving sustainable growth. He previously served as a commercial leader for Boston Scientific and Tyco Healthcare (now Medtronic).

Gavin served as an artillery officer with 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, assigned to Sierra Battery with the United States Marine Corps. While on active duty he deployed with the 15^th Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East, while serving Echo Company, 2^nd Battalion, 1^st Marines.

In addition to his corporate leadership, Gavin has served on the Board of Directors for Next Step Development Corporation, an organization dedicated to helping unhoused veterans, and has served his community as an active leader in Scouts of America, and various fundraising leadership roles in his community.  Additionally, he has been actively involved in fundraising initiatives and leadership development programs designed to cultivate principled, values-based leaders with Sigma Chi Fraternity nationally and at Purdue University. He also serves as an active member of MedtechVets, an organization helping transitioning servicemembers get into the medical technical field.

Residing in North Carolina with his family, Gavin remains dedicated to advancing organizations that promote service, leadership, and lasting impact in the communities they serve.

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.