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 over 40 years, Cori, are “empty nesters” and have three grown children. 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 and technical assistant to the Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics, responsible for providing long-range continuity to 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 was appointed to this position in 2014 following 4 years 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). Initially appointed to the Senior Executive Service in December 2003 as the Deputy Counsel for the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, Mr. Wood’s latest legal position was as Counsel, Office of Naval Research (ONR). While serving as ONR Counsel in 2007, he was the first Navy 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.
Mr. Wood began his career with Navy OGC as Assistant Counsel at Southern Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command in Charleston, SC in 1986. He has since served as Assistant Counsel for the Charleston Naval Shipyard and the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion & Repair, Charleston, SC; Counsel, Officer in Charge of Construction, Marianas and Navy Public Works Center, Guam; and Counsel, Navy Public Works Center, Norfolk, VA. In January 1997, Mr. Wood was selected as the first civilian attorney to serve as the Executive Assistant and Special Counsel to the General Counsel of the Navy. Mr. Wood has also served as the Environmental Law Section Head and Senior Associate Counsel (Environment/ Safety), Naval Sea Systems Command and as the Deputy Assistant General Counsel of the Navy (Financial Management & Comptroller).
Mr. Wood is a 1983 graduate of Central Connecticut State University with a Degree in Political Science/Public Administration. In December of 1985, he received his Juris Doctor from the University of Bridgeport School of Law during which time he served with the Organized Crime Bureau and the Economic Crime Unit of the Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office. Mr. Wood is a member of the bars of the State of Connecticut, the United States Court of Federal Claims and the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. 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 Richard C. Zilmer, USMC (Ret)
Lieutenant General Richard Zilmer retired from Active Duty in January of 2011 following over 36 years of commissioned service. Among a variety of professional and volunteer activities, LTGEN Zilmer presently sits on the CNA Military Advisory Board. LTGEN Zilmer is also an independent consultant and past Board member with the Hershey Trust Company and Milton Hershey School Board of managers where he served as Vice Chairman. He also serves as a Highly Qualified Employee and Senior Mentor for the US Army.
During his military career, Zilmer served in a variety of operational and staff assignments throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan. His operational commands consisted of Commanding Officer First Battalion, First Marines, Commanding Officer 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Commanding General Multinational Forces -West ( Anbar Province, Iraq) and Commanding General III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. Zilmer served combat tours during Lebanon Peacekeeping Operations, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Zilmer’s staff assignments included multiple Washington DC tours at Headquarters Marine Corps, Deputy J-3 for Operations at the United States European Command, Presidential Support duties at Camp David, Maryland and Senior US Marine Representative to the Royal Marines in Poole England. His final assignment was Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps.
A native of Reading, Pennsylvania, Zilmer presently resides with his wife Lorie and youngest son in the Pocono Mountains of eastern Pennsylvania. Lieutenant General Zilmer graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education from Kutztown University in 1974 and holds a Masters of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the College of Naval Warfare. He has also studied at the Penn State Executive Programs and the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at UNC.
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 1st 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, 3rd 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 2nd 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.
MajGen Jon Gallinetti, USMC (Ret)
Jon Gallinetti is a Vice President in the Government Business/Defense Relations division at Rolls-Royce North America as well as head of J.A. Gallinetti & Associates. In July 2007, he completed a 35-year career in the United States Marine Corps. His military positions included Deputy Commander of Marine Forces Command, Chief of Staff of Multi-National Force-Iraq, and Commander of Marine Corps Air Bases Western Area and Commanding General MCAS Miramar. His awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal with one gold star, Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal. He accumulated over 5,000 accident-free flight hours during his career flying several types of tactical jet aircraft to include, the A-4, A-7, F-5, F/A-18, AV-8B, EA-6B and C-35, as well as several rotary-winged aircraft.
Col Robert Love, USMC (Ret)
Mr. Bob Love is a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) and is serving as the Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of the Navy. His previous assignment was as Vice President, Business Development at the Logistics Management Institute (LMI). Prior to joining LMI he founded Daedalus Solutions, LLC, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business specializing in helping companies understand the international market. He is a proven professional with a record of accomplishments as a Strategist, Logistician, and International Business Leader. He was the Executive Director, International Campaigns (Support Solutions) BAE Systems, Inc., from March 2010 until July 2014. Mr. Love led the Company’s effort to develop business opportunities in key locations around the world. Mr. Love is an Executive Fellow Emeritus for the Institute for Defense and Business (IDB).
From 2006 until March 2010 Mr. Love was a member of the SES and served as the Executive Director, Expeditionary Business in the Task Force to Improve Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO), Office of the Secretary of Defense. TFBSO worked in close cooperation with various agencies, the international business community, non-government organizations, and local governments (Middle East, Afghanistan, & Sub Saharan Africa). Mr. Love was directly involved with foreign direct investment, value chain integration, and industrial revitalization. The Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, awarded Mr. Love the Secretary of Defense Award for Outstanding Public Service, the Department of Defense’s (DoDs) second highest civilian award, for his work with TFBSO.
From October 2005 until June 2006 Mr. Love served as the Director, War fighter Support Office (WSO), Business Transformation Agency (BTA). He was instrumental in the establishment of the BTA and WSO. In this role, Mr. Love worked across the DoD, Secretariat, Service, and Combatant Commands to evaluate business enterprise processes and associated systems affecting contracting, logistics, fund distribution, financial management in order to align to the theater commanders needs.
Mr. Love retired as a Colonel in the United States 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 a Combat Logistics Battalion. He led the Marine Corps Capstone Logistics Modernization Effort, a flagship enterprise regarded by military and industry organizations as a model for transformation. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Colonel Love served as the Officer in Charge of the Reconstitution Liaison Support Team (RLST) and deployed to Kuwait/Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Upon his return, he was assigned as the Senior Logistics Advisor, Marine Corps Combat Development Command. After retiring, Mr. Love served as the Deputy Director for the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Logistics Systems Management), supporting major logistics system modernization efforts.
IDB’s Executive Fellows Program is a unique opportunity for selected retired senior leaders from the DoD, the Department of Homeland Security, and the military services to share their knowledge and experience with participants in the IDB’s educational programs. Mr. Love’s tenure was for the 2015 – 2016 academic year.
Mr. Love holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Master’s Degree in Management and a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and is a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the Armed Forces Staff College. 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. Mr. Love has been designated a Professional Logistician by the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). He and his wife, Helaine, have three adult children, Dr. Andrew Love, Ms. Genna Love (CPA), and Lieutenant William Love, USN.
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 the President & CEO 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 Security Strategy planning through force development and campaigning in the US Indo Pacific Command Area of Responsibility. Reed Charters led Infrastructure Capital Investment Planning at Headquarters Marine Corps for the Commandant’s Infrastructure Reset Strategy. Reed Charters developed the audit and transfer process of two Cooperative Security Locations in the Republic of Korea including leadership stakeholders from Commander Navy Installations Command, Marine Corps Installations Command, Marine Forces Pacific, and Naval Facilities Engineering Command. Reed Charters has a leadership development program with coaching, mentoring, and facilitation services. Reed Charters, LLC, is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business registered with the General Services Administration; the Department of Veterans Affairs; and it is Small, Women, and Minority owned certified business in Virginia.
He retired as a Colonel from the United States Marine Corps at the end of 2015 after 26 years of service. He has extensive experience working at the General Officer level. 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.
Professional Experience – Chronological
Reed Charters LLC, President & CEO 12/2015 – Present MCIC, AC/S G-3/5/7 & Chief of Staff 03/2011 – 12/2015 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, Commanding Officer 01/2009 – 02//2011 United States Marine Corps, Commissioned Officer 04/1990 – 12/2015
Education, Certifications, and Training-
-Masters Degree, Military Studies, Marine Corps University, Quantico VA 2002 – Bachelors of Arts, History, Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster PA – Infrastructure in a Market Economy Certificate; Public Private Partnerships; Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge Massachusetts 2015 -Senior Executive Candidate Leadership Development Program Certificate; Office of Personnel Management Federal Executive Institute, Arlington VA 2014 -Senior Executive Development Certificate, Logistics & Technology Program; Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina, 2013
-Senior Executive Level IV Antiterrorism Seminar Certificate; Joint Staff, McLean Virginia 2012
-Joint Professional Military Education II; Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk Virginia 2005
Col H. Alexander Henegar, USMCR
Col Alex Henegar has spent most of his career leading Marines in the Marine Corps Reserve. He has served in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, and throughout the United States. He was attached to 3d Battalion, 5th Marines in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. He was the Operations Officer and Executive Officer of 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, and he commanded 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division. He is currently assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe/Africa.
Alex left active duty to continue government service as a commissioned Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Department of State. He has served as a diplomat in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Afghanistan, the Dominican Republic, and Croatia. In Washington, he was the Director for the Middle East and North Africa in the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, and a Senior Watch Officer in the State Department’s Operations Center. He is currently Chief of Political and Economic Affairs at U.S. Embassy Zagreb, Croatia.
Alex received a B.A. from the University of Virginia and an M.A. from Georgetown University. He speaks Croatian, Spanish, Dari (Afghan Persian), and limited French. A native of Tennessee, he is married with three daughters. He joined the MCAF Board of Directors in 2017.
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 served as Director of Institutional Research, Analysis and Planning (IRAP) at Marine Corps University (MCU) prior to her retirement from federal service in March 2017. Her professional career spanned over 40 years in federal service and education.
As Director of IRAP, Dr. Johnston was responsible for managing systems to monitor and report on the institutional effectiveness of the University as required for accreditation for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Prior to her tenure as director of IRAP, she was Faculty Development Coordinator at MCU, facilitating the ongoing professional development activities for faculty of Marine Corps War College, the School of Advanced Warfighting, Command and Staff College, Expeditionary Warfare School, and the Enlisted Professional Military Education. She was honored to be awarded Commendations for Meritorious Civilian Service for her service with Marine Corps University.
Dr. Johnston’s former positions included civilian service with the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB as a contract negotiator followed by a lengthy engagement as a career planning professional, both within the community college system and as a private practice professional. During that time, she authored a textbook, The Career Adventure (Pearson Education) which was published in Fifth Edition in 2015. She was also an associate with USAID and USIA projects in Chennai, India, supporting career and vocational educational development and faculty exchange.
A graduate of The Ohio State University, Dr. Johnston’s dissertation research interest was focused on the qualities associated with performance in high stress/high stakes settings. Her research, including “A Qualitative Exploration of the Leadership Qualities Fostering National/Social Resilience,” and “The Golden Age of Adult Education: The Collective Disorientating Dilemma,” have appeared in both traditional and online publications and proceedings.
Dr. Johnston holds master’s degrees in Counseling from the University of Dayton and Workforce Development from The Ohio State University. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Wright State University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications.
A resident of Dayton, Ohio, Dr. Johnston is married to Mr. Jack Johnston, former CEO and President of Winsupply, Inc. and is the parent of LtCol Charles Johnston, USMC, currently serving in Stuttgart, Germany with AFRICOM; Dr. Mitchell Johnston, an assistant professor in finance at the University of Dayton and Mr. Russell Johnston, a private equity entrepreneur in Chicago.
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, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion May 1991 through May 1992 and 6th Marine Corps District (RS Jacksonville) May 1992 through May 1995. Tim then re-entered active duty for another 1.5 years with 4th 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 1st 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, 4th 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)
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