WHAT IS CAPSTONE
For more information and to register for Capstone Leadership Program contact:
MATT BOWMAN CHIEF OF STAFF STARS & STRIPES
Expect to hear from some of industry’s sought out leaders known for creating safe havens and spaces to have frank conversations about life- changing career decisions. Capstone candidates will interact with Csuite mentors to assess goals, define objectives; develop strategies and shifts ones mindset to take their lives in any direction they seek. According to Military Leaders, the smoothest way to transition is by deliberate planning and goal setting at least a couple of years prior. While attending service-provided courses that provide the basics of resume preparation, interviewing strategies and appropriate attire, they note transition to civilian life requires a much broader consideration of goals, desires and end results as one considers what next for them post-military service.
WHO IS INVOLVED
The Capstone Leadership Program is led by Fortune 500 executives and C-suite leaders from academia, corporate America, industry, and large nonprofits. The Program is designed to expose general officers, flag officers, and Senior Executive Services Members to chief executives in academia, corporate America, industry, and large nonprofits.
729 E Pratt Street, Suite 504 Baltimore, MD 21202 352.234.0411 mbowman@ccgmag.com
www.ccgmag.com
Participation in Capstone Leadership Program qualifies for Continuing Education Units (CEU)
WHO SHOULD COME
• General and Flag Officers and SES Members
• Leaders Transitioning from military
Dr. Lisa Thompson Executive Advisor, Thom Robi
General Johnnie E. Wilson was born on February 4, 1944 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.He was raised in Lorain, Ohio and entered the Army in August 1961 as an enlisted soldier, attaining the rank of staff sergeant before attending Officer Candidate School (OCS). On completion of OCS in 1967, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Logistics Management from the Florida Institute of Technology. His military education includes completion of the Ordnance Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. General Wilson has held a wide variety of important command and staff positions GENERAL JOHNNIE E. WILSON (R) culminating in his assignment as the Commanding FOUNDER
General, U.S. Army Materiel Command. Other STARS & STRIPES key assignments include: Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Department of the Army, Pentagon; Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Materiel Command; Commanding General, Ordnance Center and School, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland; Deputy Commanding General, 21st Area Theater Command, U.S. Army Europe and 7th Army; Commander, 13th Support Command, Fort Hood, Texas; and Commander, Division Support Command, 1st Armored Division, U.S. Army Europe. General Wilson has served at every level of command. He commanded three times at the company level; a maintenance company in the 82nd Airborne Division as a First Lieutenant, followed by command of a supply and services company in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and B Company 123rd Maintenance Battalion with the 1st Armored Division in Europe. At the Lieutenant Colonel level, General Wilson commanded the 709th Maintenance Battalion, 9th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, which converted and became the Army's first Main Support Battalion. General Wilson commanded twice at the Colonel level, serving as the DISCOM Commander of the 1st Armored Division followed by command of the 13th Support Command at Fort Hood, Texas. General Wilson next served as the Deputy Commanding General, 21st TAACOM, the Army's largest and most diverse logistics unit. Based on his wide experience with leading soldiers, General Wilson was selected to become the U.S. Army Chief of Ordnance and command the U.S. Army Ordnance Center and School responsible for the training and professional development of thousands of soldiers, NCOs, and officers every year. Following this successful assignment, General Wilson served as the Chief of Staff, AMC, where he was responsible for resource and personnel management for a workforce with over 80,000 military and civilian members. From 1994 to 1996 served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Department of the Army, where he was responsible for worldwide logistics.
Vice Admiral Walter J. Davis, USN (Ret) was Navy N6, Director Space systems, Information Warfare systems, Command and Control Systems, and Modeling and Simulation where he directed Navy’s $3.5B IT budget. He is former VP for Business Development at GDE Systems (BAE). He was a Navy fighter pilot, Aircraft Carrier CO, and Battle Group Commander. He served in numerous Navy engineering positions including Navy Engineer for the F-14 and Naval Warfare IT Architect (SPAWAR), He was a co-founder of Efire. He is an Ohio State University Electrical Engineering graduate.
VICE ADMIRAL WALTER DAVIS (R) CO-FOUNDER & VP ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVONEXUS
General Austin is a retired U.S. Army General with nearly 41 years of military service. As the Commander of U.S. Central Command from March 2013 through March 2016, he was responsible for the 20-country Central Region that includes Iraq, Syria, Iran, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. He also was the Combined Forces Commander in Iraq and Syria. General Austin has extensive operational experience, having commanded troops in combat at the 1-, 2-, 3and 4-star levels. During his last deployment, General Austin served as a 4-star general and commander of United States Forces-Iraq from September 2010 through December 2011. He later served as the 33rd Vice Chief of Staff of the Army.
GENERAL LLOYD AUSTIN (R) BOARD OF DIRECTORS
General Austin’s many awards and decorations include five Defense Distinguished Service Medals, the Silver Star and the Legion of Merit. General Austin is 66 and has been a UTC director since 2016.
General Dennis Via is a fellow for Defense Futures and a senior executive leader in Booz Allen’s Joint Combatant Command (JCC) business. He is a retired U.S. Army general and an expert in military readiness, capability development, and the U.S. defense enterprise. Within JCC, he leads security cooperation and contributes to growth across technology innovation, warfighter advancements, readiness and training, and health facility transformation. As a fellow, Dennis helps defense, intelligence, and homeland security clients manage today’s evolving threat and budgetary environments. He also helps formulate the firm’s future business strategy for the defense market.
GENERAL DENNIS VIA (R) SENIOR EXECUTIVE
BAH
During his 36-year military career, Dennis commanded at all levels from captain to general, including several years as commanding general and deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC). AMC’s mission includes researching and developing weapons systems, as well as logistics support, maintenance, and parts distribution.
Before that, Dennis held multiple commander, signal, and chief information officer roles, working on everything from communications infrastructure and cybersecurity to global logistics and engineering. Receiving numerous honors and awards throughout his career, Dennis is the first commissioned Signal Corps officer in the Army’s 242-year history to achieve the rank of four-star general. Dennis is a native of Martinsville, Virginia, and was commissioned in 1980 in the Signal Corps after completing his B.A. as a distinguished military graduate from Virginia State University. He has a master’s degree in management from Boston University and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. Dennis is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Association of the United States Army, and the Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association.
Less than 10 African American women have earned the rank of Brigadier General in the United States Army. One of them is Bennettsville, South Carolina native, Velma L. Richardson. She was awarded that rank in January, 2000. In July 1998, she became the Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Signal Center and Fort Gordon, Fort Gordon, Georgia. As Brigadier General, she became the Deputy Commanding General/Assistant Commandant, and is the first woman to hold either position at Fort Gordon. Velma Richardson was born on January 8, 1951. By the time she was ten years old, both of her parents had died. Therefore, Velma and her brother, Joseph, were raised by her grandmother, the Rev. V. O. Jefferies, then pastor of Evans Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in Bennettsville. She credits her grandmother with instilling positive values and the belief that “nothing was unattainable for me.” Richardson once considered following her grandmother’s theology path, but she never felt BG VELMA RICHARDSON (R) the “call.” She attended school in Bennettsville FOUNDER
before earning her Bachelor of Science degree STARS & STRIPES from Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina (1973). She received a commission as a Second Lieutenant and entered the Army in 1973, serving in the Women’s Army Corps. She had been inspired by her aunt, Vashti Jefferies, who entered the army in 1951 and retired 28 years later as a colonel. Brigadier General Velma Richardson began her active duty with the Women’s Army Corps at Fort McClellan, Alabama, in 1973. She had planned to remain in the Army for two years, but soon discovered it to be her “calling.” Richardson believes in excellence, professionalism and academic accomplishments. After her initial orientation, she attended the Air Defense Officer Basic Course and the Communications-Electronics Staff Officer Course. Later assignments included: a stint in Korea, where she served as Platoon Leader and Company commander in the 51st Signal Battalion; attendance at the Signal Officer Advanced Course; Executive Officer, 426th Signal Battalion; Personnel management Officer, GI XVIII Airborne Corps; and also Battalion Commander, 51st Signal Battalion, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Brigadier General Richardson earned a Master of Arts degree from Pepperdine University in Human Resources Management. She spent 1993 – 1994 attending the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Prior to assuming her position at Fort Gordon, she worked in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence. In June 1996, she assumed command of the 1108th U.S. Army Signal Brigade at Fort Richie, Maryland. This outstanding military officer has numerous awards and honors including: the Legion of Merit; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters; the Army Commendation Medal; the Army Achievement Medal; and many others.
General Vincent K. Brooks (R) In January 2019, General (U.S. Army, Retired) Vincent K. Brooks concluded a 42 year career of military service that began upon his admission and entry into the United States Military Academy at West Point as part of the historic Class of 1980, entering in the Bicentennial year of the United States – 1976. In his senior year at West Point, then Cadet Brooks was appointed to the highest position a cadet can hold, and made West Point history by becoming the first African American to hold this prominent position – the Cadet Brigade Commander, also known as “The First Captain.”
GENERAL VINCENT K. BROOKS (R) DIRECTOR
and women in his culminating assignment in Korea.
His career experiences are many and varied, having served in combat units, primarily, and in high headquarters staffs also. Blessed repeatedly with the privilege of commanding, General Brooks retired as one of the most experienced commanders in the US Military. He honed the art of leadership and command as the leader of four different platoons (20 – 30 Soldiers); two companies (150 – 350 Soldiers); one battalion (850 Soldiers); one brigade combat team (4,800 Soldiers); two combat divisions (10,000 – 12,000 Soldiers); two theater armies (80,000 – 160,000 Soldiers); and one combined (Korean and American), joint (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Special Operations), and multinational (United Nations member states) command of over 625,000 men
General Brooks served for 16 years in the ranks of the general officer corps, the top tier of military leadership. On July 2, 2013 he donned the four star rank of General, becoming, in the history of the United States Army, the 8th African American to reach this top rank which he wore for the final 6 years of his illustrious military career. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point; a Master of Military Art and Science from the School of Advanced Military Studies and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College; an honorary Doctor of Laws from the New England School of Law; and an honorary Doctor of Humanities from New England Law | Boston. He is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations. In retirement, General Brooks is a Director of the Gary Sinise Foundation; a visiting Senior Fellow at the Harvard University Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs; a Distinguished Fellow at the University of Texas, accredited to both the Clements Center for National Security and also the Strauss Center for International Security and Law; an Executive Fellow with the Institute for Defense and Business; a public speaker with Leading Authorities, Inc; and the President of VKB Solutions LLC. General Brooks and his wife Carol, married for over 37 years, reside in Austin, Texas.
Publisher and civic leader, Tyrone Taborn was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 8, 1959 to Edith Taborn. Taborn was raised in an African American and Latino home in Los Angeles, California. Taborn attended Cornel University, where he held membership to the Senior Honor Society, "Quill and Dagger," and was one of thirty-two academic scholars with membership to the Telluride Association. In 1978, Taborn was selected the first Lyndon B. Johnson intern in the office of late Congressman Julian C. Dixon. In 1986, Taborn founded and became the Chairman and CEO of Career Communications Group, Inc., a multimillion-dollar talent management and career development company that publishes U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology, the nation's only general-interest technology magazine for the TYRONE TABORN Black community. In 2006, Taborn was a CHAIRMAN & CEO
contributing author for The Covenant With CAREER COMMUNICATIONS GROUP Black America, The New York Times best seller compiled by Tavis Smiley. Taborn is the founder of Black Family Technology Week Program, La Familia Technology Awareness Week and the Native American Technology Awareness Project. Taborn is also the editor-in-chief of Hispanic Engineer and Information. Taborn was named one of the 50 Most Important African-Americans in Technology by Blackmoney.com, one of only nine internet and technology leaders honored by Sprint and MOBE IT, and was presented with a Congressional Black Caucus Honor as a Pioneer in Publishing.
Alphonso Maldon businessman and public servant, leads Partnership Strategies Consulting of Washington, DC, as president and chief executive officer. The firm collaborates with its clientele by offering advisory support in areas such as government and business affairs. In addition to his commitment to Partnership Strategies, Alphonso Maldon is co-owner of the Washington National Baseball Club, and he previously served as president of the club’s Dream Foundation. Beyond his success in the private sector, Alphonso Maldon was appointed chairman of the Military Compensation, Retirement and Modernization Commission by President Barack Obama. His background in public service includes time as member of the United States Army. While in the military, he was assigned to places in Europe and East Asia. Mr. Maldon retired from the military upon being selected to become deputy director of Army Legislative Affairs at the House of Representatives. ALPHONSO MALDON PART OWNER WASHINGTON NATIONALS PRESIDENT & CEO PARTNERSHIP STRATEGIES CONSULTING
Throughout his career, Alphonso Maldon earned a variety of honors, including the Legion of Merit and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the United States Congressional Award for Leadership and Patriotism.
Anthony “Tony” Crutchfield is Vice President, Army Systems, Defense, Space and Security for Boeing Government Operations in Washington, DC. He brings an operational perspective and serves as the company’s senior Army liaison, informing business division leadership teams of customer perspectives for strategy and technology investment. Crutchfield joined the company in July 2017 after serving in the United States Army for over 34 distinguished years, retiring as a Lieutenant General. He commanded units at virtually every echelon of the Army including the 10th Mountain Division’s Aviation Brigade, and Commanding General of the Army’s Aviation Branch at Fort Rucker, Alabama. There he was responsible for training, doctrine, organizational structure, and future technology development for 90,000 aviation soldiers and over 4,000 aircraft. He has flown the AH-64 Apache since 1986, leading Army attack helicopter units around the world, in peace and conflict. His last assignment before retiring was as Deputy Commander of the US Pacific Command, the LTG ANTHONY CRUTCHFIELD (R) VICE PRESIDENT
largest Combatant Command in the US Unified ARMY SYSTEMS, DEFENSE, SPACE AND Command structure. In that capacity, he was the SECURITY
principal advisor and operational assistant to the BOEING GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS commander, directing joint military operations in the Asia Pacific, encompassing 52% of the earth’s surface. Crutchfield holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marshall University, a Master of Arts in Business Management from Webster University, and a Master of Science degree from the US Army War College in Carlisle, PA. Crutchfield has received numerous awards and decorations, notably the Defense Distinguished Service Medal in 2017. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Charles Yeager Leadership Institute/Yeager Scholar’s program at Marshall University. Though Eric’s Supply Chain organization is very important to him, his most important unit is Team Craft. Team Craft consists of Jeanine Craft, Eric’s wife of 15 years and their two daughters Chloe and Elena.
BG C. David Turner currently serves as a Board Member, Professional Project Services (PRO2SERVE) and PRO2SERVE Senior Advisor. He holds the position of Vice President, MacDonald-Bedford. He also serves as Senior Advisor to Dawson & Associates and Binary Exchange Technologies. David ’s experience in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers includes an enviable record of success on policy and projects involving construction, environmental oversight, contract negotiations and information technology. During his 33 years with the Army, David established a reputation throughout the Corps of Engineers for operational and strategic leadership. During his final decade of service, he commanded Corps of Engineers divisions in Atlanta and San Francisco and a Corps of Engineers District in Korea. He also served as Chief of Staff at Corps of Engineer Headquarters. As commander of the Corps of Engineers Atlanta Division for 3 years, David oversaw planning, design, BG C. DAVID TURNER (R) BOARD OF DIRECTORS, PROFESSIONAL and project construction across 8 Southeastern PROJECT SERVICES (PRO2SERVE)
states, the U.S. Virgin Island and Puerto Rico. Under VICE PRESIDENT, MACDONALD-BEDFORD his leadership, the Atlanta Division succeeded in modernizing 2 regional water control manuals that had not been updated since the 1950s. He also oversaw expedited approval for 4 major port expansions in the Southeast and multiple high-priority Section 404 permit applications. Prior to commanding the Atlanta Division, David commanded the Corps of Engineers San Francisco Division. As Commander, he helped facilitated progress on the Corps’ $700 million Folsom Dam upgrade. He also oversaw a modernization and streamlining of the region’s regulatory permitting process. As Chief of Staff at Corps of Engineer Headquarters, David served as principal advisor to the Commander and Deputy Commander. He led policy development for the Corps of Engineers IT transformation and sensitive furlough execution. As president, Military Services Group for American Water Enterprises, David oversaw operations involving water treatment and supply for U.S. military installations. In his first year, he secured a $600 million Defense Department contract.
Ms. Renata Spinks currently serves as the Cyber Technology Officer (CTO), U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command (MARFORCYBER); the first in the Federal Government and US Marines. She is a direct support to the Commander of MARFORCYBER, Major General Matthew Glavy, USMC and secondary reporting structured to General Paul Nakasone, Commander, United States Cyber Command and the 38th Commandant of the USMC (CMC), General David Berger. In this role, Ms. Spinks leads technology planning and cyberspace technical concept development with solution delivery for offensive and defensive cyber operations. She also leads the mission to Secure, Operate and Defend USMC Enterprise Network.
RENATA SPINKS OWNER & EXECUTIVE COACH
BOSS LADY NETWORK
Ms. Spinks brings a unique set of skills to the Corps as a decorated 44th MEDCOM Combat Veteran (US Army OIF 2003) and an industry recognized expert in computer forensics, information systems and assurance, risk management and cyber operations. Her experience includes designing, engineering, and certifying analytical financial systems as well as providing hands-on keyboard action for investigations/law enforcement sectors for the Intelligence Community (IC).
Prior to joining MARFORCYBER, Ms. Spinks served in the U.S. Treasury HQ; Millennium Challenge Corporation U.S. State Department, the IRS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Homeland Security Investigations supporting Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Investigations and The US Army as a Patient Administrator responsible for Medical Evacuation and Healthcare Information Processing. Ms. Spinks holds a BS in Information Systems, a MS in Technology Management and several certifications, recommendations and awards. As an avid community service contributor and Life Experience Coach, she coaches women, men and youth into the holistic pursuit and achievement of their purpose. She is still very involved in programs that combat Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation. Ms. Spinks is a sought-after STEM Key Note Speaker and Director of “The Bosslady Network.” She is looking forward to the 2020 publication of her book “Act Like a Lady Think Like a Bosslady.” and is a Louisiana native who loves New Orleans Saints Football, cooking and as a recognized CIAA Elite Student Athlete, still loves to play basketball.
I
Josh Zigman established and leads the Executive Recruiting function globally for United Technologies. He has completed numerous successful assignments for the corporate office and business units, across a variety of functions. Prior to joining United Technologies in 2018, He spent 12 years with Raines International, a premier executive search firm in New York City, as a partner. He served numerous blue chip clients, including leaders in the Aerospace & Defense industry and he counseled current and former military leaders on their careers. During his time in search, Josh was named to the Americas Advisory Council of the AESC – the field’s primary industry association. He has a Philosophy degree from Hamilton College and completed the Advanced Program for Executive Search Consulting at Cornell University’s School of Industrial & Labor Relations. Josh lives in West Hartford, CT with his wife and two daughters. JOSH ZIGMAN EXECUTIVE RECRUITER
Evens Charles is the founder and managing principal of Frontier Development & Hospitality Group LLC. A native of Washington, D.C, Mr. Charles attended Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he was a Big East Conference Division I football athlete. During his five-year athletic tenure at Temple University, he earned a B.A. in Psychology and a Master of Education.
EVENS CHARLES FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER FRONTIER DEVELOPMENT & HOSPITALITY GROUP
Shortly thereafter, Mr. Charles was inspired by his landlord and began investing in real estate, which lead him to start Frontier. At the age of 25, he executed his first small transaction that required an out-of-pocket investment of $1,000 resulting in a $25K profit six months later. This transaction was the catalyst that catapulted Mr. Charles into real estate investing. After a ten- year period of several successful luxury residential and multi-family acquisition and development projects, Mr. Charles, at the age of 36, had led Frontier to its first hotel investment. The firm has since grown to over a ninefigure portfolio of Hilton and Marriott Internationally branded hotel assets across six states.
His accomplishments have been recognized as one of the 2019 Black Enterprise largest 100 Black- Owned Businesses in the nation; 2019 Outstanding Entrepreneur Award by the Caribbean American Heritage; The 2016 Deal of Year Award for the DoubleTree by Hilton Largo, MD, presented by NABHOOD; the 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year awarded by NAMD; the 2010 Outstanding Hotelier Award presented by the Asian American Hotel Owners Association; 2009 Hotel Owner of the Year Award; and the 10 People Under 40 to Watch in 2010 awarded by the Philadelphia Tribune Magazine. He has performed speaking engagements throughout the country for several professional organizations and has been featured in various publications including Hotel Business, Lodging Magazine, Black Enterprise & Business Journals across multiple cities. He has an endowed scholarship in his name at Temple University targeting underserved students, supports many philanthropic causes and serves as a mentor to many. He is also a member of Temple University’s School of Hospitality & Tourism Board of Visitors, member of the Real Estate Executive Council (REEC), as well as industry organizations such as the National Alliance of African American Hotel Owners and the Asian American Hotel Owners Association.
Robert Steward is most well known as President of the leading consulting firm, End to End Solutions and the President & CEO of Integra Advanced Technology Services, an industry-leading IT and Program Management firm that provides cutting-edge technology solutions to iconic global brands such as Verizon and AT&T as well as several government agencies. Robert Steward’s commitment to leveling the playing field in the technology industry has been the catalyst for his success. He is an industry expert in cybersecurity solutions and IoT technology systems. Countless businesses have reaped the benefits from his advisement on data breech prevention and upcoming technology trends. His technology contributions and insight have impacted numerous Fortune 500 companies and helped better their data management systems.
ROBERT STEWARD PRESIDENT & CEO, END2END SOLUTION, LLC FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER, INTEGRA ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Steward is also the host of the top-ranked technology podcast Hacked: Unlocking the Code to Success. He sits down with industry leaders on both national and global scales to share best practices for our next generation of thought leaders and business owners. This venture demonstrates his commitment to bettering the millennial generation, and equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to create a better future for not only themselves, but those they create networks with.
His investment in mastering technology innovation and trends, has led him to his most recent business venture as CEO of IoTrack technology, as he seeks to bring positive change and innovation to business efficiency across the globe, specifically through supply chain and logistics platforms. Robert’s dedication to continuous learning and developing the next generation of thought leaders has created a buzz in the community. As the recipient of the EDGE Mentoring Award for Small Business presented by Verizon wireless, he is recognized as an advocate for developing opportunities for students and young adults to thrive and create a sure path to success.
Ms. Sonia Kumar holds several esteemed positions in the IT field. She is the COO of a rideshare app; The CEO and Mastermind behind Digital Envee, a global digital solutions firm the boasts clientele in 4 continents, including names such as Quickteller, FlyAfrica Airways, several US presidential campaigns. Sonia Kumar holds several esteemed positions in the IT field. Ms. Kumar holds a bachelors in Biomedical Science with a minor in Biomedical Physics. She has completed a Masters in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation and Bachelors in Biomedical Science and Minor inPublic Health and Biomedical Physics from University of South Florida. She is passionate about creating longterm opportunities for young talent with the STEM sector.
SONIA KUMAR CEO
DIGITAL ENVEE
she is an avid traveler and works along other visionaries to enhance communities in the US and abroad.
Dr. Thelma B. Thompson is the author of numerous essays, journal articles, editorials, and books that mostly address issues in education. She was the President of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland, from July 2002 to August 2011. A native of Jamaica, Dr.Thompson earned a diploma in teacher education from Bethlehem Teachers College in Jamaica. Her family moved to the Washington area in the 1960’s. She later earned her Bachelor of Art (cum laude) in 1970, Master of Arts degree in English in 1972, and her Doctoral Degree in English literature in 1978, all at Howard University. Dr. Thompson has taught at all levels of education (from elementary to graduate school) since beginning her professional teaching career in 1960 in Jamaica. In the 1970's, she taught English and Literature at Howard University, the City University of New York and Bowie State University. Dr. Thompson began her 11-year service to the University of the District of Columbia in 1979 as Director of Freshman English, Assistant Chairperson in the Department of DR. THELMA THOMPSON English, and ultimately Associate Dean and Professor in the FORMER PRESIDENT
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE College of Liberal and Fine Arts. From 1990-1998, Dr. Thompson was the Dean of the School of Art and Letters at Norfolk State University. later served as the VicePresident of Academic Affairs at Norfolk State from 1998-2002 before becoming President of University President of University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Considered an expert in accountability and accreditation, Dr. Thompson provided documented excellence in leadership while president of University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where she led the charge to assess student learning outcomes. Over 20 programs received initial accreditation because of her emphasis on quality. She realigned the University, creating the new School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. The Modern Language Association, the National Council of Teachers of English, Phi Beta Kappa and the African-American Writers' Guild are among her many professional associations. She is the former national president of the College Language Association and a co-founder of the Caribbean Studies Association. Dr. Thompson also has served as co-chair of a Southern Association of Schools and Colleges leadership task force for redesigning the accreditation guidelines for a number of southern institutions. Dr. Thompson has been the recipient of several scholastic honors and awards, including: election to Phi Beta Kappa; Outstanding Alumni of the Year from Bethlehem Teacher's College; Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Walter Sisulu University in South Africa and Sojourner Douglas University in Maryland; and a special award from the University of the District of Columbia for promoting understanding between peoples of different cultures. In October 2011, she received the Educational Leadership Award from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Among her accolades, Dr. Thompson was named by the African- American Golfer's Digest as one of its "2009 Outstanding Leaders in Golf," and has been recognized as one of the "100 Most Important Blacks in Technology" by the Black Engineer and Information Technology Magazine. She received the 2005 Distinguished Alumni Award from Howard University; was recognized by Essence Magazine in 2005 as one of the " Women Who are Shaping the World"; was named one of Maryland's Top 100 Women in 2004; and received in 2006 the Governor's award for innovative leadership.
W. Kirk Taylor received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Tennessee in 1988 with a concentration in portfolio management and economics. In 2003, he earned his Certified Financial PlannerTM designation. In his role as relationship manager at West Financial Services, Kirk works closely with business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, affluent families, and service men and women to help them grow and preserve their wealth by implementing thoughtful and conflict-free solutions, unique to their individual situations. He is an avid student of the financial markets and technical analysis and leverages his knowledge of macro-and micro-economic trends to provide clients with timely investment advice and strategies.
W. KIRK TAYLOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
For five years, Kirk hosted “The Investment Challenge” radio program broadcast in the Washington D.C. metro area on Business Radio AM 570/1260. Kirk has served as a board member for the Financial Planning Association of the National Capital Area (FPA NCA) since 2015. He currently serves as the chapter’s Treasurer and as the chapter’s OneFPA Advisory Council liaison to FPA’s national headquarters. FPA NCA is one of the country’s largest FPA chapters with 900 members.
The Financial Planning Association (FPA) is a nationwide financial planner network of 86 chapters and is the principal membership organization for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professionals, educators, financial services providers, and students who seek advancement in a growing dynamic association. The primary aim of the FPA is to elevate the profession that transforms lives through the power of financial planning. Kirk volunteers time to Youth For Tomorrow, Brain Injury Services, and the First Tee Organization of the Greater DC Area. He is an active member, golfer, and tennis player at International Country Club in Fairfax, Virginia, and previously served as a board member and executive committee member for six years. An avid writer, Kirk writes about timely investment and financial topics. He has been quoted in the USA Today and The Washington Times. In his spare time, Kirk enjoys following Tennessee sports, golf, tennis, running, weightlifting, and spending time with his Rhodesian Ridgeback, Nugget.
Dr. Lisa Thompson, Chief Executive Advisor, ThomRobi, she is an instrument to leading strategy and global visibility to her clients. She continues to invoke change to allow enterprise thought leaders to grow. She is able to utilize her knowledge in organizational development for many multi sector industry utilizing best industry standards. Other vital roles she is involved in as CFO of Digital Envee, Inc a full spectrum digital solutions technology firm. She plays a major role in business strategist to their clients. She is focused in the areas of media development, politics, global affairs, communication, and management. Her “Yes or Yes” approach is instrumental in aiding our clients in the scalability, solvency, and viability of their solutions. Dr. Thompson is the founder and owner of the LVT Dental Center in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She is a graduate of Howard University's College of Dentistry receiving her Doctorate of Dental Surgery. She has been an active part of the medical professional community in Prince George’s County DR. LISA THOMPSON CEO, THOM ROBI
since 2006. Through her work in a variety of dental CFO, DIGITAL ENVEE settings in the metropolitan region, she has invaluable experience in state of the art modalities, treatment planning, practice management, and insurance coordination. Dr. Thompson graciously volunteers her time and knowledge to local non- profits including churches, parent/teacher associations, health fairs, and countless other community activities. Ideally, Dr. Thompson’s goal is to provide sustainable growth within her own community and globally. Dr. Thompson’s other passions include women’s health, globetrotting, swimming, and reading.
Mayon B. Neal, Jr is currently the General Manager of the Interiors’ Evacuation & Water Solutions within Collins Aerospace a unit of United Technologies Corp. Mayon leads the operational and business functions within this group. He is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to propel ~1400 employees across the globe forward to achieve results. He champions all aspects of program activities from design and development, manufacturing and entry into service ensuring on-time delivery, quality and financial targets are met. Mayon brings more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience across Collins Aerospace, GE Aircraft Engines and General Motors. These roles include stints in quality, continuous improvement, supply chain, operations, program management and business development.
MAYON B. NEAL. JR. GENERAL MANAGER
Mayon counts his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University (formerly GMI Engineering & Management Institute), in Flint, Michigan as the springboard to all of the opportunities he has been able to enjoy over the course of his 20+ year career.Mayon relies on his wonderful wife, Nichole and his two children Nya and Malcolm to keep him centered day to day.
Eric Craft is Executive Director, Supply Chain Strategy & Systems, for Collins Aerospace (a division of United Technologies Corporation). In this position, Eric is responsible for leading Supply Chain Integration, with a focus on delivery of cost synergies, integrated digital systems, business process excellence and operating model efficiencies across a $12B global supply chain. Prior to assuming this current role in Q3 2019, Eric led an organization responsible for commodity strategy, contracting, and cost reduction in support of the company’s $4B Indirect Supply Chain. Under his leadership, the team focused on Logistics, Services, Consumables and Digital Technology Prior to joining United Technologies Corporation in late 2016, Eric was BP’s Procurement Director where he led a team that managed a portfolio of over $1.5B across several critical categories in the company’s global refining segment. Prior to his time with BP, Eric led Contracting & Procurement organizations at Shell Oil Products, Tesoro ERIC CRAFT Corporation and served as a Surface Warfare EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR officer in the United States Navy. Through his career experiences, Eric has developed a robust skill set in organizational effectiveness, operational support and global supply chain management as an accomplished leader in military and business environments. Eric obtained a Bachelor of Science from Hampton University in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
Dr. Sheila Kearney brings a successful perspective of more than 30 years experience in management and D/I/ B consulting and coaching, research, philanthropy, teaching and education leadership. Currently, she teaches Performance Coaching and Psychology of Diversity at Fairfield University as an adjunct professor, and continues coaching and consulting in private practice.
DR. SHEILA KEARNEY RETIREMENT PERFORMANCE COACH
Previously, she was an Executive Director for the Gallup Institute for Global Well-Being. As part of a Gallup and Thurgood Marshall College Fund partnership, she served as Chief Academic Officer for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s board and 47 member universities. Also at Gallup, she was Vice President for Social Audits, leading and publishing national surveys on topics of public interest. She led research and development of an Inclusiveness Audit and established Gallup's D/I/B consulting practice. Upon joining the Gallup, Dr. Kearney was trained and certified as a Human Resources Selection Analyst and Consultant, also Leadership and Strengths group facilitator and coach.
Prior to joining Gallup, she was Director of the Executive Leadership Council's Foundation in Washington, DC responsible for implementation of the prototype of ELC's NextGen program. Upon graduation from Harvard, she was an Education Program and Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at The Prudential Foundation. Kearney received her Doctorate and Master’s Degrees in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from Boston College, and her Bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University.
LCDR Matt Bowman, U.S.Navy retired is a native of Walterboro, S.C. The child of an Army officer he attended 8 schools in 11 countries/states, including Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology. He left high school early to attend college. He is a graduate of Florida A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He went to Aviation Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an Ensign. He went to flight school in Pensacola, graduating in the top of his class in Primary Flight School, and was selected for the tactical jet pipeline. He was winged as a Naval Flight Officer in 1994 and received assignment as an Electronic Countermeasures Officer flying the EA6B aircraft in Whidbey Island, Washington.
LCDR MATT BOWMAN CHIEF OF STAFF, BEYA STARS & STRIPES CEO, ZINGERAPP
LCDR Bowman served at sea for 5 years aboard many aircraft carriers. He served ashore at the US Southern Command as the Counterdrug Subject Matter Expert (Andean Ridge, Tri-border region, Narco-terrorism) where he conducted operations in various South American Countries. He also has extensive experience in Human Capital Management serving in Washington D.C. at the Navy Headquarters as the Acting Director of Diversity for the U.S. Navy. He was responsible for diversity policy affecting 338,000 active duty sailors, 175,000 reservists and civilians to build the nations STEM capacity. He owns wineries in South Carolina and Florida. Matt is married to Dr. Crystal Bowman and is the proud father of three children.