Rear Admiral (R) Jonathan A. Yuen is a senior executive and global operations leader specializing in large-scale supply chain management, multi-site infrastructure, and high-reliability logistics systems. In the technology sector, he has led complex infrastructure and logistics programs across distributed data center environments, improving operational efficiency, modernizing inventory systems, and implementing AI-enabled automation to support multi-billion-dollar asset portfolios.

As the 47th Chief of Navy Supply and a two-star admiral, he oversaw more than 20,000 personnel, 110 facilities, and $33 billion in global inventory. He led enterprise-wide procurement reform, organizational modernization, and strategic readiness initiatives while ensuring uninterrupted worldwide operations. A presidential appointee and experienced board advisor, he now advises executive teams on operational strategy, governance, and scalable infrastructure transformation.



Rear Admiral (R) Charles “Chip” Rock, U.S. Navy is a senior national security and infrastructure leader with more than three decades of operational command, strategic planning, and global defense posture development. His experience spans mission readiness, installation resilience, and international security cooperation, with a focus on aligning complex operational environments with long-term strategic objectives.

As Commander of U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo in Japan, he led one of the Navy’s most strategically critical forward-deployed installations in the Indo-Pacific, overseeing base operations, regional coordination, and support to fleet and joint forces across the Pacific theater. He later served on the Joint Staff within the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J-5), contributing to national defense strategy, alliance engagement, and security cooperation policy. He now advises on defense strategy, infrastructure planning, and mission-aligned execution across federal and interagency environments.

Major General (R) James Simpson, U.S. Army, is a senior defense and government contracting executive with more than 33 years of leadership experience across military operations, federal acquisition, and strategic advisory. He is recognized for helping organizations navigate complex Department of Defense environments, strengthen their contracting strategies, and compete successfully in the federal marketplace. As the former Commanding General of the U.S. Army Contracting Command, he led a global workforce of more than 6,200 personnel across 105 locations and oversaw the award of more than 170,000 contracts valued at over $60 billion, providing him with deep insight into how federal agencies evaluate, select, and manage contractors.

He currently serves as CEO of JES Acquisition and Business Solutions, LLC, and as Vice President, Department of Defense & Contracts at Catapult Growth Partners, LLC. In these roles, he advises organizations on defense acquisition, federal contracting strategy, and public-private partnership engagement, helping clients align their capabilities with evolving government priorities, reduce risk, and deliver mission-focused outcomes. Major General (R) Simpson is known for bridging senior military leadership, acquisition expertise, and private-sector execution, giving organizations a distinct advantage in understanding not only how the system works, but how to succeed within it.

Captain (R) Jerry King, U.S. Navy, is a senior federal acquisition and logistics executive with more than three decades of experience in defense procurement, supply chain operations, and mission-focused program execution. He brings deep expertise in federal acquisition strategy and operational contracting environments, supporting the delivery of complex capabilities aligned with evolving government priorities. During his Navy career, he held senior command and contracting leadership roles across major organizations, including the Defense Contract Management Agency, Naval Supply Systems Command, Fleet Logistics Center Naples, Fleet Logistics Center Singapore, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, where he led large-scale contracting operations, global logistics programs, and cross-functional teams in support of warfighters, allied partners, and federal agencies.

Recognized as the Navy Acquisition Professional of the Year, Captain (R) King provides valuable insight into federal procurement ecosystems, organizational performance, and mission execution in high-stakes environments. He has contributed to advancing acquisition best practices through program oversight, workforce development, and strategic sourcing initiatives, strengthening alignment between operational requirements and contracting outcomes. With global leadership experience across Singapore, Italy, Germany, and Djibouti, and mission support spanning the Pacific, Atlantic, Europe, Asia, and Africa, he brings a proven ability to operate in complex, multinational environments and deliver mission success at scale.

Neil J. Patel is the CEO and Co-Founder of GrantFlow, a mission-driven organization that combines expert grant writers, structured methodology, and proprietary software to help nonprofits and social-impact organizations win, track, and renew more grants with greater efficiency and measurable impact. He brings senior experience in marketing, strategy, and brand development, including executive work with The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Imagineering, where he connected complex narratives to real-world outcomes.

At GrantFlow, he leads business strategy, market development, and client engagement, drawing on a team responsible for nearly $245M in competitive grant wins and a methodology spanning 20,000+ grant applications; the company pairs grants intelligence with an AI-enabled CRM and workflow system that reduces administrative friction and improves pipeline visibility. For Insight Shield Consulting, Neil adds nonprofit funding architecture expertise, AI-augmented grant strategy, and mission-focused organizational scaling informed by cross-sector leadership and venture advising.

Tim Spadafore is a senior executive and growth strategist with extensive experience leading enterprise IT modernization, federal financial transformation, and operational scaling initiatives for government-focused organizations. His expertise spans growth strategy, operational alignment, and the integration of technology solutions that support mission performance and long-term organizational scalability.

He is the Founder of The Stretch Consulting, LLC and a Senior Partner at Catapult Growth Partners, where he advises organizations on federal market positioning, strategy execution, and performance-driven growth. Previously, he held senior leadership roles including Senior Vice President for the Defense Market at LMI and Chief Operating Officer at Client Solution Architects (CSA), leading enterprise operations, market expansion, and federal client delivery. He now supports organizations in aligning strategy, technology, and execution to drive measurable outcomes across complex government environments.

V-Bond Lee is a Professional Engineer and senior technology executive with more than 30 years of experience developing and commercializing advanced technologies across aerospace, automotive, and clean energy sectors. He currently serves as CEO, President, and Chairman of Volt Carbon Technologies Inc., where he leads strategy for critical minerals processing, battery materials, and next-generation energy systems, supporting project development and commercialization efforts across North America.

Throughout his career, Lee has held senior engineering and executive leadership roles at organizations including BionX International Corporation, Sumitomo Precision Products Co., Ltd., GE Canada, and Magna International Inc. He brings to the firm deep expertise in engineering execution, market positioning, and technology commercialization, helping bridge advanced energy solutions with strategic market entry, supply chain development, and scalable growth initiatives.

Randy DeWoolfson is an enterprise data architecture and information systems executive with more than three decades of experience designing and implementing advanced data management, analytics, and enterprise architecture solutions. His expertise spans enterprise data platforms, business intelligence, and the integration of complex data ecosystems to support mission-critical operations across government and commercial environments.

He currently serves as Chairman and Chief Innovation Officer at InQuisient, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on enterprise data platforms supporting federal agencies, defense organizations, and intelligence community clients. Throughout his career, he has specialized in translating complex data environments into scalable, operationally effective solutions, with experience spanning enterprise architecture, analytics, and large-scale data integration. He now advises on data strategy, digital modernization, and the alignment of advanced data technologies with mission-driven decision-making environments.

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

Ted Milone is a senior federal market strategist and enterprise IT executive with more than 25 years of experience driving growth, competitive positioning, and operational performance across defense and civilian agencies. His expertise spans market intelligence, business development, and capture strategy, supporting organizations in aligning capabilities with federal mission requirements and improving win outcomes.

As Managing Director of Market Intelligence at Deep Water Point & Associates, he delivers actionable insights that inform federal growth strategies, business development priorities, and capture execution across national security and civilian portfolios. Previously, he held senior leadership roles at Tetra Tech and ODIN Technologies, leading large-scale operations, enterprise IT modernization, and business development efforts, including management of a $32M P&L and securing more than $312M in new and recompete awards. He now advises on federal market strategy, acquisition positioning, and mission-aligned execution across complex government environments.

Archisha Mehan is a federal market intelligence strategist and growth advisor with more than three decades of experience spanning finance, government contracting, and data-driven federal market analysis. Her expertise focuses on competitive positioning, capital strategy, and the use of market intelligence to drive informed growth decisions across complex government environments.

She is the Founder of FedConsult, where she advises government contractors and agencies on federal market intelligence, contractor finance, and data-driven growth strategy. She previously held executive leadership roles at Fedmine and GovSpend, including Vice President of Business Development and Head of Federal Public Sector, leading go-to-market strategy, client engagement, and product positioning initiatives across national portfolios. Earlier in her career, she held senior leadership roles in commercial and SBA banking, supporting government contractor lending and capital strategy. She now advises on federal spending analytics, market positioning, and the alignment of financial and data insights to support mission-focused growth.

Whitney Stowell is a business development executive, capture strategist, and growth advisor with more than 15 years of experience supporting organizations in expanding within federal and commercial markets. His expertise spans go-to-market strategy, capture planning, and partnership development, helping companies align innovative capabilities with government mission priorities and accelerate revenue growth.

He is the CEO and Founder of Cribworks LLC, where he advises organizations on structured pursuit strategies, competitive positioning, and relationship development across complex government environments. Since founding the firm, he has supported the development of more than $100 million in new business opportunities across defense, infrastructure, healthcare, and technology sectors. Previously, he held capture and business development leadership roles at organizations including Signify, Philips, Chenega Corporation, and Elbit Systems of America, leading federal capture initiatives and supporting major contract bids and IDIQ opportunities. He now advises on federal capture strategy, market positioning, and the alignment of emerging technologies with contract pathways and decision-maker access.

Corbett Landes is a former U.S. Army Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Officer and federal growth advisor with experience supporting complex mission environments across the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and federal civilian agencies. His expertise spans partnership development, intelligence-driven solution positioning, and the integration of advanced technologies to support mission-critical operations.

Throughout his career, he has supported initiatives across intelligence analytics, signals intelligence, cybersecurity, software development, and data-driven solution architecture, working with organizations including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Intelligence Community, MITRE, and federal civilian agencies. He is recognized for building strategic partnerships and navigating complex opportunity landscapes, aligning technical capabilities with mission requirements and decision-maker priorities. He now advises on federal partnership strategy, opportunity development, and the positioning of advanced technologies within evolving government environments.

Brendan B. Scott is a chemical and biological engineer, funding strategist, and clean energy advisor with experience advancing carbon capture and renewable energy technologies across federal and commercial environments. His expertise spans clean energy R&D, program management, and the alignment of emerging technologies with federal funding pathways and mission priorities.

He previously served as a Federal Project Officer at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), where he managed carbon capture initiatives, led interagency collaborations, and supported merit review processes for major clean energy programs. His experience also includes technical consulting at Enkidu Engineering, project leadership at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and strategic support for DOE bioenergy portfolios. He now advises on clean energy strategy, technology development, and non-dilutive funding, supporting organizations in scaling transformative solutions and securing federal investment.

BUSINESS development

Fredrick “Rick” Whitaker is an international energy development executive and infrastructure advisor with more than four decades of experience leading large-scale energy, security, and post-conflict development initiatives across global markets. His expertise spans global infrastructure development, energy security, and the execution of complex projects within high-risk and emerging environments.

He has directed more than $3 billion in energy and infrastructure projects worldwide, leading multinational teams across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and former U.S. Army officer, his background informs a disciplined leadership approach to complex government and security environments. He currently serves as Co-Founder and Managing Director of VIVA Holding Ltd., advising on public-private partnerships, project finance structuring, and large-scale energy initiatives, including USAID-funded programs supporting resilient infrastructure and post-conflict energy development. He now advises on global infrastructure strategy, energy security, and mission-aligned execution across public sector and defense environments.

Brian Gangoso is a workforce development strategist and talent acquisition executive with experience connecting high-caliber professionals to mission-driven organizations across defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors. His expertise spans workforce strategy, talent pipeline development, and the alignment of personnel capabilities with evolving organizational and mission requirements.

He is the President of Regroup Staffing, where he leads initiatives focused on recruiting scalability, operational efficiency, and strategic workforce solutions. Previously, he held senior leadership roles including Executive Vice President and Managing Partner at G1 Staffing, expanding recruiting capabilities, strengthening client partnerships, and building targeted talent pipelines across federal and commercial markets. A veteran of military intelligence operations, his HUMINT-informed background strengthens his ability to assess talent for high-trust environments and support workforce readiness in complex operational settings. He now advises on workforce strategy, talent acquisition, and the alignment of personnel capabilities with mission-critical objectives.

Emily Isbell supports business operations and organizational execution, strengthening the operational foundation that enables the firm’s consulting, business development, and innovation initiatives. She partners closely with leadership to shape operational structure, align internal priorities, and support coordination across complex, multi-party engagements.

Her experience includes operations management, executive-level coordination, and systems development within high-responsiveness environments where discretion and precision are essential. She now supports the firm’s mission by ensuring initiatives are operationally aligned, effectively resourced, and positioned for successful execution across federal and defense-focused engagements.

founder & ceo

Ernie Hinojos is the founder of Insight Shield Consulting and Insight Shield Analytics. With over 30 years of leadership across national security, policy, and analytics, he brings a depth of knowledge and expertise to his clients. Ernie has a versatile background, even appearing twice on the Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid. Having served as a U.S. veteran, police officer, and Boy Scout, Ernie is passionate about patriotism and serving his country. His mission is to bridge the gap between government, defense, and the private industry by delivering strategic business development, intelligence-informed insights, and technology-enabled solutions.

His decades of experience in military intelligence, federal program management, and strategic consulting allow him to help organizations optimize operations and achieve sustainable growth, provide trusted advisory services for federal contracting, defense-sector initiatives, and community-focused programs, and empower minority, veteran, and mission-driven enterprises with the tools, networks, and insights to compete at the highest levels. He is experienced in mission operations, data systems, UAS technology, and strategic planning, and serves as a key participant in assisting the Arkansas Army National Guard in building the Army 2030 UAS mission architecture. Additionally, Ernie is a certified Agile Scrum Master with advanced skills in ArcGIS, Tableau, cybersecurity, and systems analysis. As a collaborator connecting senior leadership with emerging technologies and actionable insights, he helps clients reach their goals, while also engaging in volunteer efforts including a project to provide prosthetic limbs to Ukraine and serving as a senior advisor for GrantFlow, which has supported over $240 million for non-profits.