Michael Bekesha is a Senior Fellow at the American Leadership & Policy Foundation an accomplished attorney and constitutional advocate at Judicial Watch, Inc. in Washington, D.C.

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Michael has litigated dozens of freedom of information cases in both state and federal courts on behalf of Judicial Watch as well as individuals, media organizations, and other not-for-profit organizations. Most recently, Michael successfully forced the U.S. Department of Justice to produce over 42,000 pages of records that were being improperly withheld under a claim of Executive Privilege.

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In addition to government transparency lawsuits, Michael has had extensive experience litigating accountability and integrity lawsuits in both federal and state court. Moreover, Michael has filed numerous amicus curiae briefs concerning a variety of issues, including Voter ID, illegal immigration, government transparency, and executive overreach. Michael has also drafted legislation and testified before state legislatures. Michael most recently testified before the State Government Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives concerning the impeachment of the Pennsylvania Attorney General.

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Michael has also advocated for the rule of law, government transparency, and good government generally on television, in the print media, at press conferences, and on the radio. Michael’s work has also been discussed on major media outlets nationwide.

Michael received his law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia, School of Law in 2009, where he was a member of the Journal of Dispute Resolution. He received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Northwestern University in 2004. He has been published three times, most recently in the Administrative and Regulatory Law News in an article entitled James Madison Would Not Litigate FOIA Disputes: Fixing FOIA through ADR.

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Michael lives in Washington, D.C.

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Expertise: Law, U.S. Constitution, government transparency, rule of law, Voter ID, immigration enforcement

Mr. Joseph “Joe” Butta began his service with the United States Government in 1986 as an investigator for the Department of Defense.  After five years, Joe entered a government internship that focused on issues in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Balkans.  Mr. Butta graduated from this program as an Intelligence Analyst in 1995. In addition to becoming a Middle East North Africa Desk Officer, Joe spent approximately five years with NATO’s Southern Command as an Analyst and Liaison Officer in support of allied operations in the Balkans.  He then spent three years as a Collection Officer preparing Concept of Operations (CONOPs) for U.S. war fighters deploying in support of operations in the Middle East and South Asia.

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Joe also worked as a Threat Analyst for the Interagency OPSEC Support Staff. In this position, he focused on international and ideological threats that exploit U.S. vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive information. Joe is currently an instructor who provides threat briefings and a Threat Analysis Red Teaming exercise where participants become the adversary and strive to achieve contemporary objectives by using intelligence disciplines to exploit U.S. vulnerabilities.

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Joe is also an author. His second book “The Dawn of Islamic Literalism: Rise of the Crescent Moon” was published in 2013.  He also created a website Christian Messianic Analysis and Apologetics where he provides answers to a variety of faith based issues.

Herschel Campbell is a Senior Fellow at the American Leadership & Policy Foundation, global security professional in the energy industry, and a former United States Air Force Intelligence Analyst.

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Currently, Campbell performs high-level evaluations and assessments of global incidents. In this capacity, he originates threat assessments, conducts global asset monitoring, liaises with global regional security centers, briefs executive decision makers, and initiates and distributes worldwide alerts on conflict, terrorism, disease, geopolitical transitions, natural disasters, and socio-economic situations. Specific projects include papers and assessments on the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa and the development of corporate Crisis Mitigation and Action Plans.

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During his tenure in the Air Force, Campbell worked closely with Special Operations Forces world-wide to provide near real-time intelligence support during high priority POTUS missions in support of the U.S. National Security Strategy. While serving in the military, Herschel held a TOP SECRET security clearance.

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Herschel’s military experience and expertise in the oil and gas sector provide him with a uniquely informed perspective from which to provide commentary and conduct research. In 2014, Campbell’s UAV paper entitled “Unmanned Aircraft, Privacy, and the 4th Amendment” received approval for publication in The American Intelligence Journal. That same year, his divergent analysis of the likely impact of the Ebola epidemic in Africa (on global travel) allowed his company to ensure continued support to oil and drilling operations in 70 countries across 6 continents, including nations directly affected by the outbreak. It also provided over 60,000 employees one-stop, concise analysis on travel restrictions, medical information, and company specific assessments of Ebola’s impact to operations.

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Campbell is currently holds a Master’s Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management. He also holds a Master Certification in Intelligence Studies from American Military University, IT Certification in Microsoft MTA Fundamentals, Bachelor’s Degree in History Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and an Associate Degree in Intelligence Studies and Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Campbell resides in Houston, Texas, with his wife Lindsey and their three daughters.

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Expertise: DoD, USAF, Intelligence, Homeland Security, Disaster Response, Nuclear Power, Global Security, Energy and History.

Dr. David L. Cross is a Senior Fellow at the ALPF where he works with scholars and researchers to inform the public and leaders on wellness related policy issues.

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Dr. Cross has been a practitioner, researcher, and educator for almost four decades. His academic preparation, published research, clinical experience and credentialing in rehabilitation and physical therapy are considerable.

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His research interests center on physical exercise, mental health, pain treatment, functional capacity parameters, neuromuscular therapeutics, disability analysis and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Cross has maintained close ties with academia throughout his career having been a clinical instructor, a clinical researcher, and most recently Assistant Professor of Anatomy at Indiana State University.

In 1985 he established his private practice, Indianapolis Rehabilitation Agency, a state approved outpatient physical therapy and rehabilitation clinic, where he served as Director of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Counseling for nearly 30 years.

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Within the medical community, Dr. Cross has served in a variety of positions including: Secretary and President of the Indiana Medical Licensing Board [PT Committee], Emeritus Faculty and Diplomat at the American Board of Disability Analysts and as elected member of the American Association of Anatomists.

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Dr. Cross received his doctorate in Rehabilitation Psychology & Adult Education from Indiana University (EdD, 1988), a physical therapy degree from the University of Iowa (PT, 1983), masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from Purdue University (MS, 1979), and a bachelors in Physical Education and Biology from Central College, Iowa (BA, 1975).

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As a native New Yorker, Dr. Cross recently moved back to his home state to pursue the next phase of his career.

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Expertise: rehabilitation, physical therapy, Alzheimer’s disease, physical exercise, mental health, functional capacity parameters, neuromuscular therapeutics, and disability analysis

Cyber security expert and author Dr. Maurice Dawson is a Senior Research Fellow at the American Leadership and Policy Foundation and a member of its technology team.

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Dr. Dawson is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems (Cyber Security) at the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL). Additionally, he was a Visiting Assistant Professor (Honorary) at the University of Tennessee Space Institute in the College of Engineering within the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Dawson has received two Fulbright Scholar Specialist Grants to go to Russia in 2014 [Project #5824/South Ural State University] to lecture on Business Intelligence (BI) and Bangladesh in 2016 [Project #6296/University of Rajshahi] to lecture on cyber security. Dawson served a Visiting Scholar with the University of the Gambia in 2013 and through the International Studies and Programs (ISP) Fellowship (ISP) awarded from UMSL in 2014.

Dawson holds a Doctor of Computer Science from Colorado Technical University that is recognized as a NSA Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) for Cyber Defense (CD). He holds multiple professional certifications such as (ISC)2’s Certified Security Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP), ISACA’s Certification in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), and EC-Council’s Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO).

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Recent edited books include New Threats and Countermeasures in Digital Crime and Cyber Terrorism. Other scholarly works include Understanding the Methods Behind Cyber Terrorism, The Future of National and International Security on the Internet, DoD Cyber Technology Policies to Secure Automated Information Systems, and Research in Progress – Defending Android Smartphones from Malware Attacks. At the moment Dawson has more than 12 peer reviewed book chapters, more than 20 referred papers, and more than 65 conference proceedings.

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Dawson is a former servicemen in the Iowa Guard and U.S. Navy Reserves. Prior to entering academia he was an Engineering Manager and Program Manager for organizations such as Textron Systems, Rockwell Collins, BAE Systems, and others with a focus on cyber security.

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Expertise: Cyber security, digital crimes, systems of systems, information operations, cyber technology, and computer engineering

Stephen Dupuis is a Senior Fellow at the American Leadership and Policy Foundation. As a USAF officer and veteran B-52 bomber aircrew, Stephen has spent his career leading airmen and ensuring the continuity of America’s strategic military deterrence.

Before joining the service, Dupuis was a successful entrepreneur and small business owner. As the creator of Defiant Photography, Stephen employed a professional staff of five and served a broad corporate client list including Lifetime Fitness, Craven Pottery, Ringling Barnum Bailey, Meals on Wheels, Xterra Sports, and the real-estate industry.

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Through his interest in photography and travel, Dupuis discovered his passion and desire to change the circumstances he often saw behind the lens. In 2008 he helped envision and co-found Beyond Poverty, a grass-roots international charity whose mission is to help liberate people from the burdens of extreme poverty by empowering communities to be agents of transformation, enabling them to solve their own problems and break free from the cycle of poverty. Stephen believes in the veracity of conservative ideas because he has watched them make the difference between long-term transformation and charity.

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Dupuis’ work has been part of an on-going and important campaign in the non-profit arena to increase awareness about how to create lasting solutions to the socio-economic challenges confronting millions world-wide. Today, Stephen continues to speak and write about practical solutions to poverty.

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Stephen is currently pursuing his Masters and has a B.A. degree in mass communications from Valdosta State University. He resides with his wife, Jessica, and their daughter in Shreveport, Louisiana.

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Expertise: Military, defense, security, leadership, ethics, human rights, religion, communications, non-profit management

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Contact Stephen: s.dupuis@alpf.org

On 21 February, 2015, the American Leadership and Policy Foundation had the distinct honor of welcoming Dr. Rachel Ehrenfeld to its world-class research and leadership team.

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As a Senior Fellow, Dr. Ehrenfield will help advance bold research that puts the needs of our nation’s citizens first.  Dr. Ehrenfield is Founder & CEO of the New York-based American Center for Democracy and the Economic Warfare Institute. Dr. Ehrenfeld’s interests include Economic and Nontraditional Warfare – (WMD & WME); Political Islam and Islamic terrorism – including the global Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliated jihadi movements, such as ISIS, Hamas, Hizballah, other radical Sunni and Shiite terror groups; Free Speech; Disinformation and Incitement; Terrorist financing; Narco-Terrorism and money laundering.

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Ehrenfeld has testified before Congressional Committees, as well as the Canadian and European Parliaments, and provided evidence to the British Parliament, and consulted government agencies such as the Department of Defense and Homeland Security. Fluent in several languages, she organized numerous international conferences and with the ACD team served as an election observer in Central Asia, North Africa and Eastern European countries. She is also a Member of the Board of Directors of the Committee on the Present Danger.

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She was a visiting scholar at Columbia University Institute of War and Peace Studies, a research scholar at the New York University School of Law, and a fellow at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and Jesus College at Cambridge University. She has a Ph.D in Criminology from the Hebrew University School of Law. Ehrenfeld is the recipient of the American Jewish Historical Society’s “Public Service Award” (2008), and the “Sappho Award” from the Free Press Society (2011).

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She is the author of many hundreds of articles, academic publications and several books, including: • FUNDING EVIL: HOW TERRORISM IS FINANCED – and HOW to STOP IT (2003, 2005,2011) • EVIL MONEY (HarperCollins, 1992,1994) • NARCOTERRORISM (1990, 1992)

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Expertise: Economic and Nontraditional Warfare; WMD, WME, Electromagnetic Pulse, Political Islam and Islamic terrorism;  global Muslim Brotherhood,  jihadi movements, ISIS, Hamas, Hezbollah, radical Sunni and Shiite terror groups; Free Speech; Disinformation and Incitement; Terrorist financing; Narco-Terrorism and money laundering.

Jonathan (Jon) Herrmann is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation. Jon is a trusted leader and consultant in information strategy, policy, and analysis. Jon has over 20 years of experience in information operations (IO) and over 25 years’ experience in intelligence. His background centers on information power and its use within the complex information environment. Global actors like the United States, China, and Russia are areas of special interest. Jon’s national security strategic experience includes: creating divergent strategies through research and futures analysis, developing plans through contextualized scenario-based assessment, and testing operational application through red teaming/wargaming.

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As a retired U.S. Air Force officer, Jon served as faculty for the National Intelligence University, an information strategist and planner, and in several intelligence roles. He has supported clients at all levels, from national political and military leaders to front-line forces deployed around the world. Jon holds advanced degrees in both political science and international relations, adding academic rigor to his experience as a practitioner.

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Currently, Jon supports the Department of Defense as expert faculty for strategic intelligence. He has taught intelligence/IO courses for over 5,000 students. Jon is among the top 5% of comparable educators and has earned commendations for education and instructional design from students, peers, and senior leaders.

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Jon’s passions include educating others to mitigate cognitive flaws and think more clearly, solve problems more creatively and pragmatically, communicate complex ideas simply, and lead more effectively and ethically.

Ron Irwin is the Executive Director of the George Nethercutt Foundation, a charitable foundation founded by U.S. Congressman George Nethercutt. The foundation’s mission is to help cultivate an understanding of government and civics through U.S. History education among at-risk youth.

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Before entering the non-profit world, Irwin owned a communications and public relations consulting firm. Ron’s business specialized in helping Colleges and Universities desiring to re-brand or expand into new education markets. Prior to consulting, Ron was a journalist in Alaska where he was later appointed Press Secretary for the States Senate. After living in the 49th state, Irwin still considers himself an Alaskan at heart. In 2012, Ron traveled to Cuba where he conducted extensive ethnographic research on US-Cuban relations. Many consider his work in this area groundbreaking.

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Irwin is committed to exploring policy in a way that encourages leaders both young and old to be willing to reframe issues in a way that enhances understanding and leads to better solutions. As a Senior Fellow and cultural communications expert at the American Leadership & Policy Foundation, Ron’s ideas and insights are a vital part of shaping tomorrow’s leaders and advancing the foundation’s public research and policy mission.

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Irwin holds a Masters Degree in communications from Gonzaga University and a Bachelor in English from Drury University. Ron also holds a graduate certificate in International Media and Cultural Communication. He presently resides in Spokane, Washington where he continues to explore the great outdoors

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Expertise: International cultural relations, civics, communications, media and the press, public relations, marketing.

Lauren L. Love is a Sr. Research Fellow at the American Leadership and Policy Foundation. Lauren received her B.A. in History, with a minor in Mathematics, from Hamilton College and is a recent graduate with a MSc in Public Policy and Management from the University of London.

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Married to an Air Force Officer, she worked as an actuarial trainee before becoming a full-time mother.

Lauren’s primary research interests include health policy and budget policy, as well as issues concerning faith in the public square.

Stephen Maddox is currently an Assistant Director of Operations in the U.S Air Force. He is qualified as an evaluator pilot and accumulated 700 hours in traditional aircraft and 2,000 hours in remotely piloted aircraft.

Maddox began his military career as a distinguished graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy. Following school, he completed undergraduate pilot training and went on to fly the B-52. He completed his first operational assignment at Minot AFB, North Dakota, with the 23d Bomb Squadron. Following his B-52 assignment, Maddox flew remotely piloted aircraft on numerous world-wide combat support and humanitarian missions.

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Maddox has led in many positions, including Flight Commander, evaluator, instructor, and launch and recovery pilot. His he also served as the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron Director of Operations. During his operational assignments he completed a Master of Engineering Management with California National University.

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In his current assignment, Maddox served as the Chief of Training, Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, and Mission Crew Commander. He resides in Missouri with his wife and daughter. They are currently expecting.

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Expertise: Military Operations, defense, aviation, engineering, UAS, training, and leadership.

Michael Navicky is a Senior Fellow at the American Leadership & Policy Foundation. Michael currently serves as an officer in the United States Air Force and has significant aviation experience having logged nearly 3000 hours in multi engine heavy aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft.

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Michael has leadership experience ranging from small teams to large organizations. He recently completed his tenure as Chief of the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Division at the United States Air Force Central Command (USAF CENT).

Michael has also served in military staff positions advising senior military leaders and developing force wide organizational policy. His primary interests are innovative technology solutions, leadership development, and cultural competence. A specific interest in technology is information management. It is critical to develop the ability to use automation to analyze vast amounts of data for human consumption and decision making.

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As a fellow at the American Leadership & Policy Foundation, Michael seeks to build a reputation for providing unbiased research information and advice that is loyal to organizationally defined requirements without consideration of individual benefit.

Michael holds a Masters in public administration from Valdosta State University; and a B.S. in computer science with a minor in mathematics from Indiana State University.

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Expertise: Military operations, defense, planning, aviation, ISR, engineering, mathematics, UAS, training, and leadership

Sarah Nilsson has both an aviation and a legal background. She began her career as a pilot in 1994. She holds an ATP in multi and single engine fixed-wing airplanes, a gold seal CFI, CFII, MEI, and a small UAS pilot certificate.

In 2014, Sarah began her legal career, becoming founder and managing attorney of Nilsson Law, PLLC. Since 2015, she has been full-time faculty at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Prescott, Arizona, teaching Aviation Law, Global UAS Regulations, Global UAS Risk Management, UAS Ground School, Business Law, and Business Ethics. Sarah volunteers as a FAA Safety TeamRepresentative. 

Sarah is co-author of the 6th edition of Practical Aviation and Aerospace Law, with Scott Hamilton. In 2017, she published her own book on U.S. Drone Law for the American Bar Association entitled Drones Across America. She makes multiple media appearances as an expert in UAS regulation, law, and policy.

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Expertise: UAS regulation, law, and policy

ALPF is honored to have Kerry O’Brien Smith as a Senior Fellow and National Director of ALPF’s Children Protected from Radicalization (CPR) campaign. As a researcher, Ms. Smith brings a wealth of education and experience in family advocacy, law, and social research.

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With 20 years of public relations, budgeting, fundraising, marketing, and research experience, Ms. Smith is enthusiastic about ALPF’s examination of the impact federal and state policies that affect the American family have on national security.  In addition, she will help examine issues relating to efforts by international terrorists to take advantage of at risk demographics.

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Ms. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree with majors in English literature, secondary education, and business administration from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA and a master’s degree with specialization in strategic public relations from the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University in Washington, DC.  Ms. Smith is also currently working toward a Ph.D. in health and human services with specializations in nonprofit management and public service leadership from Capella University in Minneapolis, MN.

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In addition to her extensive education, Ms. Smith started her own nonprofit in Virginia called Virginia is for Children, an organization dedicated to the safety and protection of Virginia children involved in family law cases, particularly those involving domestic violence and child sexual abuse. 

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Ms. Smith also has experience in various industries, including the nonprofit sector. She has worked for the Alzheimer’s Association, Instructive Visiting Nurse Association, Grindstone Research, the U.S. Department of Energy, University of Richmond, Averett University, LADO International University, and the National Media, Research, Planning and Placement Group, among others.

Ms. Smith spent eight months living and teaching English in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has visited the countries of Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, and Israel.  She sits on two executive boards for two nonprofit organizations, the O.B. Gates Elementary School PTA as Vice-President of Fundraising, and the Treasurer of the Graduate School of Political Management’s Alumni Association at George Washington University.

Dana S. Stockton is a veteran Air Force instructor pilot and Weapons Officer and Senior Fellow at the American Leadership and Policy Foundation. Stockton leads idea development, issue analysis, research strategy, and oversees and cultivates an expansive nationwide network of research teams and fellows concerned with public law, economic, and national security issues that impact America's citizens and domestic and international interests. His central goal is to ensure America's citizens and leaders have access to unbiased "pure" information and ideas that aid in strengthening our Republic and democratic ideals.

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With nearly 3,000 flight hours, Dana served as the Academic Director of Operations at the USAF Weapons School; in this capacity, he directly managed 395 academic hours, 100 flight hours, and 20 examinations for two classes per year including thesis research projects for each student. He studied, developed, and taught integrated tactics directly related to Contested, Degraded, and Operationally Limited (CDO) environments.  He is also a subject matter expert in Air-Sea Battle, Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2AD) threats, and next generation tanker acquisition. Dana graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 2004 and American Military University in 2012 with a BS in Political Science and a Masters of Public Administration. As of summer 2016, he lives in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife and two little girls.

In June 2015, the American Leadership and Policy Foundation had the distinct honor of welcoming NASA legend and rocket scientist Phil Sumrall as a Senior Research Fellow and member of its Technology Team.

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Sumrall joined the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in 1962 as a member of the Wernher von Braun team that developed the Saturn family of launch vehicles used in the Apollo Program. Later he worked on Saturn improvement studies and other advanced concepts including launch vehicles, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Skylabspace station and the Space Shuttle concept definition.

He was named Chief of the Space Exploration Office at the Center in 1989, a position in which he was the Agency focalpoint for concept definition of all space transportation elements required to transport humans between Earth and the surface of Mars.

Following the cancellation of the President’s Space Exploration Initiative Program, he was named Chief of the Advanced Transportation Branch in NASA Headquarters in 1992, where he oversaw the Agency’s $25 million budget of concept studies and advanced development projects. He became the principle technical advisor in 1994 to the NASA Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) program manager. During this assignment, he worked on the DC-XA, X-33, X-34 and X-37 experimental vehicles. He returned to MSFC in late 2001 where he managed the Advanced Concepts Office. He was selected as a member of the Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS) team appointed by NASA Administrator Mike Griffin during the spring of 2005.

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When the Ares Projects Office was formed at MSFC in September 2005, he became the Advanced Planning Manager. In this capacity, he led planning for the Ares V cargo launch vehicle. During his NASA career, Mr. Sumrall has received numerous honors and awards. He received two NASA Exceptional Service Medals awarded by the Administrator, one in 1997 for his work on the RLV Program and another in 2006 for his service as a member of the ESAS team. He was recognized in 2007 as Distinguished Alumnus of his alma mater, the University of Central Missouri.

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Since his retirement from NASA at the end of 2011, he has worked as a consultant to NASA and various aerospace companies and as a part time employee of Zero Point Frontiers Corp., a small engineering and research company located in Huntsville, Alabama. Phil resides in the Kansas City area with his wife.

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Expertise: NASA, space travel, rocket propulsion, space, lunar exploration, engineering, concept program management, aeronautics, leadership, innovation, Skylab, and telescopes

Matthew Swee is a Senior Fellow at the American Leadership & Policy Foundation. Matthew currently serves as an officer, and Instructor Pilot in the United States Air Force Reserve. He has significant aviation experience, having logged nearly 4000 hours in multi engine heavy aircraft.

As an entrepreneur specializing in small business development and emerging technology, his research at ALPF is primarily focused on leveraging emerging technology for national defense.

Michael Woodson is a senior fellow at the American Leadership & Policy Foundation. Woodson founded the start-up Stratpass Corporation as a non-partisan, national security, and open source intelligence analysis company. His consultancy brings law, policy research, professional fact investigation, language study, and multi-disciplinary source analysis to the discipline of structural, human, and deliberative open source intelligence work. Woodson completed InfoSec Institute’s Certified Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing course in April 2016, adding technical contextual understanding to his structural analyses.

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Stratpass Corporation’s first year included research and consultancy work on reducing electromagnetic attack risk on the civilian sector; development of private sector counter-information war tactics; and leadership intelligence analysis within a regional and international geopolitical context. As a lawyer, Woodson has narrowed his work to legal research and writing on national security law and related legal topics to complement his analytic and consulting business. For several years Woodson ran his own law practice handling a variety of client cases and matters including domestic relations, contract, fraud, and injury law. Woodson’s civil case information aided prosecutors in the conviction of several members of criminal enterprises. Woodson also has contract legal experience with bankruptcy, corporate, real estate, commercial law, and recently, energy contract negotiations and due diligence.

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Woodson researched legislative conflicts in helmet and armor acquisition, war policy, and veterans issues in cooperation with the non-profit Stand for the Troops organization. Woodson also wrote a book focusing a critical eye on disconnects between the American obesity and depression and the corporate fitness industry.

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Woodson has published commentary journalism on foreign affairs, national security, and domestic issues for the Rocky Mountain News, Denver Post, Colorado Springs Gazette, Longmont Daily Times-Call, Denver Business Journal, and others.

Woodson recently volunteered with a diverse group of national security professionals on a counter-propaganda project tackling Russian and extremist social media information warfare against the U.S. before the Congress recently passed the Countering Information Warfare Act of 2016. This enhanced and updated Woodson’s understanding of the effects of information and irregular / non-linear warfare as he contributes time to ALPF’s mission to improve U.S. national security, governing and political ethics, and public policy effectiveness.

Benjamin A. Wright is a Certified Defense Financial Manager by the American Society of Military Comptrollers. As a master instructor, he teaches Department of Defense staff officers, civilians and international partners national fiscal policies and distribution processes.

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With an MBA in international relations, he has experience leading humanitarian, civil-military affairs and charitable efforts in Afghanistan, Israel, and Venezuela.  He is the author of the first Afghan led, self sustained civic relief system. Collaborating with non-profit organizations and multiple US Government agencies on delivery and distribution of multiple container shipments around the world, he is familiar with logistical challenges.

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Fluent in Spanish, he graduated with a degree in business administration with a focus on international trade. He continues to cooperate with small entrepreneurs in third world countries to establish self sustaining teak tree farms and conservation efforts on the outskirts of the amazons.  He is a student of conflict management after exposure to Hebrew and Arabic cultures, religions and languages in BYU Jerusalem. Most recently he is the lead for innovative efforts in realigning Air Force technical training with educational trends used in universities around the United States.

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Expertise: finance, accounting, international relations, humanitarian assistance, non-profits, logistics, military, and management.

Benjamin Green is a Fellow at the American Leadership & Policy Foundation. He is a police detective, currently assigned to the Special Victim’s Unit, investigating sex crimes and crimes against children. Additional duties include public information officer, TAC Team (crowd control), and driving instructor for his department and the Washington Basic Law Enforcement Academy.  Ben is also a Special Agent with the Office of Special Investigations in the United States Air Force Reserve.

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With over fifteen years in law enforcement, Ben has experience in patrol, investigations, public liaison between police and the media, crisis management, crowd dynamics, and at risk youth programs. As the first officer in his department assigned to work directly with the Juvenile justice system in his county several years ago, he continues to partner with local alternative education programs to expand the innovative collaboration that has significantly improved relationships between law enforcement and at-risk-youth.

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In recent years, Ben has become active in law and policy discussions, engaging his local and state legislators about use of force, body camera, and public records issues.

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Ben holds a degree in business administration from Park University.  He lives in Washington with his wife and four children.

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Expertise: Law enforcement, leadership, crisis management, juvenile justice, management, military, at-risk-youth

Joel Post is a Fellow at the American Leadership & Policy Foundation.  Mr. Post is an international educator and policy professional with extensive experience in Asia.

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He has lived and worked over seven years in both Japan and China and is fluent in Japanese. During his time as a Prefectural Advisor he supervised over 80 foreign teachers in the Niigata region for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET). He also helped design an emergency contact procedure that was successfully implemented during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake.

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Joel holds a B.S. in Education from the University of Missouri and an M.A. in International Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. During his studies he was also chosen to be an exchange student at Waseda University’s Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies (GSAPS). His research fields include conflict resolution, education, Asian political economy, migration and trade.

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As part of his graduate studies Joel did in-country field research about Nepal’s obstacles to writing a Constitution after their decade-long civil war. He co-wrote an article about his findings that will be a chapter in an upcoming book publication. Joel also interned at the Economic Research Institute for Northeast Asia (ERINA) where he translated government documents about energy cooperation while also researching the Senkaku/Diaoyu island dispute between Japan and China.

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Joel’s volunteer work includes a trip to India with the NGO Longitudes to help build homes for Dalit untouchables in Andhra Pradesh. He has also traveled to Papua New Guinea with the Niigata International Charity Organization (NICO) to build a school in the Waria Valley.

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Joel currently resides in Yokohama, Japan. He is considering going back to school for a PhD. In his spare time he enjoys watching movies and making sarcastic remarks.
 

Expertise: Asian political economy, international policy, migration, trade, conflict resolution, translation, and teaching.

Nick Uchalik is a Research Fellow at the American Leadership and Policy Foundation. Mr. Uchalik has nearly seven years of experience as an analyst at the Executive Office of the President of the United States over two administrations. His resume includes serving as a lead Legislative Analyst for public health, budget, education, and veterans issues at the White House Office of Management and Budget and working as a lead Policy Analyst for the Chief Financial Officers Council and the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

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He has also served as an entrepreneur, volunteer, and advisor for small business startups. Mr. Uchalik’s research areas include financial management, good government, economic stability, technology development, and areas of policy impact for veterans, students, and the disabled. In addition, he served as a Management Consultant to multiple federal agencies and as a Special Assistant to a Member of the United States House of Representatives.

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Mr. Uchalik holds a Graduate Degree in International Science and Technology Policy from George Washington University, and a Master of Public Administration, Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Professional Ethics from Western Michigan University.

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Expertise: Legislative Affairs, Financial Analysis, Management, Policy, Technology Development, Economics, Public Health, and Budget Policy.

Warren Barge is a Junior Fellow and a Ronald Reagan Scholar at the American Leadership & Policy Foundation.

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Warren is getting his degree in Political Science and Economics at Truman State University, and is specializing in Rational Choice Theory and Public Choice Theory. At Truman, he is a part of the Pershing Society, an honors program, and is the Chair of Student Affairs for Truman’s Student Government. Warren has been a participant of the Koch Center for Leadership and Ethics’ Humanomics Colloquium, in which he discussed the role that economics should have in describing the human experience. Warren was also a Congress-Bundestag Alumni, a State Department-funded study abroad program that allows Americans to experience the German culture. He is also an economic development intern for the city of Kirksville. 

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In high school, Warren participated in debate, national honor society, and student council and was also a state representative for the 4-H State Council, in which he received three resolutions of recognition from the Missouri General Assembly. He also served as an intern for Jerry Nolte’s 2018 Clay County Commissioner campaign and will be serving as an advisor for his 2022 campaign.

The American Leadership & Policy Foundation recently welcomed Mr. John LaVanchy to the Foundation as a Junior Fellow. Mr. LaVanchy is a distinguished alumna of Columbia College graduating Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in History with minors in political science, ethics, religion, and philosophy. Mr. LaVanchy began his career in the public sector as a legislative aide for the Agricultural House of Representatives Committee Chairman John Cuathorn shortly upon graduation.

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After his apprenticeship, he was hired full-time and currently functions as a legislative assistant at the Missouri State Capitol by Representative Andrew McDaniel. In addition to his legislative duties, he is also the part owner of a long-held HVAC company based in the heart of the Lake of the Ozarks. Mr. LaVanchy is a lifetime student of history who enjoys traveling abroad in his spare time and has been featured in several articles such as “The Lake Today” and “Affinity Magazine” highlighting his dedicated commitment and notable efforts in the public sector.

Jakob R. McGaughey, originally from Montgomery, AL, is a Jr. Fellow with the American Leadership and Policy Foundation. Jakob always had enduring aspirations to serve his country in some capacity of public service and ultimately chose the military. He developed a true passion for service during his time in the Civil Air Patrol. While in the Air Force Auxiliary he reached staggering highest within his local squadron, wing, and region. Attending national events such as the Civic Leadership Academy where members tour several government organizations such as the CIA, State Department, and Capitol Hill. Most remarkably becoming the Chairman for the Alabama Wing Cadet Advisory Board.

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Jakob is currently serving on active duty in the United States Air Force as an In-flight Refueler (Boom Operator) in Tampa, FL. He is also attending Ashford University online pursuing a Bachelorette of Science in Economics. While serving on active duty, and attending college he is the 6th Operations Group Lead Program Manager. This position currently requires the management of 150 training programs, and 200 plus personnel on MacDill AFB, FL. Furthermore, while serving as Lead Program Manager he also fulfills the scheduling requirements for all inbound aircrew members throughout the 6 Air Mobility Wing.  Prior to joining the U.S. Air Force, he served as an Alabama State House and Senate page for several politicians including the Lieutenant Governor of Alabama. With his dedication to the truth, and service to his nation, he expects to provide American Leadership and Policy Foundation with a spectacular initiative.

Carol Taber joins the American Leadership & Policy Foundation as an Honorary Fellow. Carol enjoyed a 30-year career as a publisher of national women’s magazines. In recognition of her distinguished publishing career, she was recognized with such awards as Outstanding Woman in Business, Outstanding Media Person of the Year; World’s Who’s Who of Women; and induction into the National Academy of Women Achievers. Taber also served on the New Jersey Board of Directors of the International Women’s Forum, an organization that provides women of extraordinary achievement a global communication and networking opportunity.

Responding to the 9/11 attacks, Taber founded FamilySecurityMatters.org (FSM) in September 2002; within one year Taber – along with FSM’s experts and executives – appeared in hundreds of media interviews for national radio and television audiences, and their OpEds were read in major market newspapers and websites around the country. Taber was then selected by the National Center for Policy Analysis’s profile of “The Woman of the Month”. The award cites the nominated woman’s unique contributions to the economy, public policy and society as a whole.

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Taber is co-author of “Reclaim American Liberty”, published by University Press in 2011. The book explores alternatives to reclaim American liberties from those who do not embrace its unique character. These choices are meant to save American exceptionalism, a concept that recognizes the American experiment as matchless in limiting the powers of government and in maximizing individual freedoms.

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Also in 2011, Taber was awarded both the U.S. Counterterrorism Advisory Team’s (USCTAT) Winston Spencer Churchill Award and the Combatant’s Cross, the highest recognition by the USCTAT. Taber’s awards were presented for her exemplary work since Sept. 11, 2001 in promoting and supporting both public awareness of national security and the importance of public participation.

Harrison Cunningham joins ALPF as a Visiting Fellow. Harrison is a United States Air Force officer and aviator. He has flown several aircraft during various assignments in the United States and Japan and has deployed multiple times to the Middle East and Africa to support the Global War on Terrorism. Harrison has worked closely with coalition partners throughout these endeavors and has thus seen the first-hand effects of multinational military cooperation employed to defeat terrorism and prepare for the next natural disaster or conflict.

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Harrison’s research interests include the roles and budget allocations of the Department of Defense and the Department of State as they relate to terrorism and foreign conflicts, as well as the various organizations responsible for protecting the United States from terrorism domestically. He has written many papers on terrorist organizations throughout the world, focusing on the propagation and durability of said organizations and how the United States attempts to counter them.

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A perpetual student, Harrison graduated from Boston University in 2006 with a degree in International Relations. He has since received Masters degrees in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma and in International Relations from Troy University. Additionally, Harrison has earned a Graduate Certificate in Diplomacy from Texas A&M, Bush School of Government and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Public Policy and Administration with a focus on Terrorism which he hopes to complete in 2017.

Harrison currently resides in Sacramento, CA and is training to become a U-2 high altitude reconnaissance pilot.

The American Leadership & Policy Foundation welcomes Dr. Laura Khor as a Visiting Fellow. Dr. Khor is one of a handful of global experts and published academics on terrorist deradicalization and radicalization. She earned her PhD in International Relations from the University of St Andrews. She has published extensively and lectured around the world to international law enforcement, national and international government officials, universities, and NGO’s on the subjects of terrorist deradicalization, countering violent extremism (CVE), and terrorist radicalization. Khor was invited and attended The White House Summit Countering Violent Extremism in 2015. She completed an Expedition Everest trek to raise money for Childreach International, an international education and child rights organization, in Nepal with a 16 member team.

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Follow Dr. Khor: @DrLauraKhor