Gregory Barbaccia serves as the United States Federal Chief Information Officer, overseeing the implementation of secure, reliable, and high-performing technology across the Federal government. Prior to joining the White House, Gregory served in multiple leadership positions in the commercial technology sector where he executed robust information security strategies and implemented advanced analytics and security solutions at scale. Gregory is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and is a US Army Intelligence Veteran, having served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Alexis Bonnell is the Head of AI Adoption and Deployment at OpenAI focused on Government and Public Sector. Alexis previously served as a Federal Chief Innovation Officer, Chief Information Officer of the Air Force Research Laboratory, was the Emerging Technology Evangelist at Google, and was one of the first employees of the Internet Trade Association. Alexis has deployed more than 60 AI systems and solutions in Government. Alexis has introduced AI to over 700,000 public servants, and has led the most comprehensive AI Adoption Research program in US Government, specializing in AI Adoption Psychology, Living System Leadership, and Leading in an AI Age. She is an expert in human-machine teaming. She has won more than 15 Awards for her work in AI in government.  She loves the opportunity to share the power of AI in helping people, teams and organizations reach their fullest potential. Alexis has developed and delivered technology solutions in war zones, fortune 500 companies, global emergencies,  and in more than 50 countries. Alexis is an author and holds 2 masters and an honorary PHD, she recently became a grandmother and co-wrote her first children's book focused on introducing AI in a safe, fun way... and…she has really cool sneakers! 

 

The Honorable Michael Duffey was sworn in as the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (USW(A&S)) on June 5, 2025. In this role, he is responsible to the Secretary of War for all matters pertaining to acquisition; contract administration; logistics and materiel readiness; installations and environment; operational energy; nuclear deterrence, chemical, and biological defense; the acquisition workforce; and the defense industrial base.

Over the past two decades, Mr. Duffey has served in several senior roles throughout the Department of War, including Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of War, Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, as well as multiple positions in the former Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. Throughout his tenure in the Department, Mr. Duffey has led efforts to improve the application of systems engineering in the Department’s development and procurement of our most complex weapon systems, established a capability to prioritize and protect critical technologies from exfiltration by our adversaries, and led teams developing critical technologies that maintain U.S. technological advantage on the battlefield.

In addition to his leadership at the Department of War, Mr. Duffey served as the Program Associate Director for National Security at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), where he oversaw the entire $1+ trillion national security budget for the United States Government, including the Departments of War, State, Veterans Affairs, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Central Intelligence Agency, and several international economic agencies. In his role at OMB, Mr. Duffey worked with Department leadership to publish a robust 30-year shipbuilding strategy prioritizing U.S. maritime superiority, and led efforts to fund nuclear modernization and the standup of the U.S. Space Force.

Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Duffey is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin.

Senator James C. Justice II was born on April 27, 1951, to James Conley Justice and Edna Ruth Justice. A lifelong West Virginian, he attended Raleigh County public schools and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1969, and attended Greenbrier Military Academy as a post-graduate. Senator Justice went on to Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, where he was captain of the golf team for two years before earning his undergraduate degree and a Masters in Business Administration.

Senator Justice’s remarkable career took off in 1976 when he joined his family’s business and established the Justice Family Farms in Monroe County, West Virginia. With over 50,000 acres of farmland across multiple states, his agricultural enterprise thrived. As the
largest farmer east of the Mississippi River and a seven-time national corn growing
champion, Senator Justice’s passion for nature extended to developing Stoney Brook Plantation, a sprawling 15,000-acre hunting and fishing preserve.

Following the passing of his father in 1993, Senator Justice assumed leadership as
President and CEO of Bluestone Industries, Inc. and Bluestone Coal Corporation. Over the next 15 years, he oversaw a substantial expansion of diverse businesses, including coal reserves, Christmas tree farms, cotton gins, turfgrass operations, golf courses, and land development projects. Prior to becoming Senator, he helmed 102 companies, demonstrating his expertise in job creation.

In 2008, Senator Justice orchestrated a multi-million dollar sale of Bluestone Industries, Inc. Senator Justice repurchased Bluestone in 2015, reopening its mines and generating over 200 new mining jobs.  In 2009, Senator Justice’s rescue efforts extended to The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, which faced bankruptcy and workforce cuts. Determined to revitalize the resort, he reversed benefit reductions and made significant investments in renovations and expansions. His visionary leadership attracted prestigious events like the PGA Tour, LIV Golf Tournament, NFL and NBA training camps, and various high-profile acts and conferences to The Greenbrier.

As a successful business owner and former Governor of West Virginia, Senator Justice
possesses a deep understanding of job creation and economic growth. His extensive experience in these areas allows him to foster a business-friendly environment, attract investments, and create opportunities that drive prosperity for the state and its residents.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Senator Justice has dedicated more than three decades to supporting youth programs across West Virginia. He has served as President of Beckley Little League since 1992, fostering its growth to accommodate over 1,000 kids playing on 80 teams.

Additionally, he has actively coached basketball teams of all ages for 36 years, achieving significant milestones such as coaching his 1,000th career win in 2016. Senator Justice’s dedication to community service extends beyond sports, as he organizes the Mountain State Coal Classic Basketball Tournament, which provides substantial scholarships and support to participating schools.

Senator Justice and his wife, Cathy, prioritize giving back to West Virginia’s children, including through their annual $1 million in gifts to families in need. His exceptional contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce’s Community Service Award, the City of Hope Medical Center’s “Spirit of Life” award, and the title of “West Virginian of the Year” by esteemed publications and organizations.

In 2010, he was named a “Distinguished West Virginian” by Joe Manchin, and in 2011, he was honored at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Blue Ridge Chapter “Dinner of Champions.” Senator Justice was also named West Virginian of the Year in 2023. Please see the updated paragraph below.

Senator Justice's passion and impact go far beyond his political and business pursuits. His dedication to coaching and mentoring has earned him several notable accolades, including Mountain Athletic Conference "Coach of the Year" and West Virginia High School  "Coach of the Year" in 2012. The Clarksburg Exponent Telegram also named him "West Virginian of the Year" in 2014, 2016, and 2023.

The Honorable Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., was nominated by President Donald J. Trump to serve as the 11th Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Deputy Secretary Lawrence was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 27, 2025, and sworn in the following day by Secretary Doug Collins.

As VA Deputy Secretary, Dr Lawrence is the Department’s second-in-command and Chief Operating Officer directing policy and operations while ensuring coordinated action and compliance with the Secretary’s directives.

During President Trump’s first term, Deputy Secretary Lawrence served as VA’s 7th Under Secretary for Benefits, overseeing the delivery of more than $100 billion in direct benefits to millions of Veterans and their dependents. Since 2012, Dr Lawrence has been a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. Service to the Citizen recognized him as a Champion of Change with their 2019 Government Executive of the Year Award, and Federal Computer Week has selected Deputy Secretary Lawrence three times as one of their top 100 public service leaders.

Outside of his government service, Dr. Lawrence is a businessman with 35 years of experience solving management problems in large, complex organizations and the author of several books on effective and efficient government. As a private sector executive, he was a consulting partner at two Fortune 500 companies.

Dr. Lawrence served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, graduated from the Army’s Airborne School, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. He earned a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Economics from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.