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!

Jared “Rook” Isaacman is the 15th Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 

Isaacman grew up in New Jersey as the youngest of the four children of Donald and Sandra Marie Isaacman. Fascinated by aviation and space, Isaacman discovered a passion that would define his career. 

Sensing an opportunity in the burgeoning world of digital markets, Isaacman left high school at the age of 16 to found United Bank Card, a payment processing company, from his parents’ basement. The company was later renamed Shift4. Shift4 now serves hundreds of thousands of businesses across the globe. In 2020, Shift4 went public, and in 2025, Isaacman left his role as CEO. 

Isaacman’s entrepreneurial spirit extended to aerospace. In 2011, Isaacman co-founded Draken International, which provides training to U.S. military pilots. The company currently services and manages one of the world’s largest private fleets of fighter jets. Outsourcing this critical role to the private sector has saved taxpayers billions of dollars. Isaacman sold the company in 2019. 

Outside of work, Isaacman is a skilled pilot with over 8,000 flight hours. He is flight-qualified in multiple military jets, has flown in over 100 airshows, an  Honorary Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, and has set numerous world speed records in 2009 while raising funds for the Make-A-Wish®. 

In 2021, Isaacman commanded Inspiration4, the first all-civilian orbital spaceflight aboard the Dragon spacecraft. The mission was a major milestone in commercial spaceflight. The three-day flight orbited Earth, raising over $250 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Three years later, he led another human spaceflight mission, Polaris Dawn. Reaching an altitude of almost 900 miles, this was the farthest humans have traveled from Earth since Apollo 17. Isaacman performed the first commercial spacewalk, and both missions incorporated dozens of science experiments and achieved milestones that advanced the cause of crewed spaceflight. 

On Nov. 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump nominated Isaacman to be the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and he was formally confirmed by the United States Senate on Dec. 17, 2025. 

Isaacman graduated from Embry‑Riddle in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics, and in 2024, he received an honorary doctoral degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Isaacman resides in Pennsylvania with his wife, Monica, and their two daughters. 

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.

Congressman Rob Wittman was first elected to the United States Congress to serve Virginia’s First Congressional District in 2007. While in office, he has focused on strengthening our military and supporting our nation’s veterans, promoting a flourishing economy through fiscal responsibility and pro-growth policies, fixing our crumbling infrastructure, increasing access to high-speed internet, and promoting workforce development through Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs. 
 
In the U.S. Congress, Congressman Wittman serves as vice chairman of both the House Armed Services Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee, where he is well-positioned to represent the needs of Virginia's First District. He has earned a strong reputation for being an advocate for our men and women in uniform and for being a champion of the Chesapeake Bay. 
 
On the Armed Services Committee, Congressman Wittman serves as vice chairman of the full committee and the chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee. On the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, Congressman Wittman oversees the largest portfolio of modernization programs on the House Armed Services Committee, with vast ramifications for the future of the U.S. military’s ground and air forces and munitions stockpiles. Congressman Wittman also serves on the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). As co-chair of the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus, he is a staunch advocate for a robust naval fleet and a healthy domestic shipbuilding industry. He also serves on the U.S. Naval Academy’s Board of Visitors. 

As vice chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Congressman Wittman serves on both the Energy and Minerals Subcommittee, as well as the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee, where he brings his professional expertise in water quality, fisheries, and other natural resource issues. He is a proud champion of the Chesapeake Bay for its environmental and economic attributes and has introduced legislation that will increase the accountability and effectiveness of cleaning up the bay. He serves as co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Caucus, which brings the bay’s issues into focus for Members of Congress. 
 
As a co-chair of the House Rural Broadband Caucus, Congressman Wittman is leading the way to bring high-speed internet to the unserved areas of the First District and the nation. His Serving Rural America Act served as a model for the NTIA Broadband Infrastructure Program, a $288 million funding program for partnerships between localities and providers of fixed broadband service to support broadband deployment. His other infrastructure priorities include deepening and widening the Port of Virginia, easing congestion on I-95, improving traffic and safety concerns along I-64, improving and expanding the Long Bridge, expanding the capacity of the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), and providing sustainable funding mechanisms to Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). 
 
Congressman Wittman was re-elected for his ninth full term in the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2024 and prior to that, he served in several levels of government. Congressman Wittman won his first campaign for public office in 1986 when he was elected to the Montross Town Council, where he served for 10 years, four of them as mayor. In 1995, he was elected to the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors and was elected its chairman in 2003. In 2005, voters in the 99th Legislative District elected Rob to the Virginia House of Delegates, where he served until his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2007. 
 
Prior to his election to Congress, Rob spent 26 years working in state government, most recently as field director for the Virginia Health Department's Division of Shellfish Sanitation. Earlier in his career, he worked as an environmental health specialist for local health departments in Virginia's Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions. 
 
He holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Public Health degree in Health Policy and Administration from the University of North Carolina, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Virginia Tech. 

As Managing Director of GAO’s Contracting and National Security Acquisitions (CNSA) team, Tim oversees acquisition-related assessments at DOD, NASA and the Department of Homeland Security, among other issues. Within the DOD portfolio, CNSA focuses on technology development, weapons and space-related acquisitions, and program performance.

Prior to becoming Managing Director in 2022, Tim specialized on acquisition workforce and contract-related issues, including how federal agencies plan for and award contracts, the roles and functions performed by contractors, contractor management and oversight, the use of other transaction authority, and the use of strategic sourcing and category management approaches. Tim is the recipient of GAO’s Distinguished Service Award and two Meritorious Service Awards, among other recognitions.

Tim joined GAO in March 1986. He served as a detailed to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in 2007 and led GAO’s office at the U.S. Embassy, Baghdad, in 2009. Tim earned a master’s degree in public administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University in 1986 and a bachelor’s degree in government and international relations from the University of Notre Dame in 1984.

Renee Haltom is Richmond regional executive and vice president of Research communications at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Her work involves engaging business, banking, and community leaders on national, regional, and local economic conditions to inform the monetary policymaking process, as well as sharing information about the Federal Reserve System. Haltom is based at the Richmond office and has responsibility for public outreach and engagement in Virginia, as well as oversees the Richmond Fed's Regional Executive, Research Communications, and Economic Education functions and its Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council. 
 
Haltom joined the Richmond Fed in 2009 as an economic writer in the Research department — often with a focus on monetary policy, economic theory, and the Federal Reserve — and served as editor of Econ Focus magazine from 2015 to 2018. She started her Fed career in 2005 at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, providing education on monetary policy and the Federal Reserve to a variety of audiences. 
 
Haltom has a bachelor's degree in economics from Michigan State University and a master's degree in economics from the University of San Francisco. 

Marvin L. Horne serves as NASA’s Acting Senior Procurement Executive, Deputy Chief Acquisition Officer, and Assistant Administrator for the Office of Procurement. He provides executive leadership and oversight of the agency’s procurement policy, strategy, and operations.

Since joining NASA in 2008, Mr. Horne has held multiple senior acquisition leadership roles, including Deputy Assistant Administrator for Procurement and Director of the Information Technology Procurement Office, where he oversaw more than 230 active contracts with annual obligations exceeding $730 million. He has led enterprise-wide acquisition programs, supported mission directorates on complex procurements, and driven large-scale organizational transformation across NASA’s procurement and small business offices.

Mr. Horne began his government career as an active-duty Airman in the U.S. Air Force and later served as a contracting Copper Cap Intern. He holds degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, an MBA from William Carey University, and is a graduate of Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Managers in Government program. He holds FAC-C Level III, FAC-C-DS, and DAWIA certifications.

He is a committed mentor and frequent speaker and has received numerous honors, including the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, Silver Snoopy Award, and NASA Administrator’s Gears of Government Initiative Award.

Jeff Koses is recognized as an innovative leader in the field of acquisition. As Senior Procurement Executive for the General Services Administration, Jeff has three priorities: 1) strengthen the acquisition workforce, 2) smart and effective buying and 3) healthy and productive industry relationships. Jeff and his team are working to ensure an acquisition system that is modern, accessible, and streamlined. Jeff is a voting member of the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council where he is a champion for acquisition reform. He also oversees the Federal Acquisition Institute which supports 180,000 members of the civilian acquisition workforce. Jeff also serves as the Chairperson of the U.S. AbilityOne Commission, the largest single source of employment, in the United States, for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. In his AbilityOne role, he emphasizes effective stewardship, prioritizing job growth, and engaging the Commissioners in the strategic direction of the program. Earlier in his career, Jeff created GSA’s premiere vehicle for integrated professional services, OASIS, and managed 25 multiple award schedules with annual sales of over $22 billion, supported emergency acquisition and oversaw acquisition for GSA Global Supply. In 2022, Jeff Koses won the prestigious Presidential Rank Distinguished Executive award recognizing him for his exceptional leadership, accomplishments, and dedication to civil service. He holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He also holds a masters in Acquisition Management.

John McCanney is the Director –Transitions of the Department of War (DoW) Office for Small Business Innovation, within the Office of the Undersecretary of War for Research & Engineering (OUSW R&E). He is responsible for accelerating Small Business Innovation Research and  Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) capability adoption across the Department. He ensures DoW components are cultivating capabilities that are aligned with the strategic interests of the Department and are focused on rapidly transitioning critical capabilities at scale to meet Warfighter needs.

Mr. McCanney previously served as AFWERX’s Chief of the Innovation Contracting, where he led contracting outreach and education in innovation activities, such as SBIR/STTR Phase III and the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Strategic Funding Increase / Tactical Funding Increase (STRATFI/TACFI) programs. He worked with the DAF Specific Topic team and mission-partner contracting offices to rapidly execute a $400M annual portfolio, accelerated selection-to-award timing, and streamlined DAF contracting processes. Previously, he was the AFWERX Open Topic SBIR/STTR Contracting Sprints Lead, championing the execution of over $2B in contracts, also serving on the Air Force COVID-19 Task Force and leading the rapid execution of $300M+ in critical technologies during the pandemic.

Over his 17 years as a DoW civilian, Mr. McCanney has worked aggressively to reform contracting/acquisition policy and procedures, with a focus on applying speed and creativity; continuously improving the ability of the Department to develop and deliver capabilities. He is the recipient of the Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal  and the Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition Innovation in Contracting award.

Dennis Kelly, Tyto’s Chief Executive Officer, brings over 30 years of executive experience in the defense and intelligence industry and a proven record of advancing growth, business development, and operational excellence.

A visionary and strategic leader, U.S. Navy veteran, and a prominent and respected active contributor to the government contracting industry and community, Dennis has held offices such as chief executive officer and president and served in chief operating officer roles in several businesses where he developed strategic plans that successfully led enterprises towards enhanced profitability and unprecedented growth.

Throughout his career, Dennis has served as an executive leader for several fast-growing companies in the government technology and national security sectors.

Prior to Tyto Athene, Dennis served as CEO of Eqlipse Technologies, where he led the development and execution of a growth strategy to expand the company into new Department of Defense and Intelligence Community mission areas. He also led Eqlipse through seven strategic acquisitions and associated integrations over eighteen months. Prior to Eqlipse, Dennis served as President and COO of CenTauri, a space, directed energy, cyber, and intelligence solutions firm. At CenTauri, he led a team responsible for doubling the size of the business in less than eighteen months and built a BD team capable of embracing new opportunities that expanded the pipeline to over $4B in qualified opportunities and realized an average sixty-percent win rate.

Dennis’s career as an executive leader also includes firms such as Buchanan & Edwards, Inc., IOMAXIS, LLC, A-T Solutions, PAE, Tech Team Government Solutions, and Anteon International, Inc.​

Dennis has served as co-chair of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce GovCon committee and an adjunct professor in the George Mason University Executive MBA program. Previously, Dennis has been a member of the Board of the Professional Services Council, the USO of Metropolitan Washington–Baltimore, and the executive committee for the Annual D.C. Walk fundraiser for the American Heart Association.

Dennis holds a bachelor’s degree from Roger Williams University with a major in industrial engineering technology and a minor in computer technology. Dennis also earned an executive MBA from the University of Rhode Island.

Joseph (Joe) Wassel is the Founding CEO of Zero Nine Thirty-Seven, LLC, Consulting and concurrently a Principal Consultant with Deep Water Point and Associates, specializing in leadership in crisis, strategic leadership in national security communications, and all cyberspace operations.  He is retired from Federal Service at the rank of Tier 3, Senior Executive Service, as the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the First Responder Network Authority. He was responsible for overall management of all FirstNet Authority operations and the organization’s strategic direction, including its unique public-private partnership with AT&T. He led a 25-year, $40 billion contract to deploy and enhance the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network for the United States, its Territories, and the District of Columbia. FirstNet was the final promise kept to our Nation’s First Responders and closed out the last open recommendation of the 9-11 Commission Report. 
Prior to joining the FirstNet Authority, Mr. Wassel served for 35 years within the Department of Defense, succeeding in a myriad of leadership roles and responsibilities. As the Executive for the Cyberspace Operations Directorate within the Defense Information Systems Agency, he led the day-to-day operations of the DOD Network and a global workforce over 2,600 people. He is also the former Director of C4 Resilience & Mission Assurance in the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Information Officer’s office. He was also the founder and chair of DoD’s Public Safety Communications Working Group, where he led the Services, Joint Staff, National Guard, NORTHCOM, and other DoD partner activities for the Department’s public safety communications efforts, including Next-Generation Public Safety Wireless capabilities, Next-Generation 9-1-1 implementation, and Enterprise Mass Warning and Notification capabilities for DoD. Prior to assuming his former positions, Mr. Wassel served as the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Communications, directly reporting to four Secretaries of Defense (Perry, Cohen, Rumsfeld, and Gates) over a 13-year period. Concurrently, he served as the Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Finally, he is also a retired Air Force Officer with 28 years of active and reserve service. He commanded troops during several tours in the United States and overseas and deployed as a reservist in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the Chief of Command and Control Operations for the International Security Assistance Force at the Combined Joint Operations Center in Kabul, Afghanistan. Mr. Wassel Joined the Senior Executive Service (SES) Corps in 2019 and rose to the rank of SES Tier 3. His military and civilian decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Secretary of Defense Meritorious and Exceptional Civilian Service Medals. 
He was decorated for his actions during the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.