So Ya Wanna Be THE Chief?!

Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Martha Dunning served as the Chief Enlisted Manager of Air, Space and Information Operations A3 Directorate for First Air Force Air Forces Northern, Air Forces Space, Tyndall AFB, FL upon her retirement in May 2026. She was the lead Functional Area Manager for all Battle Manager Operators in the Continental North American Aerospace Defense Command Region Enterprise. Chief Dunning entered the Air Force in June of 2001 and was assigned as a Battle Management Operator (BMO) at the 337 Air Control Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base FL where she helped build the next generation of battle managers for the United States and partner nations. 

CMSgt Patrick Cone is the Senior Enlisted Leader, 372d RecruitingGroup, Riverdale, Utah. He is the primary senior enlistedadvisor to the commander for operation effectiveness,readiness, and professional development. He also managesand directs resource activities; interprets and enforcespolicies and applicable directives to meet missionrequirements. Additionally, he oversees and advises on thehealth, morale, welfare, and qualify of life for all assignedpersonnel within the geographically separated unit, whichincludes eight Enlisted Accessions Recruiting Squadrons andone Officer Accessions Recruiting Squadron spanning 314recruiting offices, 24 states and the Pacific Rim,encompassing over 4.1 million square miles.

Darrius T. Smith, widely known by his nickname “Smitty,” is a military veteran, visionary leader, and the architect of the revolutionary ST4Y READY Blueprint for authentic leadership.Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Darrius forged a distinguished twenty-five-year career in the United States Air Force.Smitty’s leadership style is rooted in purpose-driven leadership and a growth mindset. His “win from within” mantra inspires individuals and teams to maximize their performance. His ultimate passion is guiding individuals to drop the debilitating mask of perfection and to lead with radical authenticity.

Lt Col Gilberto “Coach” Perez is a senior cyber and technology leader with 19 years of experience driving U.S. Air Force IT enterprise operations, digital transformation, and cyber workforce development. As Deputy Commander of the 690th Cyberspace Operations Group, he helps lead 1,900 personnel delivering secure global connectivity to hundreds of thousands of users across more than 180 countries. Over his career, he has served as a squadron commander twice, Presidential Communications Officer supporting two White House Administrations, and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Lt Col Perez is passionate about developing people and building high-performance teams to achieve meaningful results. He holds degrees from the U.S. Air Force Academy, the University of Tampa, Air University, and Army University, and is a doctoral student in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California. Upon retiring from active duty in July 2026, he will continue developing the next generation of leaders as a non-profit board member, author, speaker, and cross-sector collaborator.

Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Bryan Tuman grew up in southern Minnesota and entered the Air Force in the spring of 1993. Upon graduation from Basic Training, he attended the Air Force Medical Service School at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Chief Tuman’s contributions across the Air Force include assignments as a Professional Military Education Instructor, First Sergeant, and Command Chief Master Sergeant.

Joe Bogdan is a leadership educator, speaker, and lifelong student of self-mastery. He serves as Chief Learning Officer for Connecting Heads to Hearts (C2H), helping organizations develop leaders who align what they know in their heads with how they show up from their hearts. He also works as a Strategic HR Business Partner for a Fortune 200 company, where he supports senior leaders and organizations in building strong cultures and high-performing teams.Joe spent more than two decades serving in the United States Air Force, where he led teams across multiple career fields and developed a deep appreciation for the responsibility leaders carry. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to helping people grow into the leaders they are capable of becoming, not just in title, but in character.Joe wrote Better Has No Finish Line: Waypoints on the Lifelong Pursuit of Self Mastery and Leadership to challenge the idea that growth has a finish line. Drawing on lessons from military service, leadership development, and personal reflection, the book offers practical waypoints for anyone committed to becoming better in life and leadership.

Chief Dan Hall returns as RETIRED Chief Dan Hall! Recently retired Chief Hall shares his thoughts on the transition process that all Chiefs eventually go through and how he handled, and is handling, it. 

Chief (Retired) Amber Houghton returns to share thoughts and experiences about another of her passions, Seek Help! One thing Chiefs or other senior leaders don't do very well is take care of themselves as they know they should. They're too busy taking care of others. But what happens when you can't give any more? Seek help! We don't, but we should!

Captain Aryemis Brown is a multi-domain warfare officer in the United States Space Force. He holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Oxford, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar, and is a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Academy.

CMSgt (Ret) Dr. José A. Lugo Santiago, a proud U.S. Air Force Veteran and a visionary executive leader, founded LS|EG.With over 20 years of extensive experience, he excels in Strategy, Project and Change Management, and Business Process Re-engineering.He has successfully led large organizations, managing up to 10,000 personnel in dynamic, fast-paced environments.His expertise encompasses managing substantial budgets and resources, assessing and auditing ISO 9001:2015, implementing quality systems, process improvements, and conducting domestic and global operations.As a risk manager, he has protected assets worth over $3.7 Billion, consistently exceeding senior leadership expectations. His accomplishments as a speaker and published author further accentuate his distinguished career.

Lt Col Joshua Larson is the Commander of Cadet Squadron 31, U.S Air Force Academy, Colorado. In his current role, he is responsible for leading and developing warfighters of character and quality for the Unites States’ Air and Space Forces. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a degree in Computer Science in May of 2011 and served as the commander of the 9th Communications Squadron at Beale AFB CA.

CMSgt (Ret) Steve Burns entered the Air Force on 25 Jul 1984, after proficiency advancing through basic training (15 training days). After completing tech training, he was assigned to Keesler Medical Center in Biloxi, MS, where he served as a medical service technician for the first 9 years of his career.  He served as a PME Instructor at NCO Academy and ALS levels, as the Superintendent of the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Ramstein, AB and the Group Chief for the largest inpatient medical treatment facility in the Air Force.  Once he retired, he worked at the Travis AF&C, providing counseling services to our Airmen.  He has also held the following positions at multiple military treatment facilities, Director Joint Venture programs - David Grant Medical Center, Risk Manager - David Grant Medical Center, and is currently the Director of Quality and Performance Management Programs at Kessler Medical Center, Biloxi, MS.  

CMSgt (Ret) Amber Houghton is a Leadership Under Pressure Coach and 28-year USAF veteran specializing in tactical performance for football programs and high-stakes teams. She trains athletes, coaches, and parents to lead with emotional discipline, focused intensity, and mission-driven clarity - skills grounded in military command principles and refined through real field application. 

CMSgt (Ret) Billie Baber returns to discuss the plight of homeless veterans, a term that we all agree shouldn't exist, but it does, and Chief Baber is right in the thick of it, still serving those in need and setting a great example for all of us to emulate.  

Known as The Fired Up Chief, CMSgt (Ret) Juan (Lou) Lewis, is one of CMSgt (Ret) Bob Vásquez’s first proteges. Chief Lewis was a SSgt when he met Chief Vásquez at March AFB, CA in 1991. Chief Vásquez has been Chief Lewis’s mentor ever since. Chief Lewis culminated 28 years of distinguished service as a Command Chief. 

CMSgt (Ret) Tim Bayes is the Founder & Leadership Consultant at Yes…You, LLC. Tim is a visionary leader, U.S. Air Force veteran, and seasoned executive with over 26 years of experience guiding large-scale operations, infrastructure programs, and organizational transformation. Holding a Master of Public Policy and Project Management Professional certification, he has led diverse teams of up to 4,200 personnel, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and overseen complex projects spanning transportation, construction, and defense operations.  Tim’s distinguished military career culminated as Command Chief of Dover Air Force Base. 

CMSgt (Ret) Dr Emily Shade was raised in Oregon, joined USAF in 1994, and retired in 2018. Married to Jeromy, they have a 14-year-old son, Kambell, in the house and daughter, Kiyana, who is Active Duty USAF and stationed at Fairchild AFB. Dr Shade is currently serving as the civilian Director of A9 for the Barnes Center for Enlisted Education. She's an avid reader, beekeeper, and hiker. 

Captain Pierce Risinger is a USAF Maintenance Officer who is transitioning to the Acquisition field. He received his commission in 2021 from the United States Air Force Academy. He has held a variety of maintenance assignments at the squadron and group levels supporting F-16C/D and HH-60G/W maintenance. During previous operational assignments, he led combat sortie generation, aircraft maintenance, as well as logistics and sustainment operations in combatant command AORs. Captain Risinger has deployed in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and SPARTAN SHIELD. 

CMSgt (Ret) Dr. Keith Castille currently serves as co-owner of C2H, LLC and independent contractor advising on force development, policy creation and implementation, and a wide range of business solutions. Keith is a retired veteran, having served 28 ½ years to this great nation as a valued member of the United States Air Force. While on active duty, Keith served in the highest enlisted grade as a Chief Master Sergeant. His last position was the Senior Enlisted Leader, Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Talent Management Cell, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia.  With more than three decades of work experience in the human resource field, Keith has developed and honed skills in transformational leadership, organizational culture, instructional system design, and workforce education. His mission is to empower each generation of leaders to thrive in a complex and dynamic world. 

Lt Col Jennifer A. Lugo (formerly Suarez), USAF Retired, is the 502 Force Support Squadron Community Services Flight Chief, Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), San Antonio, Texas. Ms. Lugo currently leads a diverse team of nearly 500 NAF and APF employees, overseeing separate morale, welfare, and recreation activities spread across Randolph, Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, Camp Bullis and Canyon Lake locations servicing over 80,000+ military personnel and their families.After serving nearly four years in the United States Army, Lt Col Lugo entered the Air Force in 1996 with a commission through the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Texas - San Antonio (UTSA). During her time in the Air Force, she served in a variety of operational, command, joint and staff positions. As a civilian professional, she served as the Associate Director of the Center for Student Professional Development at the UTSA College of Business before becoming a civil service employee.A native of Saginaw, Michigan, Lt Col Lugo retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2015 following a combined 24-year career with the US Army and US Air Force.

We go directly to the AOR to chat with these two great and young Chiefs! 

Chief Master Sergeant Patrick A. Hunt serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Center for Character and Leadership Development at Headquarters, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado. In this capacity, he plays a pivotal role in enhancing the understanding and application of effective character and leadership development practices across military, academic, and athletic environments for cadets, faculty, and staff. Chief Hunt motivates cadets to adopt the Air Force and Space Force Core Values as the cornerstone of their lifelong growth as leaders of character, while providing experiences, tools, and collaborative opportunities to promote leadership and character development. Additionally, he serves as an Academy Faculty Instructor in the Department of Management, where he educates future leaders of the Air and Space Forces on the importance of character and leadership, emphasizing the cultivation of habits of thought and action in organizational leadership contexts. Chief Hunt is a steadfast supporter of the United States Air Force Academy's mission: to forge leaders of character, motivated to a lifetime of service, and developed to lead our Air Force and Space Force as we fight and win our Nation's wars. 

David Satchell was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. After enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1990, he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and his Masters in Human Resources at Central Michigan University. Satch navigated the ranks to become a Command Chief Master Sergeant and finished his duty at the Pentagon as an advisor and enlisted cabal to the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, as part of the executive team. After his retirement in 2020, he accepted an offer as an Operations Manager at Amazon and learned some invaluable managerial strategies in the corporate world. In 2022, he started CORE Leadership Consulting, a coaching, leadership training, keynote speaker, and consulting company, to realign with his passion for developing leaders and organizations.Satch's authentic leadership approach is built on three foundational imperatives: earn trust, build connections, and create a healthy culture.

Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Billie Baber dedicated 26 years to the United States Air Force, enlisting in 1996 and culminating her career as the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 960th Cyberspace Wing before her retirement in January 2023.  A committed advocate for veterans, Billie is especially passionate about supporting homeless veterans and advancing initiatives that uphold human dignity and kindness. She continues to channel her leadership skills and experience toward impactful social causes, with a special focus on empowering and serving those who have served our nation. 

CMSgt Daniel Hall III is the Senior Enlisted Leader of the Wing Staff Agency and Comptroller Squadron (CPTS) assigned to the Air Education and Training Command, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB, Arizona. CMSgt Hall provides guidance, mentorship and leadership to 212 personnel across 24 career fields and 19 agencies that support 27 units, two Geographically Separated Units, 200 pilot trainees annually, $13B in assets, and 7.4K members in the Air Force’s largest Fighter Wing.His background includes various duties in the Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) career field. He has served as a Force Protection Superintendent, Manager for Air Force Reserve Command Inspector General and has held various enlisted positions while serving at the MAJCOM, wing, group, and squadron level. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as a Senior Enlisted Leader, Inspector General, Luke AFB, Arizona.

CMSgt Ecatarina M Garcia is the Senior Enlisted Leader of the 301stIntelligence Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. She is theprincipal advisor to the commander on all matters concerning professionaldevelopment, readiness, morale, welfare, quality of life, and effectivedeployment utilization. CMSgt Garcia entered the United States Air Force in June of 2004. She has served in various intelligence assignments as well as Superintendent of the Center for Character and Leadership Development and Faculty Instructor in the Departments of Military Strategic Studies and Political Science at the United States Air Force Academy.

Chief Master Sergeant Henry "Mac" McRoberts, From Little Rock Arkansas, is a Senior Enlisted Leader of the 701st Munitions Support Squadron located at Kleine Brogel Air Base Belgium, advising the Commander and Director of Operations on the training, equipping and quality of life matters impacting 152 Airmen in efforts of NATO mission execution. He has served for 23 years in functional and institutional capacities including Technical Training Instructor and First Sergeant duties.

Colonel Christina P. Perez is the Division Chief of Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) Investment Management, Office of the Chief Information Officer for the Department of the Air Force, comprised of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. She provides the executive and senior level leadership planning, governance, and resourcing recommendations for Department-wide EIT initiatives and issues, ensuring interoperability and cost-effectiveness across the five major portfolios and numerous service, joint, and commercial capabilities for Airmen and Guardians. She leads multi-agency teams in overseeing the planning and execution of a $2.4 billion portfolio while aligning the corresponding Department Strategy. Prior to this assignment, Colonel Perez was the Chief of the Cyberspace Force Development Division and the 17X Career Field Manager where she provided cyberspace organizational and force development guidance for 38,000 officer and enlisted personnel throughout the Air Force. Colonel Perez earned her commission in 2003 as a Top Graduate of Officer Training School. She has deployed in various locations such as Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, and Kuwait in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, IRAQI FREEDOM, and ENDURING.

CMSgt Adrian T. Garcia is the Flight Chief, Vehicle Management, 673d LogisticsReadiness Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska. ChiefGarcia leads 133 civilian and military personnel and is responsible for themanagement and maintenance of the Air Force’s largest snow removal fleet andits third largest vehicle fleet. Chief Garcia was born in Lorain, Ohio and entered the Air Force in January 2004. He served as a First Sergeant atDavis-Monthan Air Force base, Goodfellow Air Force base, and the United StatesAir Force Academy. 

Kodi Bailey is a retired Chief Master Sergeant who served honorably for 24 years. Throughout his career, Chief Bailey led with compassion, discipline, and a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of Airmen. As the author of Letters to Airmen: Lessons on Growth, Resilience, and Service In The Airman Tier, Kodi draws from decades of lived experience to guide new Airmen through the challenges and triumphs of military life. His voice is grounded in humility, shaped by adversity, and inspired by the letters, stories, and lessons passed between wingmen.Today, Kodi continues his commitment to community and leadership as an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and mentor. He is the founder of the Letters to Airmen series and the driving force behind Equiliberty INC, a fintech company focused on empowering under-capitalized communities through technology, financial literacy, and access to opportunity.When he’s not writing, speaking, or leading, Chief Bailey cherishes time with his wife Sabrina, and their children and proudly cheers on each Airman who chooses to fly with purpose.

Chief Master Sergeant Gerardo J. Ventura is dual hatted as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Headquarters Seventh Air Force and the Force Protection Division, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.  Chief Ventura advises the Seventh Air Force Chief of Staff, Directors, and over 200 United States and Republic of Korea personnel on the best use of human resources to meet mission requirements to ensure a unified presentation to the Commander, Combined Air Component Command.  Chief Ventura grew up in South Gate, CA. He entered the Air Force in January 1999. He graduated from the Security Forces apprentice course at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas in May 1999. His background includes various duties within the Security Forces career field at the unit, Major Command (MAJCOM), and Field Operating Agency levels. His previous assignments include bases in Wyoming, California, Illinois, and New Mexico. Chief Ventura also served overseas in Japan and Guam and has deployed to Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Africa in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, and East Africa’s Command missions. 

Chief Master Sergeant Felipe E. Perez is the Senior Enlisted Leader of the 844th Communications Group at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. He advises the Commander on cyber operations and leads 970 personnel supporting 32,000 users across 84 units, 6 wings, and 3 joint bases. He oversees $250 million in systems and circuits, supports global command and control for senior U.S. leaders, and manages executive agent duties for the $517 million NMCC cyber and nuclear communication infrastructure. Chief Perez enlisted in the Air Force in 1996 as an Aircraft Armament Systems Apprentice, loading F-16 Falcons and B-1B Lancers. In 2000, he cross-trained into the Communications-Computer Systems Operations career field and has since held various Comm/IT/Cyber roles at the base, Wing, MAJCOM, and Air Operations Center levels. He is married to Colonel Christina P. Perez of Kodiak, Alaska. They have one daughter, Isabela.

Dan Stellabotte is a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant now serving as (OWF) Regional Coordinator for Region 8 Rocky Mountain and Great Plains Region which covers ND, SD, NE, KS, WY, UT, and CO. Having served for 28 years, he embraced his passion for helping people, especially as a Career Assistance Advisor, where he assisted countless service members with transition assistance, educational opportunities, and career guidance. Serving as a Medical Group Senior Enlisted Leader, and having personally experienced the medical review board, he understands the demands and uncertainties transitioning service members face. After two tours totaling 15 years in the Colorado area, Dan has established significant partnerships and is here to ensure a succesful transition for service members and their loved ones. "Family is my core, people are my passion, and together we make a difference!" - Daniel Stellabotte 

DJ Vanas, an internationally acclaimed speaker and bestselling author, is a powerhouse speaker for Fortune 500 companies, hundreds of tribal nations, and over 7000 audiences nationwide. He has also spoken at the White House. More important than all of that is that he’s my Chosen Brother! He wrote the foreword to my book, So Ya Wanna Be THE Chief?!, and has mentored me in several areas of my life.  An enrolled member of the Ottawa Tribe of Michigan, he was born to impoverished teenage parents. He went from sleeping in a drawer for the first three months of his life to becoming a proud graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, a decorated Air Force captain, a renowned member of the tribal community, a bestselling author, and a revered motivational speaker. A true warrior, who is successful in both business and life, he credits these personal triumphs to traditional teachings and ceremony as well as his service as a military officer.

Chief Master Sergeant Jacob “Jake” Simmons is the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for United States Space Command at Peterson Space Force Base Colorado. U.S. Space Command is the Unified Combatant Command responsible for conducting operations in, from, and to space to deter conflict, and if necessary, defeat aggression, deliver space combat power for the Joint/Combined force, and defend U.S. vital interests with allies and partners.  As Command Senior Enlisted Leader, he advises the commander on mission effectiveness, professional development, and military readiness and training of all assigned and attached space forces enabling the preparation, generation, and sustainment of combat-ready intelligence, cyber, space and combat support forces. Additionally, he advises the commander on matters influencing the health, welfare, morale and effective utilization of more than 18,000 assigned and attached professionals, presenting, preserving, and projecting space power around the globe. 

Chief Master Sergeant Troy Davis serves as the Chief Enlisted Manager for Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs – Space Force. He advises the Deputy Director for Space on matters related to morale, welfare, recognition, and career progression for more than 152 uniformed and civilian personnel. He provides senior enlisted perspective and subject matter expertise on matters concerning leadership, mentorship, manpower, training, and utilization for the headquarters staff and Space Force public affairs organizations worldwide.He has served as the Lead Broadcast Instructor at the Defense Information School, where he led a joint instruction team and taught over 900 multi-service members. Chief also served a tour with the 1st Combat Camera Squadron in Charleston, South Carolina, where he was a combat videographer. During his time at Combat Camera, Chief Davis was handpicked to support joint special operations missions for both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Jacob Bleymaier is a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. He grew up a military brat as his father was a career Maintenance Officer. Captain Bleymaier joined the Air Force in 2019 after commissioning through ROTC at Liberty University where he earned a degree in Politics and Policy and a Minor in Military History. He's currently pursuing a Master’s degree in History through LU and raising his two children with his wife of 7 years who recently concluded her own military service.

Chief Master Sergeant (Ret) Alan Weary hails from Alamogordo, New Mexico. He enlisted in August 1999 as a Biomedical Equipment Repair Technician. Throughout his career, he has completed 11 assignments, including three overseas, with his final post as Installation Command Chief at Hanscom Air Force Base. He retired from active duty on January 1, 2025, after over 25 years of service to our nation. Chief Weary's diverse experience encompasses leadership roles in medical logistics, clinical engineering, facility management, strategic planning, innovation, and process improvement. He has also made significant contributions as a Career Assistance Advisor and two-time Group Senior Enlisted Leader. His commitment to service is highlighted by multiple deployments, including four in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve, and Spartan Shield.Chief Weary is a proud father of two children, Taylor (32), his son, and Heaven (26), his daughter, and a devoted grandfather of three grandchildren, aged 9 months, 3 years, and 5 years.

Chief Master Sergeant, Retired, Laten Tony Williams was born in Kingston, Jamaica. His family moved to Port Salerno, Florida when he was 11 years old. After graduating from high school in 1982, he attended Indian River Community College before joining the United States Air Force in September 1983. He retired in 2011. During his 28 years, Chief Williams served mostly in the Services career field. He also spent time as a Military Training Instructor and an Honor Guard Program Manager. He served as Operations Group Chief and as Command Chief at multiple locations. Following retirement from the Air Force, Chief Williams dropped roots in Seguin, Texas where he spends most of his time at the local gym, working in his yard gardening, and working on his cooking skills in the kitchen. He is truly enjoying a life of leisure.

Colonel (Ret) Kurt Pfiztner is a Prior Enlisted Officer who served as an enlisted member in the United States Air Force from 1976 to 1979 and as an officer from 1982 through 2008. He began his career as a Law Enforcement Specialist and retired as the Director of Staff at the Air Force Personnel Center. His story is featured in the recently published book titled, A Different Shade of Blue: Stories by United States Air Force Prior Enlisted Officers.  He’s still looking for Ed Hardin. 

Maryann Navarro is a retired Chief Master Sergeant who served as a key resource and adviser to senior leadership and staff on human resources and operational activities at the Air Force’s second-largest training installation with a workforce comprised of over 12,000 personnel. She directly led and mentored over 1,600 personnel in six diverse branches executing combat support, logistics, and services activities for 114,000 customers. She oversaw all matters related to force utilization, mission effectiveness, readiness, training, and development and managed a $4.4B budget.Upon retirement, Chief Navarro Maryann her passion to become an entrepreneur and currently owns and operates four diverse business platforms. As of recent, she’s partnered with Courageous Leadership Alliance global leadership consulting company as an Adjunct Instructor and is certified as a Resilience Building Leadership Program Trainer (RBLP-T). Last and most importantly, she is a single mother to three young men, ages 10, 16, and 20 years old, and also the caretaker for her mother.

Dr. José A. Lugo Santiago, ASQ CMQ/OE, PMP, CSSMBB, is an accomplished Senior Executive Leader, U.S Air Force Veteran, Published Author, Entrepreneur, and Keynote Speaker with +20 years of experience living abroad, managing and transforming organizations, leading, and developing thousands of personnel. He is experienced in the creation and deployment of organizational strategy, quality systems and process improvement, and the implementation of corrective actions derived from conducting domestic and global operations. He earned a doctorate in Strategic Leadership and Foresight from Regent University. His doctorate research has been published as a textbook in the subject area by international academic publisher giant Palgrave MacMillan. 

Manny Martinez hails from Olympia WA. He’s the President of Relentless Leadership LLC., a Crestcom International authorized agent. Crestcom delivers interactive learning experiences in leadership and management which help people produce real business results across 60 countries and 25,000 clients. In October 2018, Manny completed a 30-year career in the United States Air Force, reaching the summit of leadership as Chief Master Sergeant. He served military tours in the U.S., Germany, Italy and Turkey, and deployed to military operations in Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan. 

Danny Roby is Vice President, AMU Business Development and Student Success. He oversees AMU Brand Management encompassing the B2B, Military/Veteran and International markets.  He has been with the university since 2005.Prior to joining APUS, Chief Roby served in the US Air Force for 27 years, retiring as a CMSgt (E-9) in 2005.  He held numerous positions as a security policeman in the early part of his career and for the last 20 years of his career he was assigned to Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS).  While assigned to AFRS he served a multitude of positions from recruiter to the Chief, Enlisted Accession Policy at the Pentagon and Career Field Manager.

Master Sergeant Andrew Livingston is a seasoned entrepreneur and veteran, with a graduate-level education and a distinguished 20-year career in the United States Air Force, where he earned multiple awards across four different AFSCs, including the prestigious title of First Sergeant of the Year. He is the founder of Bring the Awesome Inc., a company specializing in real estate transactions across Colorado, Texas, and California, and Awesome Lending and Mortgage LLC, focused on home loans and funding consulting. Both companies are veteran-owned and operated, but more than providing jobs, they empower veterans to succeed in the civilian world. To date, his companies have given back over $85,000 to their clients, demonstrating their commitment to community and excellence.

Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Sarah Sparks served as the Command Chief Master Sergeant at the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. She advised the Academy’s Superintendent and senior staff in the direction of a premier higher-education institution offering a world-class, highly structured four-year regimen of comprehensive military training, unparalleled academics, expansive NCAA Division I intercollegiate programs, sponsoring 29 men’s and women’s sports, and athletic programs, along with character development programs leading to a Bachelor of Science degree preparing outstanding young men and women to become Air Force officers motivated to lead American Airmen in the world’s greatest air, space and cyberspace force. Chief Sparks enlisted in the Air Force in 1992. 

Senior Master Sergeant Mealinda M. Koory is the Superintendent of the Commander Support Staff, 302nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron, United States Air Force Reserve, Peterson SFB, CO. Her team is responsible for coordinating administrative and operational duties and programs, ensuring unit and Wing members can focus on core tasks impacting overall mission readiness. SMSgt Koory enlisted in the Air Force in June 2001.  She earned her space wings at Enlisted Space Prerequisite Training in Vandenberg AFB, CA.  She has served in a variety of space positions including mission planning, missile warning and as a space Aggressor.  During her 23 years in the Air Force, SMSgt Koory has actively sought opportunities to serve in a variety of positions outside of her 1C6 career field, including Technical Intelligence Collections, Logistics and as the Superintendent of the National Character and Leadership Symposium at the United States Air Force Academy. While currently serving as a 4A0, SMSgt Koory values all of the opportunities and continues to seek out new challenges. On the civilian side, SMSgt Koory is a Registered Nurse working in an Intensive Care Unit. She is married to her wonderful husband Nick and together they share the busy joy of raising 3 amazing children. 

CMSgt (Ret) Todd Salzman is a 30-year Air Force veteran.He logged over 2700 hours of instructor and evaluator time in KC-135R and deployed globally in support of numerous operations and contingencies.Todd served as Command Chief at the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell AFB, Kansas, 13th Air Force, Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and finally at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.He has a bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of Southern Colorado and a master's in Human Resource Development and Training from Webster University. Currently, he is a KC-135R instructor/simulator operator on contract for the United States Air Force at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.  Todd is married to Kelly and has two children, Jadyn and Jared. 

Chief Master Sgt (Ret) Jeffrey J. Trottier served as the Command Chief of the 109th Airlift Wing, Stratton Air National Guard Base Scotia, New York. Stratton is home to the ski-equipped LC-130H cargo plane whose primary mission is to support National Science Foundation directed operations in the Arctic and Antarctica polar regions. As the 11th Senior Enlisted Advisor/Command Chief, he served as the advisor to the commander and senior leaders on matters influencing the health, morale, welfare, quality of life, professional development and effective utilization of more than 900 enlisted personnel assigned to the Airlift Wing. Chief Trottier enlisted in the active duty Air Force in 1980 and retired in October of 2023. 

Originally from Bellevue, Nebraska, MSgt Faith Donavon has served in the USAF for over 18 years in Services career field.  She has worked as a DFAC Manager, Fitness Center NCOIC, Mortuary Affairs Dress and Restoration Section Lead, as well as a General's Enlisted Aide and Unit Deployment Manager.  Her functional expertise is why she now works as the Commander's Action Group Superintendent for the Headquarters Air Force Services Center at JBSA-Lackland Kelly, Texas, managing strategic communications along 27 operational lines of effort in support of a $3.5 billion enterprise.  Aside from earning her most recent selection as the 2024 Air Force Services Center Senior Enlisted Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award winner, her proudest accomplishment is being a mom to her two sons: Nathan and Anthone.