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Sagamore Midwest Defense Summit
at the University of Notre Dame
Opening Remarks & Fireside Chat with Russell Rumbaugh
Panel: The Long View on US National Security Strategy
Russell Rumbaugh
Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller)
Hon. Russell Rumbaugh
The Honorable Russell Rumbaugh was sworn in as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management & Comptroller) on January 3, 2023.
He directly oversees management of the Department of the Navy’s (DON’s) annual budget exceeding $240 billion while leading, mentoring, and developing the DON’s community of over 9,200 financial managers. He spearheads the DON’s financial management transformation, including the financial statement audit and modernization of financial systems. These efforts support mission accomplishment for Fleet commands, Marine Expeditionary Forces and all naval forces within the Department.
Mr. Rumbaugh has previously worked on national security budgets in the Department of Defense, the U.S. Congress, and at think tanks. Mr. Rumbaugh served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office twice, on the Senate Budget Committee, and on personal staff in the House of Representatives. He also studied defense budgets at the Stimson Center, Aerospace and the Congressional Research Service. Mr.Rumbaugh has taught defense budgets at Georgetown University, George Mason University, and the University of Maryland, and published widely on the subject. He began his career as a U.S. Army infantry officer.
Mr. Rumbaugh holds degrees in political science and security studies from the University of Chicago and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a Certified Defense Financial Manager with Acquisition Specialty.
A fifth-generation Hoosier, Todd grew up watching his parents work hard in order to support the family. His first jobs were delivering newspapers, mowing lawns, and providing janitorial services at the family business.
Todd is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated with honors in 1995 and accepted a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps. In 2000, Todd was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as a Captain. While serving in the Marines and working as a business consultant, Todd earned an MBA and his law degree.
In 2010, he ran for Congress and served three terms representing Indiana’s 9th District. He was elected to the US Senate in 2016.
Todd married his wife Jenny in 2005 and worked together at a small law firm in Paoli, Indiana started by Jenny’s great-grandfather. Today, they reside in Greenwood, Indiana with their four young children: a son, Tucker, and three daughters, Annalise, Abigail and Ava.
Jerry Hendrix
Senior Fellow | Sagamore Institute
Dr. Jerry Hendrix
Dr. Henry J. “Jerry” Hendrix, PhD is a retired Navy Captain, having served 26 years on active duty following his commissioning through the Navy ROTC program at Purdue University. During his career Hendrix served in a variety of maritime patrol aviation squadrons as well as on supercarriers and light amphibious assault ships. His shore duty assignments were as a strategist on the staffs of the Chief of Naval Operations, the Secretary of the Navy, the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy and within the Office of Net Assessment. Through these tours Dr. Hendrix established a reputation for using history to illuminate current strategic challenges.
Following his retirement from the Navy following a standout tour as the Director of the Navy History and Heritage Command, he has worked as a senior fellow the Center for a New American Security and as a vice president at a Washington, DC defense consultancy. Dr. Hendrix holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in political science, a masters in national security affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School, a masters in history from Harvard University, and a PhD in war studies from Kings College, London. He joins the Sagamore Institute with the expectation of continuing to approach the nation’s defense challenges with the solid pragmatic outlook of a native Hoosier farmer, which he proudly is.
Jamie Jones Miller
CEO and Regional Dean | Northeastern University - Arlington Campus
Jamie Jones Miller
Jamie Jones Miller is the inaugural CEO and Regional Dean of Northeastern University’s campus in Arlington, Virginia. She was named one of Washington Business Journal’s 2023 Women Who Mean Business for her work to launch the campus, which offers graduate programs in high-demand technology, security, and policy fields integrated with opportunities for experiential learning, research, and entrepreneurship.
Jamie previously served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs (SES III) and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (SES II) and was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service in 2020. Jamie has served the Department of Defense as the lead facilitator for the Vanguard Senior Executive Leadership Program since 2021 and as a guest speaker for National Defense University’s PINNACLE three-star flag and general officer course since 2018. Having graduated from PINNACLE in 2018, she holds the distinction of being one of the select civilians invited to participate in the program.
Jamie is a thirteen-year veteran of Capitol Hill where she held the roles of Chief of Staff to Congressman Robert J. Wittman (VA-01) and Legislative Director for Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), two senior members of the House Armed Services Committee. She continues to serve the House of Representatives as a consultant to members of Congress through the Congressional Excellence Program.
Jamie received a B.A. from James Madison University and has served as president of the JMU Alumni Association Board of Directors and as chair of the Women for Madison Executive Advisory Council. Jamie is the 2023-2024 chair of the Leadership Council for Women in National Security and was elected the 15th National President of the Alpha Sigma Tau National Sorority in 2020. Additionally, Jamie is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, serves on the North America Regional Advisory Council for (ISC)², is a member of the National Defense Industrial Association Board of Directors, and is a member of the Blue Star Families National Advisory Board.
Elbridge Colby
Co-founder and Principal | The Marathon Initiative
Elbridge Colby
Elbridge Colby is co-founder and principal of The Marathon Initiative, a policy initiative focused on developing strategies to prepare the United States for an era of sustained great power competition. He is the author of The Strategy of Denial: American Defense in an Age of Great Power Conflict , which The Wall Street Journal selected as one of the top ten books of 2021.
Earlier in his career, Colby served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development from 2017-2018. In that role, he served as the lead official in the development and rollout of the Department’s preeminent strategic planning guidance, the 2018 National Defense Strategy (NDS). The 2018 NDS shifted the Department of Defense’s focus to the challenges to U.S. security interests posed first and foremost by China, followed by Russia; emphasized restoring the Joint Force’s warfighting edge against these major power competitors; and stressed the importance of clearly focusing on these priorities over lesser interests. Colby also served as the primary Defense Department representative in the development of the 2017 National Security Strategy.
Colby has also worked as the Director of the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), where he led the Center’s work on defense issues from 2018-2019, and earlier was a senior fellow at both CNAS and at CNA. Over the course of his career, he has also served in a variety of U.S. Government roles working on strategic forces, arms control, and intelligence reform matters, including serving with the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq in 2003 and with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence during its stand-up in 2005-2006. Colby has also served on the staff of a number of government commissions, including the 2014 National Defense Panel, the 2008-2009 Strategic Posture Commission, and the 2004-2005 President’s Weapons of Mass Destruction (or “Iraq WMD intelligence”) Commission.
Colby publishes widely both in the United States and abroad. In the United States, his articles have appeared in outlets such as Foreign Affairs, The Wall Street Journal, Time, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Politico, and The National Interest. Abroad, he has published articles or been extensively interviewed in outlets such as Asahi Shimbun, Yomiuri Shimbun, Nikkei Asia, NHK, The Hindustan Times, The Economic Times, The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald, Der Spiegel, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Welt, Handelsblatt, Die Zeit, Internationale Politik, Le Monde, Le Figaro, The Financial Times, The Spectator, The Telegraph, The New Statesman, Survival, Chosun Ilbo, Yonhap, JoongAng Ilbo, Hankook Ilbo, The National Post, Corriere della Sera, La Stampa, Il Foglio, The Taipei Times, The New Straits Times, The Manila Standard, Politiken, Dagens Nyheter, Schweizer Monat, and Lidove Noviny. He also regularly appears on television, radio, podcast, and online programs in both the United States and abroad. He has testified a number of times before Congress and the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
Colby is a recipient of the Distinguished and Exceptional Public Service Awards from the Department of Defense and of the Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards from the Department of State. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Colby is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law School.
Jeff Rhoads
Vice President for Research | University of Notre Dame
Jeffrey F. Rhoads
Vice President for Research, University of Notre Dame
Jeffrey F. (Jeff) Rhoads was appointed vice president for research in 2023. In this role, he has oversight for all of Notre Dame’s research infrastructure, including supporting programs in all areas of research, scholarship and creative endeavor. He also holds the position of professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering.
Prior to joining Notre Dame, Rhoads served as executive director of the Purdue Institute for National Security and as a professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering. He previously served as the director of the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories, associate director of the Purdue Energetics Research Center, and director of practice for the Mechanical Engineering Education Research Center at Purdue University.
Rhoads is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and a member of the American Society for Engineering Education and the National Defense Industrial Association. Rhoads earned a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a doctoral degree, each in mechanical engineering, from Michigan State University.
Carrie Filipetti
Executive Director | The Vandenberg Coalition
Carrie Filipetti
Carrie Filipetti currently serves as the Executive Director of the Vandenberg Coalition. Prior to this role, Carrie served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cuba and Venezuela in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs and the Deputy Special Representative for Venezuela at the U.S. Department of State, for which she received a Superior Honor Award. From 2019-2020, Carrie also served as the Senior Advisor to the Havana Incidents Task Force, where she was responsible for coordinating an inter-agency effort to address the causes of unexplained health incidents affecting U.S. personnel, and identifying proper long-term care mechanisms.
Prior to these roles, Carrie served as a Senior Policy Advisor for the United States Mission to the United Nations (USUN), where she advised U.S. Ambassador Nikki R. Haley on issues related to counter terrorism, the Middle East, and the Western Hemisphere. Carrie began her career spending five years at The Paul E. Singer Foundation, where she served as Director of Portfolio Management. In this capacity, Carrie helped oversee the Foundation’s transition from a relationship-driven organization to a national leader instrategic philanthropy. Also in her capacity as Director of the Foundation, Carrie served as a Senior Advisor and co-founder of Start-Up Nation Central, a Tel-Aviv based non-profit that seeks to connect the world with Israeli innovation.
Carrie graduated with a degree in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia as both a Jefferson and Echol’s scholar. In her sparetime, Carrie volunteers as an EMT at a local Fire Department and serves on the board of Fired Up to Help, a local non-profit that provides hot meals to first responders in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters.
Mark Montgomery
Senior Fellow | The Foundation for Defense of Democracies
Mark Montgomery
Foundation for the Defense of Democracy
Mark is the Senior Director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation and a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He serves as the Executive Director of Cybersolarium.org, a non-profit organization which works to implement the recommendations of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, where he was Executive Director from 2019 to 2021. Previously, Mark was Policy Director of the Senate Armed Services Committee for Senator John S. McCain.
Mark completed 32 years as a nuclear-trained surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Rear Admiral. His flag officer assignments included Director of Operations at U.S. Pacific Command; Commander of Carrier Strike Group 5; and Deputy Director, Plans, Policy and Strategy at U.S. European Command.
Panel: The State of the Defense Industrial Base
Panel: A Boom in Defense Tech Innovation
Eugene Gholz
associate professor of political Science | University of Notre Dame
Eugene Gholz
Eugene Gholz is an associate professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame. He works primarily at the intersection of national security and economic policy, on subjects including innovation, defense management, and U.S. grand strategy. He co-wrote a well-known International Security article that coined the term “restraint” as a proposed grand strategy for the United States.
He is a visiting fellow at Defense Priorities for calendar year 2021. From 2010-2012, he served in the Pentagon as Senior Advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy. He is the coauthor of two books: Buying Military Transformation: Technological Innovation and the Defense Industry, and U.S. Defense Politics: The Origins of Security Policy. He is chair of the international security section of the International Studies Association (2019-2021) and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations; he previously held faculty positions at the University of Texas at Austin, Williams College, the University of Kentucky, and George Mason University; and his Ph.D. is from MIT.
Zachary Mears
Senior Vice President | Anduril Industries
Zachary Mears
Zachary Mears is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Anduril, where he leads a small, highly leveraged team that develops informed positions on our product and corporate growth strategies, the durability of Anduril’s technology solutions, and our long-term value toU.S. and allied militaries and our investors.
Prior to Anduril, Zach built an aerospace and defense advisory practice where helped companies navigate policy and regulatory challenges involving the U.S. Congress and Executive Branch. This practice was built on Zach’s extensive experience in U.S. national security and defense strategy, planning, and resourcing, having served as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of Defense and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense. He also advised the Defense Innovation Unit, which continues to build bridges between the Pentagon and commercial technology and private capital centers in Silicon Valley, Boston, and Austin. Prior to these roles, Zach served as a director for strategic planning on the Nation Security Council, where he partnered with Office of Management and Budget leadership to align resources to the Nation’s national security priorities. Zach holds a Ph.D. in political science from The Ohio State University.
Jim Schirmer
Senior Vice President & Deputy Managing Director American | Rheinmetall Vehicles
Jim Schirmer
Jim Schirmer was hired into American Rheinmetall Vehicles as the Senior Vice President and Deputy Managing Director in July of 2023. He is focused on growing and maturing the organization and associated processes to deliver on promises to our customers.
Prior to joining Rheinmetall Jim served in the Army for 32 years, 28 in uniform and 4 as a civilian member of the Senior Executive Service. As an Army civilian, he served as Deputy Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems from 2019‐2023. In that role, he oversaw an organization of 1,500 personnel managing 13 major combat vehicle programs. Before retiring from active duty as a Colonel in the Army, Jim served in a variety of combat vehicle programs, notably as Project Manager Next Generation Combat Vehicle where he helped to launch the OMFV (now XM30) program. As Project Manager for Armored Fighting Vehicles from 2014‐2018, he led the program offices for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Self Propelled Howitzer, the Future Fighting Vehicle, and launched the Mobile Protected Firepower (now XM10 Booker) program for which he won the Army Program Manager of the Year award in 2017. From 2010‐ 2013, he was the PM for the Stryker Double‐V Hull and later the DVHA1. From 2007‐2010, Jim served as a capability manager for Abrams and Bradley. From 2004‐2007 he worked in the Stryker program, and before that as an operational test officer. Before entering the Army Acquisition Corps in 1999, Jim served as an armor officer in 3rd Infantry Division and later the 1st Cavalry Division. His operational deployments include Kuwait, Bosnia‐Herzegovina, and Iraq.
Jim holds a BS in History from the United States Military Academy, an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.
Mark Vandroff
Chief Executive Officer | Fincantieri Marinette Marine
Mark Vandroff
Mark Vandroff is the Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM). In this position, Mark is responsible for the full range of business and industrial operations at FMM. FMM is a leader in military ship construction and currently has three different classes of warships under construction for both the U.S. Navy and the Royal Saudi Navy. Prior to this assignment, Mark was the Senior Vice President of Business Development at Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG), USA. Prior to joining Fincantieri, Mark served as the Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Defense Policy on the National Security Council staff at The White House. In this role, he served as the President’s senior White House advisor on a broad array of matters including defense capabilities, irregular and non-traditional warfare, strategic weapons, international security cooperation, military personnel, emerging defense technology, and space security. Prior to his time at the White House, Mark worked at Zenetex, LLC as Vice President of Maritime Programs.
Before his civilian career, Mark served in the United States Navy, retiring from active duty with the rank of Captain. His command level tours included service as the Major Program Manager for ARLEIGH BURKE Class destroyers and Commanding Officer of Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock, Maryland. He holds a B.S. in Physics from the United States Naval Academy and an M.S. in Applied Physics from The Johns Hopkins University. He has been a frequent contributor to publications such as Proceedings of the Naval Institute, The Strategy Bridge, and the Center for International Maritime Security. He has appeared on many national security related podcasts including Midrats, Acquisition Talk, Preble Hall, and The Joint Geeks of Staff. He was awarded the Secretary of Defense Outstanding Public Service Award and the 2018 Gold Medal for Engineering Excellence by the American Society of Naval Engineers.
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Blair Milo
Founding Director, Center for Talent and Opportunity | Sagamore Institute
Blair Milo
Blair Milo is the Founding Director of the Center for Talent & Opportunity at Sagamore Institute. The Center is a community resource for closing the wealth gap of Hoosier women and minorities by accelerating high-growth entrepreneurship and impact investing. In partnership with the Minority Entrepreneurship Institute, the Center serves as a nexus of organizations collaborating to increase founders’ access to capital, develop talent in high technology career fields, and leverage place-based resources to grow start-up communities.
The partnership builds off the momentum Blair produced while serving as the first Secretary of Career Connections and Talent, a cabinet position for Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. As Secretary, Blair launched the 21st Century Talent Regions initiative resulting in 80 Indiana counties forming 14 regions to plan and implement strategies for attracting, developing, and connecting talent. She also helped create the Indiana Talent Network, a “network of networks” which connects stakeholders statewide in sharing best practices for equitable talent policies and strategies.
Before joining state government, Blair was elected Mayor of La Porte, Indiana in 2011 and re-elected in 2015. Under her leadership, La Porte entered a period of economic growth, with increased job opportunities for residents, improved infrastructure, streamlined government services, and higher reported levels of happiness and quality of life. She was named “Elected Official of the Year” by the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association after sharing a community fitness initiative and completing a 5k walk-run in each of Indiana’s 92 counties.
Prior to her roles in public service, Blair served 13 years with the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard the USS Mason (DDG 87); on the command staff of Destroyer Squadron 50 in Bahrain and Iraq; and on the Chief of Naval Operations’ staff at the Pentagon. In 2010 she transitioned her service to the U.S. Navy Reserve and served at the Office of Naval Intelligence and NATO Allied Command Transition. In 2017, she was awarded the American Legion Military Person of the Year (Reserve Category) for the State of Indiana.
Blair earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Purdue University and a Master’s degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University. She serves on multiple volunteer boards including the Board of Governors for the Richard G Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series, the Board of Directors for the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation, the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University, and the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies at Indiana University. Blair is a Fellow of the inaugural class of the Civil Society Fellowship, A Partnership of ADL and The Aspen Institute, and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.
Jordan Blashek
Co-founder and Managing Director | America's Frontier Fund
Jordan Blashek
Jordan Blashek is Co-Founder and Managing Director of America’s Frontier Fund, where he oversees the strategy, management, and operations of the organization. He was the Vice President of Business Formation at Schmidt Futures, a new policy, philanthropy, and investment fund founded by former Alphabet Chairman Eric Schmidt and his wife Wendy Schmidt. In that role, Jordan oversaw the organization’s national security, technology platforms, and economic competitiveness investment programs.
Jordan started his career as an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served two combat tours in Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. He completed his service after five years, reaching the rank of Captain and receiving numerous awards for leadership. Jordan is also the author of the bestselling non-fiction title, Union: A Democrat, a Republican, and a Search for Common Ground. He currently serves on the board of Operation Gratitude, a non-profit organization that serves America’s first responders and military veterans. He was the founding Chairman of the Chief of Staff Association and a Venture Partner at J-Ventures Fund. Jordan graduated with a B.A. from Princeton University, a J.D. from Yale Law School, and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Chip Walter
Partner and Managing Director | Marlinspike Partners
Chip Walter
Chip brings a combination of unmatched private enterprise and public sector expertise to the Marlinspike team. He is arecognized expert in the Intelligence Community for leveraging start-up technology and bringing innovative initiatives to impact a wide array of mission areas within the Federal government. Chip’s previous work experience includes roles as a Senior Director of Northrop Grumman’s Ventures and Partnerships program, lead for CIA’s innovation and technology sourcing strategy from the venture capital and startup community via In-Q-Tel (the strategic investment arm of CIA), and Senior Executive and Director of Congressional Affairs at the CIA. He managed enterprise-wide technology investment and sourcing programs focused on investments in AI, cyber, data analytics, processing and compute, new space economy, aerospace, low-cost sensors, and unmanned air and undersea vehicles.
As a direct report to Director of CIA, he also served as the primary interface for CIA with Senate and House Intelligence Committees, Senate and House Appropriations Committee, and Congressional leadership. Chip is a Naval Aviator and graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He holds a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
His senior aviation operational tours included command of Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VP-1) and U.S. SIXTH Fleet Task Force SIXTY-SEVEN (CTF-67). Additionally, he deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan as the Legislative Advisor to the ISAF Commander, General David H. Petraeus. Chip’s shore tours included Office of the Chief of NavalOperations, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and U.S. Central Command.An avid cyclist, Chip and his wife, Kim, reside in Damascus, Maryland.
George Whittier
Chief Executive Officer | Fairbanks Morse Defense
George Whittier
George Whittier is a seasoned strategic leader who has led Fairbanks Morse Defense through a remarkable transformation. Under his leadership as CEO, the company evolved from being a premier naval engine supplier to a diversified defense contractor offering a comprehensive array of products, services, and technologies that are reshaping the landscape of maritime defense. George’s adeptness in steering companies toward innovation, impact, and prosperity has cemented his industry reputation asa catalyst for meaningful change and substantial growth.
George’s association with Fairbanks Morse Defense traces back to his tenure with Coltec Industries, which operated Fairbanks Morse before becoming part of EnPro Industries. Over the course of 17 years,George’s leadership culminated in his appointment as President of Fairbanks Morse. Following his departure in 2012, he assumed key leadership roles at Precision Cast parts Corporation, Regal Rexnord Corporation, and the Morey Corporation. Upon Fairbanks Morse joining the portfolio of Arcline Investment Management in 2020, George returned to serve as CEO.Beyond the boardroom, George is co-founder and Chairman of the Wisconsin Defense Industry Council, a pivotal initiative to address challenges within the state’s defense sector, such as workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions. He also lends his expertise to the boards of Beloit 200 and PDC, a leading manufacturer of hydrogen processing equipment.George earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Queens University of Charlotte.
Fireside Chat with Senator Todd Young
Fireside Chat with Scott Sendmeyer
Jeff Rhoads
Vice President for Research | University of Notre Dame
Jeffrey F. Rhoads
Vice President for Research, University of Notre Dame
Jeffrey F. (Jeff) Rhoads was appointed vice president for research in 2023. In this role, he has oversight for all of Notre Dame’s research infrastructure, including supporting programs in all areas of research, scholarship and creative endeavor. He also holds the position of professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering.
Prior to joining Notre Dame, Rhoads served as executive director of the Purdue Institute for National Security and as a professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering. He previously served as the director of the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories, associate director of the Purdue Energetics Research Center, and director of practice for the Mechanical Engineering Education Research Center at Purdue University.
Rhoads is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and a member of the American Society for Engineering Education and the National Defense Industrial Association. Rhoads earned a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a doctoral degree, each in mechanical engineering, from Michigan State University.
Todd Young
United States Senator for Indiana
Senator Todd Young
Senator Todd Young represents Hoosiers in the United States Senate. He currently serves on the Senate Committees on Finance; Foreign Relations; Commerce, Science & Transportation; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
A fifth-generation Hoosier, Todd grew up watching his parents work hard in order to support the family. His first jobs were delivering newspapers, mowing lawns, and providing janitorial services at the family business.
Todd is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated with honors in 1995 and accepted a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps. In 2000, Todd was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as a Captain. While serving in the Marines and working as a business consultant, Todd earned an MBA and his law degree.
In 2010, he ran for Congress and served three terms representing Indiana’s 9th District. He was elected to the US Senate in 2016.
Todd married his wife Jenny in 2005 and worked together at a small law firm in Paoli, Indiana started by Jenny’s great-grandfather. Today, they reside in Greenwood, Indiana with their four young children: a son, Tucker, and three daughters, Annalise, Abigail and Ava.
Jennifer Stewart
Executive Vice President for Strategy and Policy | National Defense Industrial Association
Jennifer Stewart
Jen Stewart is the Executive Vice President for Strategy and Policy at National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).
Prior to her position at NDIA, Jen worked atas the chief of staff to the Honorable Dr. Mark T. Esper, the twenty-seventh Secretary of Defense. In this capacity, she was responsible for leading the Secretary of Defense’s executive staff, working with civilian executives and senior military leaders across the Department, and providing counsel and advice to the Secretary on all matters concerning the Department.
Previously, Jen served as both the majority and minority staff director at the House Committee on Armed Services for the Honorable William M. “Mac” Thornberry. In this capacity, she was the principal staff advisor responsible for the formulation, passage, and enactment of annual defense authorization legislation, which covers all programs and activities at the Department of Defense as well as the national security programs at the Department of Energy. She was also responsible for the strategic planning and execution of all committee oversight and legislative operations.
Prior to her tenure as staff director, Jen served as senior advisor to General (ret.) Joseph F. Dunford during his first term as Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this role, she was responsible for facilitating his relationships across the interagency and with Congress. She also co-led the Joint Staff’s presidential transition team.
Jen started her career working in the U.S. House of Representatives for the Honorable John A. Boehner. In addition to serving as policy advisor on all national security matters for Speaker Boehner during his ten years in leadership, she also served in a similar role in assisting the Honorable Paul D. Ryan transition into his responsibilities as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Overall, she has nineteen years of public service, including over fifteen consecutive years of serving in senior national security positions at both the Department of Defense and in Congress.
Scott Sendmeyer
acting director of policy, analysis, and transition (PA&T) | Assistant secretary of defence
Scott Sendmeyer
Scott A. Sendmeyer has been a Department of Defense civilian since 2016. Currently, Scott is the Deputy Director for Policy, Analysis & Transition within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy. In this pivotal role, Scott spearheads the Department’s initiatives to fortify the U.S. defense industrial base, ensuring the reliable delivery of capabilities crucial to safeguarding national security.
Before assuming his current position, Mr. Sendmeyer served with distinction for four years as the Deputy Director of Operations and principal advisor to the Commanding General of the Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). In this capacity, he provided timely oversight of all U.S. Army operations within the U.S. Africa Command area of operations, demonstrating his exceptional leadership and strategic acumen.
While at SETAF-AF, Scott also served as the Deputy Plans Chief, where he shaped the organization’s future structure and mission resourcing through his adept strategic planning and operational design skills. His leadership was characterized by innovative thinking, meticulous planning, and an unwavering commitment to mission success.
With over 20 years of dedicated service on active duty as an Army engineer officer and strategist, Mr. Sendmeyer held a myriad of leadership positions, from platoon leader to the role of Deputy Chief of Staff for Engineers. His extensive experience equipped him with a deep understanding of the complexities of military operations and the importance of strategic foresight in achieving mission objectives.
Mr. Sendmeyer’s academic achievements further underscore his commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. He holds master’s degrees in National Resource Strategy, Military Art & Science, and Engineering Management, which reflect his dedication to expanding his knowledge and enhance his capabilities as a leader and planner.
Closing Remarks from Joe Donnelly
The Honorable Dan Coats
Trustee and Co-founder | Sagamore Institute
Hon. Dan Coats
Service is in the very DNA of Dan Coats. As a soldier, Congressman, Senator, Ambassador and Director of National Intelligence, Coats has served his nation and his neighbors with distinction for more than half-a-century. Along the way, he partnered with Jay Hein in launching Sagamore Institute in 2004. Coats served as co-chairman of the Sagamore Board of Trustees during the think tank’s formative years, before returning to public service. Sagamore is grateful to have Dan Coats back home again in Indiana as a member of the Board of Trustees.
After graduating from Wheaton College, Coats began his lifetime of public service in the U.S. Army. A decade later, after starting a family with his wife Marsha and earning a law degree from Indiana University, he was elected to Congress, representing northeast Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 1988.
Coats then served in the U.S. Senate from 1989 to 1999. He was a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, led the Military Personnel Subcommittee and Air/Land Forces Subcommittee, served on the Senate Select Committee for Intelligence and the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee, and chaired the influential House-Senate Joint Economic Committee. During that decade in the Senate, Coats crafted a collection of family- and community-strengthening legislative reforms known as the Project for American Renewal. The Senate even renamed legislation focused on community development and children’s health and education the “COATS Act.”
Adhering to his self-imposed commitment to term limits, Coats retired from the Senate in 1999—only to be called back into public service in 2001, as U.S. Ambassador to Germany. Taking his post just days before the 9/11 attacks, Coats successfully and skillfully steered the critical U.S.-Germany relationship through some of its most difficult days.
After his second retirement from public life, Coats continued giving of his time and talents to Sagamore, to the Big Brother Big Sisters program, and to a range of other civil-society efforts that reflect his lifelong commitment to empowering individuals, families and communities. But he again answered his country’s call to elective office, returning to the Senate to serve the people of Indiana from 2011 to 2017.
Upon announcing his retirement, Coats looked forward to pouring time into his family and community. Yet again, his country called and Coats answered—this time in the all-important post of Director of National Intelligence. Serving as DNI from 2017 to 2019, Coats advised the president on intelligence matters, coordinated the work of America’s 18 intelligence agencies, and, in his words, empowered the intelligence community “to find the truth and speak the truth.”
As a member of the Sagamore board, Coats helps direct the think tank’s work in the areas of citizenship, economic opportunity and national security—areas Coats has championed throughout his lifetime of public service.
Joe Donnelly
Former United States Ambassador to the Holy See and Senator for Indiana
Senator Joe Donnelly
Joe Donnelly was nominated on October 8, 2021, and confirmed January 20, 2022, as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. Previously, he represented Indiana in the U.S. Senate from 2013 to 2019. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives (2007–13).
Donnelly was born in New York City and raised on Long Island. He attended Notre Dame, receiving a bachelor’s degree (1977) in government and a law degree (1981). He worked for a law firm in South Bend before opening a printing business in nearby Mishawaka in 1996. He served on the state election board for a year (1988–89) and then on a local school board for four years (1997–2001).
Donnelly was twice reelected to the House before running for the U.S. Senate in 2012. A moderate in a state long divided between largely Democratic urban areas and Republican suburban and rural districts, he won endorsement from newspapers and business organizations throughout the state. Donnelly won the 2012 general election, becoming the first Democrat to win a statewide race in Indiana in more than 10 years.
Conference Hosts
The Honorable Dan Coats
Trustee and Co-founder | Sagamore Institute
Hon. Dan Coats
Service is in the very DNA of Dan Coats. As a soldier, Congressman, Senator, Ambassador and Director of National Intelligence, Coats has served his nation and his neighbors with distinction for more than half-a-century. Along the way, he partnered with Jay Hein in launching Sagamore Institute in 2004. Coats served as co-chairman of the Sagamore Board of Trustees during the think tank’s formative years, before returning to public service. Sagamore is grateful to have Dan Coats back home again in Indiana as a member of the Board of Trustees.
After graduating from Wheaton College, Coats began his lifetime of public service in the U.S. Army. A decade later, after starting a family with his wife Marsha and earning a law degree from Indiana University, he was elected to Congress, representing northeast Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 1988.
Coats then served in the U.S. Senate from 1989 to 1999. He was a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, led the Military Personnel Subcommittee and Air/Land Forces Subcommittee, served on the Senate Select Committee for Intelligence and the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee, and chaired the influential House-Senate Joint Economic Committee. During that decade in the Senate, Coats crafted a collection of family- and community-strengthening legislative reforms known as the Project for American Renewal. The Senate even renamed legislation focused on community development and children’s health and education the “COATS Act.”
Adhering to his self-imposed commitment to term limits, Coats retired from the Senate in 1999—only to be called back into public service in 2001, as U.S. Ambassador to Germany. Taking his post just days before the 9/11 attacks, Coats successfully and skillfully steered the critical U.S.-Germany relationship through some of its most difficult days.
After his second retirement from public life, Coats continued giving of his time and talents to Sagamore, to the Big Brother Big Sisters program, and to a range of other civil-society efforts that reflect his lifelong commitment to empowering individuals, families and communities. But he again answered his country’s call to elective office, returning to the Senate to serve the people of Indiana from 2011 to 2017.
Upon announcing his retirement, Coats looked forward to pouring time into his family and community. Yet again, his country called and Coats answered—this time in the all-important post of Director of National Intelligence. Serving as DNI from 2017 to 2019, Coats advised the president on intelligence matters, coordinated the work of America’s 18 intelligence agencies, and, in his words, empowered the intelligence community “to find the truth and speak the truth.”
As a member of the Sagamore board, Coats helps direct the think tank’s work in the areas of citizenship, economic opportunity and national security—areas Coats has championed throughout his lifetime of public service.
Jeff Rhoads
Vice President for Research | University of Notre Dame
Jeffrey F. Rhoads
Vice President for Research, University of Notre Dame
Jeffrey F. (Jeff) Rhoads was appointed vice president for research in 2023. In this role, he has oversight for all of Notre Dame’s research infrastructure, including supporting programs in all areas of research, scholarship and creative endeavor. He also holds the position of professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering.
Prior to joining Notre Dame, Rhoads served as executive director of the Purdue Institute for National Security and as a professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering. He previously served as the director of the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories, associate director of the Purdue Energetics Research Center, and director of practice for the Mechanical Engineering Education Research Center at Purdue University.
Rhoads is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and a member of the American Society for Engineering Education and the National Defense Industrial Association. Rhoads earned a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a doctoral degree, each in mechanical engineering, from Michigan State University.
Jerry Hendrix
Senior Fellow | Sagamore Institute
Dr. Jerry Hendrix
Dr. Henry J. “Jerry” Hendrix, PhD is a retired Navy Captain, having served 26 years on active duty following his commissioning through the Navy ROTC program at Purdue University. During his career Hendrix served in a variety of maritime patrol aviation squadrons as well as on supercarriers and light amphibious assault ships. His shore duty assignments were as a strategist on the staffs of the Chief of Naval Operations, the Secretary of the Navy, the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy and within the Office of Net Assessment. Through these tours Dr. Hendrix established a reputation for using history to illuminate current strategic challenges.
Following his retirement from the Navy following a standout tour as the Director of the Navy History and Heritage Command, he has worked as a senior fellow the Center for a New American Security and as a vice president at a Washington, DC defense consultancy. Dr. Hendrix holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in political science, a masters in national security affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School, a masters in history from Harvard University, and a PhD in war studies from Kings College, London. He joins the Sagamore Institute with the expectation of continuing to approach the nation’s defense challenges with the solid pragmatic outlook of a native Hoosier farmer, which he proudly is.
Speakers and Panelists
Joe Donnelly
Former United States Ambassador to the Holy See and Senator for Indiana
Senator Joe Donnelly
Joe Donnelly was nominated on October 8, 2021, and confirmed January 20, 2022, as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. Previously, he represented Indiana in the U.S. Senate from 2013 to 2019. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives (2007–13).
Donnelly was born in New York City and raised on Long Island. He attended Notre Dame, receiving a bachelor’s degree (1977) in government and a law degree (1981). He worked for a law firm in South Bend before opening a printing business in nearby Mishawaka in 1996. He served on the state election board for a year (1988–89) and then on a local school board for four years (1997–2001).
Donnelly was twice reelected to the House before running for the U.S. Senate in 2012. A moderate in a state long divided between largely Democratic urban areas and Republican suburban and rural districts, he won endorsement from newspapers and business organizations throughout the state. Donnelly won the 2012 general election, becoming the first Democrat to win a statewide race in Indiana in more than 10 years.
Robert O'Brien
Former National Security Advisor of the United States
Robert O'Brien
Robert C. O’Brien was the 27th United States National Security Advisor from 2019-2021. O’Brien served as the President’s principal advisor for all aspects of American foreign policy and national security affairs. During O’Brien’s time as National Security Advisor, the United States orchestrated the historic Abraham Accords in the Middle East, brokered economic normalization between Serbia and Kosovo, achieved significant defense spending increases among NATO allies, and increased cooperation with America’s allies across the Indo-Pacific.
O’Brien brought a renewed focus to defense and industrial base issues to the National Security Council. A long- time advocate of a sea power and a 355 ship Navy, O’Brien visited leading shipyards during his tenure. He also spent time at defense plants and with America troops at bases around the world. Prior to serving as NSA, O’Brien was the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs with the personal rank of Ambassador. He was personally involved in the return of over 20 detainees and hostages to the United States. O’Brien previously served as Co-Chairman of the U.S. Department of State Public-Private Partnership for Justice Reform in Afghanistan under both Secretaries of State Rice and Clinton.
O’Brien was also a presidentially appointed member of the U.S. Cultural Property Advisory Committee from 2008-2011. In 2005, O’Brien was nominated by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as a U.S. Representative to the 60th session of the UN General Assembly. Earlier in his career,
O’Brien served as a Senior Legal Officer for the UN Security Council commission that decided claims against Iraq arising out of the first Gulf War. He was a Major in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Army Reserve. O’Brien was the co-founding partner of Larson O’Brien LLP (now Larson LLP) in Los Angeles, a nationally recognized litigation boutique. Over his career, he has served as counsel and arbitrator in dozens of International proceedings. The Daily Journal named O’Brien one of the top 100 lawyers in California and Law Dragon listed him as one of the top 500 lawyers in America.
Among other awards, O’Brien is the recipient of the National Security Medal, the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the National Defense Medal, and the Kosovo Presidential Medal of Merits.
In 2016, O’Brien authored “While America Slept” published by Encounter Books. During the Trump Administration, he edited the book “Trump on China.” O’Brien’s opinion pieces have appeared in every major American newspaper and he has been a frequent guest on cable TV and the Sunday shows over the last two decades.
O’Brien holds a J.D. from the U.C. Berkeley School of Law. He received his B.A. degree in political science, cumlaude, from UCLA. He resides with his wife and two daughters in Utah.
Russell Rumbaugh
Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller)
Hon. Russell Rumbaugh
The Honorable Russell Rumbaugh was sworn in as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management & Comptroller) on January 3, 2023.
He directly oversees management of the Department of the Navy’s (DON’s) annual budget exceeding $240 billion while leading, mentoring, and developing the DON’s community of over 9,200 financial managers. He spearheads the DON’s financial management transformation, including the financial statement audit and modernization of financial systems. These efforts support mission accomplishment for Fleet commands, Marine Expeditionary Forces and all naval forces within the Department.
Mr. Rumbaugh has previously worked on national security budgets in the Department of Defense, the U.S. Congress, and at think tanks. Mr. Rumbaugh served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office twice, on the Senate Budget Committee, and on personal staff in the House of Representatives. He also studied defense budgets at the Stimson Center, Aerospace and the Congressional Research Service. Mr.Rumbaugh has taught defense budgets at Georgetown University, George Mason University, and the University of Maryland, and published widely on the subject. He began his career as a U.S. Army infantry officer.
Mr. Rumbaugh holds degrees in political science and security studies from the University of Chicago and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a Certified Defense Financial Manager with Acquisition Specialty.
A fifth-generation Hoosier, Todd grew up watching his parents work hard in order to support the family. His first jobs were delivering newspapers, mowing lawns, and providing janitorial services at the family business.
Todd is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated with honors in 1995 and accepted a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps. In 2000, Todd was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as a Captain. While serving in the Marines and working as a business consultant, Todd earned an MBA and his law degree.
In 2010, he ran for Congress and served three terms representing Indiana’s 9th District. He was elected to the US Senate in 2016.
Todd married his wife Jenny in 2005 and worked together at a small law firm in Paoli, Indiana started by Jenny’s great-grandfather. Today, they reside in Greenwood, Indiana with their four young children: a son, Tucker, and three daughters, Annalise, Abigail and Ava.
Todd Young
United States Senator for Indiana
Senator Todd Young
Senator Todd Young represents Hoosiers in the United States Senate. He currently serves on the Senate Committees on Finance; Foreign Relations; Commerce, Science & Transportation; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
A fifth-generation Hoosier, Todd grew up watching his parents work hard in order to support the family. His first jobs were delivering newspapers, mowing lawns, and providing janitorial services at the family business.
Todd is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated with honors in 1995 and accepted a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps. In 2000, Todd was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as a Captain. While serving in the Marines and working as a business consultant, Todd earned an MBA and his law degree.
In 2010, he ran for Congress and served three terms representing Indiana’s 9th District. He was elected to the US Senate in 2016.
Todd married his wife Jenny in 2005 and worked together at a small law firm in Paoli, Indiana started by Jenny’s great-grandfather. Today, they reside in Greenwood, Indiana with their four young children: a son, Tucker, and three daughters, Annalise, Abigail and Ava.
Jordan Blashek
Co-founder and Managing Director | America's Frontier Fund
Jordan Blashek
Jordan Blashek is Co-Founder and Managing Director of America’s Frontier Fund, where he oversees the strategy, management, and operations of the organization. He was the Vice President of Business Formation at Schmidt Futures, a new policy, philanthropy, and investment fund founded by former Alphabet Chairman Eric Schmidt and his wife Wendy Schmidt. In that role, Jordan oversaw the organization’s national security, technology platforms, and economic competitiveness investment programs.
Jordan started his career as an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served two combat tours in Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. He completed his service after five years, reaching the rank of Captain and receiving numerous awards for leadership. Jordan is also the author of the bestselling non-fiction title, Union: A Democrat, a Republican, and a Search for Common Ground. He currently serves on the board of Operation Gratitude, a non-profit organization that serves America’s first responders and military veterans. He was the founding Chairman of the Chief of Staff Association and a Venture Partner at J-Ventures Fund. Jordan graduated with a B.A. from Princeton University, a J.D. from Yale Law School, and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Elbridge Colby
Co-founder and Principal | The Marathon Initiative
Elbridge Colby
Elbridge Colby is co-founder and principal of The Marathon Initiative, a policy initiative focused on developing strategies to prepare the United States for an era of sustained great power competition. He is the author of The Strategy of Denial: American Defense in an Age of Great Power Conflict , which The Wall Street Journal selected as one of the top ten books of 2021.
Earlier in his career, Colby served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development from 2017-2018. In that role, he served as the lead official in the development and rollout of the Department’s preeminent strategic planning guidance, the 2018 National Defense Strategy (NDS). The 2018 NDS shifted the Department of Defense’s focus to the challenges to U.S. security interests posed first and foremost by China, followed by Russia; emphasized restoring the Joint Force’s warfighting edge against these major power competitors; and stressed the importance of clearly focusing on these priorities over lesser interests. Colby also served as the primary Defense Department representative in the development of the 2017 National Security Strategy.
Colby has also worked as the Director of the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), where he led the Center’s work on defense issues from 2018-2019, and earlier was a senior fellow at both CNAS and at CNA. Over the course of his career, he has also served in a variety of U.S. Government roles working on strategic forces, arms control, and intelligence reform matters, including serving with the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq in 2003 and with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence during its stand-up in 2005-2006. Colby has also served on the staff of a number of government commissions, including the 2014 National Defense Panel, the 2008-2009 Strategic Posture Commission, and the 2004-2005 President’s Weapons of Mass Destruction (or “Iraq WMD intelligence”) Commission.
Colby publishes widely both in the United States and abroad. In the United States, his articles have appeared in outlets such as Foreign Affairs, The Wall Street Journal, Time, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Politico, and The National Interest. Abroad, he has published articles or been extensively interviewed in outlets such as Asahi Shimbun, Yomiuri Shimbun, Nikkei Asia, NHK, The Hindustan Times, The Economic Times, The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald, Der Spiegel, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Welt, Handelsblatt, Die Zeit, Internationale Politik, Le Monde, Le Figaro, The Financial Times, The Spectator, The Telegraph, The New Statesman, Survival, Chosun Ilbo, Yonhap, JoongAng Ilbo, Hankook Ilbo, The National Post, Corriere della Sera, La Stampa, Il Foglio, The Taipei Times, The New Straits Times, The Manila Standard, Politiken, Dagens Nyheter, Schweizer Monat, and Lidove Noviny. He also regularly appears on television, radio, podcast, and online programs in both the United States and abroad. He has testified a number of times before Congress and the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
Colby is a recipient of the Distinguished and Exceptional Public Service Awards from the Department of Defense and of the Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards from the Department of State. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Colby is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law School.
Carrie Filipetti
Executive Director | The Vandenberg Coalition
Carrie Filipetti
Carrie Filipetti currently serves as the Executive Director of the Vandenberg Coalition. Prior to this role, Carrie served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cuba and Venezuela in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs and the Deputy Special Representative for Venezuela at the U.S. Department of State, for which she received a Superior Honor Award. From 2019-2020, Carrie also served as the Senior Advisor to the Havana Incidents Task Force, where she was responsible for coordinating an inter-agency effort to address the causes of unexplained health incidents affecting U.S. personnel, and identifying proper long-term care mechanisms.
Prior to these roles, Carrie served as a Senior Policy Advisor for the United States Mission to the United Nations (USUN), where she advised U.S. Ambassador Nikki R. Haley on issues related to counter terrorism, the Middle East, and the Western Hemisphere. Carrie began her career spending five years at The Paul E. Singer Foundation, where she served as Director of Portfolio Management. In this capacity, Carrie helped oversee the Foundation’s transition from a relationship-driven organization to a national leader instrategic philanthropy. Also in her capacity as Director of the Foundation, Carrie served as a Senior Advisor and co-founder of Start-Up Nation Central, a Tel-Aviv based non-profit that seeks to connect the world with Israeli innovation.
Carrie graduated with a degree in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia as both a Jefferson and Echol’s scholar. In her sparetime, Carrie volunteers as an EMT at a local Fire Department and serves on the board of Fired Up to Help, a local non-profit that provides hot meals to first responders in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters.
Asad Malik
Chairman and CEO | iRocket
Asad Malik
Asad Malik is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of iRocket. He founded iRocket at the age of 28 with the vision of bridging the“digital divide” by launching satellites designed to enhance 5G high-speed Internet access, autonomous vehicles, telemedicine and online education.
The company’s slogan,“Launch More. Wait Less,”articulates its commitment to providing low-cost, responsive launches with a fully reusable launch vehicle powered by clean, sustainable propellants. iRocket also plans to provide point-to-point cargo delivery services, which can be used for national security and humanitarian missions, such as those dealing with natural disasters.
Asad is a graduate of the Tandon School of Engineering at New York University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He worked at M&J Engineering Group, a diversified provider of engineering, environmental, construction and technology services, for 12 years, eventually serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. While working at M&J, Asad developed MARQUS, an FEA error-checking and design optimization tool for submarine hull structure design, and helped deliver $2 billion in constructed value projects for the Department of Defense with exceptional CPARS ratings. Asad still serves on the Board of Directors at M&J while leading iRocket today. In 2020, he was accepted into the NYU Stern Accelerator Endless Frontiers Lab (EFL) and was part of its Deep Tech Cohort. EFL works with high-growth start-ups that employ innovations in technology and life sciences with the goal of having societal impact through science and technology. Five years after founding iRocket, Asad has secured funding from the U.S. Space Force and the U.S. Air Force and has collaborative agreements with NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory. iRocket has also signed a multi-year launch agreement with start-up Turion Space, focusing on space debris cleanup and servicing other spacecraft. The rockets his companydevelops are fully reusable, including both first and second stages, with the payload fairing designed to return to Earth to prevent space debris. iRocket’s engines operate on liquid oxygen and methane, a nontoxic, sustainable and clean-burning propellant.
As of 2023, Asad has beenbuilding rocket engines for Space Systems Command for 4 years, and he co-authored a patentfor thrust augmentation with propulsion technologist Dr. Jeff Muss, an augmentation that promises to transform how launch vehicles are powered. The engine based on this technology has three modes of operation: thrust augmentation mode for lift off, non-thrust augmentation mode for use once the vehicle reaches higher altitudes and landing mode, which throttles back to 16% power level for a smooth, accurate descent. It is the basis for the Shockwave launch vehicle, which will be the world’s first reusable rocket.
Outside of work hours, Asad is a Member of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), where he serves on the committee that organizes fundraisers to provide scholarships forstudents pursuing STEM careers. He also mentors young engineers and took a particular interest in helping two student interns at the company during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing them with in-depth training in propulsion technologies. Asad is actively involved in charitablework through the MDQ Mosque in Bayshore as well, and he recently helped sponsor a dinner for orphaned children through the organization.
Zachary Mears
Senior Vice President | Anduril Industries
Zachary Mears
Zachary Mears is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Anduril, where he leads a small, highly leveraged team that develops informed positions on our product and corporate growth strategies, the durability of Anduril’s technology solutions, and our long-term value toU.S. and allied militaries and our investors.
Prior to Anduril, Zach built an aerospace and defense advisory practice where helped companies navigate policy and regulatory challenges involving the U.S. Congress and Executive Branch. This practice was built on Zach’s extensive experience in U.S. national security and defense strategy, planning, and resourcing, having served as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of Defense and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense. He also advised the Defense Innovation Unit, which continues to build bridges between the Pentagon and commercial technology and private capital centers in Silicon Valley, Boston, and Austin. Prior to these roles, Zach served as a director for strategic planning on the Nation Security Council, where he partnered with Office of Management and Budget leadership to align resources to the Nation’s national security priorities. Zach holds a Ph.D. in political science from The Ohio State University.
Jamie Jones Miller
CEO and Regional Dean | Northeastern University - Arlington Campus
Jamie Jones Miller
Jamie Jones Miller is the inaugural CEO and Regional Dean of Northeastern University’s campus in Arlington, Virginia. She was named one of Washington Business Journal’s 2023 Women Who Mean Business for her work to launch the campus, which offers graduate programs in high-demand technology, security, and policy fields integrated with opportunities for experiential learning, research, and entrepreneurship.
Jamie previously served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs (SES III) and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (SES II) and was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service in 2020. Jamie has served the Department of Defense as the lead facilitator for the Vanguard Senior Executive Leadership Program since 2021 and as a guest speaker for National Defense University’s PINNACLE three-star flag and general officer course since 2018. Having graduated from PINNACLE in 2018, she holds the distinction of being one of the select civilians invited to participate in the program.
Jamie is a thirteen-year veteran of Capitol Hill where she held the roles of Chief of Staff to Congressman Robert J. Wittman (VA-01) and Legislative Director for Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), two senior members of the House Armed Services Committee. She continues to serve the House of Representatives as a consultant to members of Congress through the Congressional Excellence Program.
Jamie received a B.A. from James Madison University and has served as president of the JMU Alumni Association Board of Directors and as chair of the Women for Madison Executive Advisory Council. Jamie is the 2023-2024 chair of the Leadership Council for Women in National Security and was elected the 15th National President of the Alpha Sigma Tau National Sorority in 2020. Additionally, Jamie is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, serves on the North America Regional Advisory Council for (ISC)², is a member of the National Defense Industrial Association Board of Directors, and is a member of the Blue Star Families National Advisory Board.
Mark Montgomery
Senior Fellow | The Foundation for Defense of Democracies
Mark Montgomery
Foundation for the Defense of Democracy
Mark is the Senior Director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation and a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He serves as the Executive Director of Cybersolarium.org, a non-profit organization which works to implement the recommendations of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, where he was Executive Director from 2019 to 2021. Previously, Mark was Policy Director of the Senate Armed Services Committee for Senator John S. McCain.
Mark completed 32 years as a nuclear-trained surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Rear Admiral. His flag officer assignments included Director of Operations at U.S. Pacific Command; Commander of Carrier Strike Group 5; and Deputy Director, Plans, Policy and Strategy at U.S. European Command.
Jim Schirmer
Senior Vice President & Deputy Managing Director American | Rheinmetall Vehicles
Jim Schirmer
Jim Schirmer was hired into American Rheinmetall Vehicles as the Senior Vice President and Deputy Managing Director in July of 2023. He is focused on growing and maturing the organization and associated processes to deliver on promises to our customers.
Prior to joining Rheinmetall Jim served in the Army for 32 years, 28 in uniform and 4 as a civilian member of the Senior Executive Service. As an Army civilian, he served as Deputy Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems from 2019‐2023. In that role, he oversaw an organization of 1,500 personnel managing 13 major combat vehicle programs. Before retiring from active duty as a Colonel in the Army, Jim served in a variety of combat vehicle programs, notably as Project Manager Next Generation Combat Vehicle where he helped to launch the OMFV (now XM30) program. As Project Manager for Armored Fighting Vehicles from 2014‐2018, he led the program offices for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Self Propelled Howitzer, the Future Fighting Vehicle, and launched the Mobile Protected Firepower (now XM10 Booker) program for which he won the Army Program Manager of the Year award in 2017. From 2010‐ 2013, he was the PM for the Stryker Double‐V Hull and later the DVHA1. From 2007‐2010, Jim served as a capability manager for Abrams and Bradley. From 2004‐2007 he worked in the Stryker program, and before that as an operational test officer. Before entering the Army Acquisition Corps in 1999, Jim served as an armor officer in 3rd Infantry Division and later the 1st Cavalry Division. His operational deployments include Kuwait, Bosnia‐Herzegovina, and Iraq.
Jim holds a BS in History from the United States Military Academy, an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.
Jennifer Stewart
Executive Vice President for Strategy and Policy | National Defense Industrial Association
Jennifer Stewart
Jen Stewart is the Executive Vice President for Strategy and Policy at National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).
Prior to her position at NDIA, Jen worked atas the chief of staff to the Honorable Dr. Mark T. Esper, the twenty-seventh Secretary of Defense. In this capacity, she was responsible for leading the Secretary of Defense’s executive staff, working with civilian executives and senior military leaders across the Department, and providing counsel and advice to the Secretary on all matters concerning the Department.
Previously, Jen served as both the majority and minority staff director at the House Committee on Armed Services for the Honorable William M. “Mac” Thornberry. In this capacity, she was the principal staff advisor responsible for the formulation, passage, and enactment of annual defense authorization legislation, which covers all programs and activities at the Department of Defense as well as the national security programs at the Department of Energy. She was also responsible for the strategic planning and execution of all committee oversight and legislative operations.
Prior to her tenure as staff director, Jen served as senior advisor to General (ret.) Joseph F. Dunford during his first term as Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this role, she was responsible for facilitating his relationships across the interagency and with Congress. She also co-led the Joint Staff’s presidential transition team.
Jen started her career working in the U.S. House of Representatives for the Honorable John A. Boehner. In addition to serving as policy advisor on all national security matters for Speaker Boehner during his ten years in leadership, she also served in a similar role in assisting the Honorable Paul D. Ryan transition into his responsibilities as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Overall, she has nineteen years of public service, including over fifteen consecutive years of serving in senior national security positions at both the Department of Defense and in Congress.
Jim Talent
Partner | Banner Public Affairs
Jim Talent
Senator Jim Talent brings over 30 years of government and political experience including service in both chambers of Congress. He is a nationally-recognized leader on military affairs whose counsel is frequently sought by administrations and members of the House and Senate on both sides of the political aisle.
During his service in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House, Senator Talent served on each chamber’s Armed Services Committee where he worked to advance a strong national defense and military readiness.
In the U.S. House, in the aftermath of the end of the Cold War, he was a vocal opponent of cuts in the size and strength of the military
On the Senate Armed Services Committee, he fought to rebuild the force, which even then was too small, too stressed and desperately in need of recapitalization. An advocate for expanding the U.S. Navy’s fleet to project American power abroad and keep the peace, he chaired the committee’s Naval Power Subcommittee.
Since leaving the U.S. Senate, Senator Talent has continued his national security work. He was a Senior Fellow on defense and national security issues for the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute. Senator Talent has also served on the following national security boards and commissions:
- Co-chaired with Senator Bob Graham two Congressional commissions from 2008-2010 on the danger of bio-weapons;
- Co-chaired with Senator Bob Graham the WMD Center, which produced the first stem to stern analysis of America’s pandemic response system;
- Member of the 2010 and 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review Commissions;
- Member of the Defense Policy Board from 2018-2020;
- Commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission from 2013-2021;
- Member of the advisory committee to the National Security Advisor from 2019-2021;
- Co-chair of a task force on Pentagon Personnel Reform for the Bi-Partisan Policy Center;
- Co-chair of a task force on the National Security Innovation Base for the Reagan Institute;
- Currently Chairman of the Reagan Institute’s National Leadership Conference.
In addition, Senator Talent was a member of Governor Romney’s senior national security advisory team during the 2012 Presidential election cycle and headed the Romney transition for the Department of Defense.
Senator Talent regularly writes and speaks on the subject of national defense and is a
regular contributor to National Review Online and other publications. He is a weekly guest on the Hugh Hewitt Show, and on the show’s weekly podcast, and appears regularly on panels or as a speaker, generally on issues related to the military and national security.
Senator Talent is a partner at Banner Public Affairs, a full-service agency where he focuses on trade, energy, aerospace and defense issues.
Mark Vandroff
Chief Executive Officer | Fincantieri Marinette Marine
Mark Vandroff
Mark Vandroff is the Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM). In this position, Mark is responsible for the full range of business and industrial operations at FMM. FMM is a leader in military ship construction and currently has three different classes of warships under construction for both the U.S. Navy and the Royal Saudi Navy. Prior to this assignment, Mark was the Senior Vice President of Business Development at Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG), USA. Prior to joining Fincantieri, Mark served as the Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Defense Policy on the National Security Council staff at The White House. In this role, he served as the President’s senior White House advisor on a broad array of matters including defense capabilities, irregular and non-traditional warfare, strategic weapons, international security cooperation, military personnel, emerging defense technology, and space security. Prior to his time at the White House, Mark worked at Zenetex, LLC as Vice President of Maritime Programs.
Before his civilian career, Mark served in the United States Navy, retiring from active duty with the rank of Captain. His command level tours included service as the Major Program Manager for ARLEIGH BURKE Class destroyers and Commanding Officer of Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock, Maryland. He holds a B.S. in Physics from the United States Naval Academy and an M.S. in Applied Physics from The Johns Hopkins University. He has been a frequent contributor to publications such as Proceedings of the Naval Institute, The Strategy Bridge, and the Center for International Maritime Security. He has appeared on many national security related podcasts including Midrats, Acquisition Talk, Preble Hall, and The Joint Geeks of Staff. He was awarded the Secretary of Defense Outstanding Public Service Award and the 2018 Gold Medal for Engineering Excellence by the American Society of Naval Engineers.
ead Usher.
Chip Walter
Partner and Managing Director | Marlinspike Partners
Chip Walter
Chip brings a combination of unmatched private enterprise and public sector expertise to the Marlinspike team. He is arecognized expert in the Intelligence Community for leveraging start-up technology and bringing innovative initiatives to impact a wide array of mission areas within the Federal government. Chip’s previous work experience includes roles as a Senior Director of Northrop Grumman’s Ventures and Partnerships program, lead for CIA’s innovation and technology sourcing strategy from the venture capital and startup community via In-Q-Tel (the strategic investment arm of CIA), and Senior Executive and Director of Congressional Affairs at the CIA. He managed enterprise-wide technology investment and sourcing programs focused on investments in AI, cyber, data analytics, processing and compute, new space economy, aerospace, low-cost sensors, and unmanned air and undersea vehicles.
As a direct report to Director of CIA, he also served as the primary interface for CIA with Senate and House Intelligence Committees, Senate and House Appropriations Committee, and Congressional leadership. Chip is a Naval Aviator and graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He holds a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
His senior aviation operational tours included command of Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VP-1) and U.S. SIXTH Fleet Task Force SIXTY-SEVEN (CTF-67). Additionally, he deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan as the Legislative Advisor to the ISAF Commander, General David H. Petraeus. Chip’s shore tours included Office of the Chief of NavalOperations, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and U.S. Central Command.An avid cyclist, Chip and his wife, Kim, reside in Damascus, Maryland.
George Whittier
Chief Executive Officer | Fairbanks Morse Defense
George Whittier
George Whittier is a seasoned strategic leader who has led Fairbanks Morse Defense through a remarkable transformation. Under his leadership as CEO, the company evolved from being a premier naval engine supplier to a diversified defense contractor offering a comprehensive array of products, services, and technologies that are reshaping the landscape of maritime defense. George’s adeptness in steering companies toward innovation, impact, and prosperity has cemented his industry reputation asa catalyst for meaningful change and substantial growth.
George’s association with Fairbanks Morse Defense traces back to his tenure with Coltec Industries, which operated Fairbanks Morse before becoming part of EnPro Industries. Over the course of 17 years,George’s leadership culminated in his appointment as President of Fairbanks Morse. Following his departure in 2012, he assumed key leadership roles at Precision Cast parts Corporation, Regal Rexnord Corporation, and the Morey Corporation. Upon Fairbanks Morse joining the portfolio of Arcline Investment Management in 2020, George returned to serve as CEO.Beyond the boardroom, George is co-founder and Chairman of the Wisconsin Defense Industry Council, a pivotal initiative to address challenges within the state’s defense sector, such as workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions. He also lends his expertise to the boards of Beloit 200 and PDC, a leading manufacturer of hydrogen processing equipment.George earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Queens University of Charlotte.
Rudy Yakym
United States Representative | Indiana's 2nd District
Rep. Rudy Yakym
Congressman Rudy Yakym is a fourth generation Hoosier who is proud to represent the people of Indiana’s Second District. A Christian, family man, and conservative, Rudy is working tirelessly to bring common sense, Hoosier values to Washington, D.C.
Born and raised in South Bend, Rudy received a bachelor’s degree in business finance and administration from Indiana University South Bend. He later went on to earn an Executive MBA from the University of Notre Dame.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rudy served as Director of Growth Initiatives at Kem Krest, a company that specializes in removing friction from supply chains. Throughout his career in business, Rudy has held senior positions at various companies, helping them to develop effective growth strategies.
Rudy and his wife Sallyann currently live in Granger, where they are raising their three wonderful children; Elle, Rudy IV, and Eliza. They worship at New Life Baptist Church, where Rudy serves the congregation as Head Usher.
Eugene Gholz
associate professor of political Science | University of Notre Dame
Eugene Gholz
Eugene Gholz is an associate professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame. He works primarily at the intersection of national security and economic policy, on subjects including innovation, defense management, and U.S. grand strategy. He co-wrote a well-known International Security article that coined the term “restraint” as a proposed grand strategy for the United States.
He is a visiting fellow at Defense Priorities for calendar year 2021. From 2010-2012, he served in the Pentagon as Senior Advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy. He is the coauthor of two books: Buying Military Transformation: Technological Innovation and the Defense Industry, and U.S. Defense Politics: The Origins of Security Policy. He is chair of the international security section of the International Studies Association (2019-2021) and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations; he previously held faculty positions at the University of Texas at Austin, Williams College, the University of Kentucky, and George Mason University; and his Ph.D. is from MIT.
Blair Milo
Founding Director, Center for Talent and Opportunity | Sagamore Institute
Blair Milo
Blair Milo is the Founding Director of the Center for Talent & Opportunity at Sagamore Institute. The Center is a community resource for closing the wealth gap of Hoosier women and minorities by accelerating high-growth entrepreneurship and impact investing. In partnership with the Minority Entrepreneurship Institute, the Center serves as a nexus of organizations collaborating to increase founders’ access to capital, develop talent in high technology career fields, and leverage place-based resources to grow start-up communities.
The partnership builds off the momentum Blair produced while serving as the first Secretary of Career Connections and Talent, a cabinet position for Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. As Secretary, Blair launched the 21st Century Talent Regions initiative resulting in 80 Indiana counties forming 14 regions to plan and implement strategies for attracting, developing, and connecting talent. She also helped create the Indiana Talent Network, a “network of networks” which connects stakeholders statewide in sharing best practices for equitable talent policies and strategies.
Before joining state government, Blair was elected Mayor of La Porte, Indiana in 2011 and re-elected in 2015. Under her leadership, La Porte entered a period of economic growth, with increased job opportunities for residents, improved infrastructure, streamlined government services, and higher reported levels of happiness and quality of life. She was named “Elected Official of the Year” by the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association after sharing a community fitness initiative and completing a 5k walk-run in each of Indiana’s 92 counties.
Prior to her roles in public service, Blair served 13 years with the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard the USS Mason (DDG 87); on the command staff of Destroyer Squadron 50 in Bahrain and Iraq; and on the Chief of Naval Operations’ staff at the Pentagon. In 2010 she transitioned her service to the U.S. Navy Reserve and served at the Office of Naval Intelligence and NATO Allied Command Transition. In 2017, she was awarded the American Legion Military Person of the Year (Reserve Category) for the State of Indiana.
Blair earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Purdue University and a Master’s degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University. She serves on multiple volunteer boards including the Board of Governors for the Richard G Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series, the Board of Directors for the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation, the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University, and the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies at Indiana University. Blair is a Fellow of the inaugural class of the Civil Society Fellowship, A Partnership of ADL and The Aspen Institute, and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.
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