Colonel Ivory Carter (USAF) most recently served as an Airpower Strategist, Directorate of Strategy, Concepts and Assessments while assigned to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategic Plans and Requirements (HQ USAF). In this capacity, he advised, developed, and synchronized Air Force Concepts, Strategy, and Strategic Master Planning efforts to inform Air Force long-range planning and programming. Col. Carter began his Air Force career as an enlisted Information Manager. He was selected for Reserve Officer Training Corps and then commissioned as a Second Lieutenant after completing his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
Colonel Gerald Graham (USMC) was most recently assigned to the Operations Division, HQMC Plans, Policies and Operations (PP&O). Prior to this assignment, he deployed to Afghanistan with Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan as the Force Effects Coordinator. Col. Graham graduated from the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College with a Master in Military Studies and earned his undergraduate degree from the United States Naval Academy. Col. Graham has also deployed to the Philippines, South Korea, and Australia.
Colonel Timothy Hayden (USA) most recently commanded the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 1st Infantry Division. While in command, COL Hayden deployed the BCT to South Korea as the regionally aligned Armored BCT in support of United States Pacific Command. His key staff assignments include: Chief of Training, 3rd Infantry Division; Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Forces Command; and Executive Officer to the Commanding General, United States Army, Pacific. COL Hayden holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Virginia Tech, a Master of Business Administration from St. Martin’s University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. COL Hayden has been deployed to Haiti, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Korea.
Commander Kate Higgins-Bloom (USCG) most recently served as Command Center Chief and SAR Mission Coordinator for Sector Hampton Roads. She has held a variety of operational leadership roles, including Incident Management Chief at Sector Boston and Commanding Officer of USCGC BARANOF. Her staff tours include the White House Fellowship, Acting Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, and transition team member for the 25th Commandant of the Coast Guard. CDR Higgins-Bloom holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a Master of Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She has deployed throughout the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and to numerous domestic responses, including Hurricane Katrina.
Commander Dan Keeler (USN) most recently served as Commanding Officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Four. His additional operational assignments include tours with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Five, USS Peleliu, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Twenty One. CDR Keeler received his Master in Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School. He graduated with merit from the United States Naval Academy in 1998 and was designated a Naval Aviator in 2000. CDR Keeler has deployed extensively to the Pacific AO, as well as Kuwait in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and Enduring Freedom.
Colonel Masataka “Mogu” Oguro (JASDF) serves as a Liaison Officer, CSAF Strategic Studies Group, where he focuses on tactics, strategy, and research and development. Prior to assuming his current position, Col Oguro was a research specialist for the Center for Air Power Strategic Studies at the Air Staff College. He has served for over 19 years in the Japan Air Self Defense Force.
Brandon Paladino (USG) is a career civil servant with over a decade of experience assessing political, leadership, and foreign policy developments across multiple countries in East and Southeast Asia. Mr. Paladino earned a Bachelor in International Affairs from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master in East Asian studies from Columbia University. He also completed the George Washington University’s graduate certificate program in Political Psychology. Mr. Paladino was a David L. Boren National Security Education Program scholar from 2004-05.