Strategic Advisors
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Dakota Meyer
Dakota Meyer is a distinguished United States Marine and Medal of Honor recipient. He is also a firefighter,
entrepreneur, founder, keynote speaker, author of two New York Times bestselling books, where he shares his transformative lessons in leadership, grit, and purpose.
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MajGen (USMC Ret) James "Hammer" Hartsell
James S. Hartsell is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General and is the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA).
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Samuel Bendett
Samuel Bendett is an adviser with CNA's Strategy, Policy, Plans and Programs Division, where he is a member of the Russia Studies Program.
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Andrew Coté
Andrew Coté is a national security professional and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran with extensive experience in defense policy, strategic growth, and emerging technologies. He currently serves as Vice President of Strategy and Growth at BRINC Drones and is a member of Business Executives for National Security. His previous roles include Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Combatting Terrorism, and leadership positions within the Department of Defense and the White House.
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Dr. Dianna Ditoro
Dr. Dianna DiToro is a Commanding Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and senior advisor at Space Systems Command, known for her leadership in military operations, space policy, and international strategy. With over two decades of experience, she currently commands Marine Air Control Squadron 24 and previously led the Joint Integrated Space Team to U.S. Africa Command. A Doctor of Physical Therapy and former nonprofit executive, she offers a distinctive combination of operational depth and strategic vision across both defense and civilian arenas.
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Nicholas Vandre
Nicholas Vandre is a Strategic Innovation Architect at Collaboration.Ai, where he empowers mission-driven organizations to solve complex challenges through intelligent collaboration. A former U.S. Army Special Operations leader and seasoned innovation strategist, Nicholas brings over two decades of experience building high-performing teams, bridging sectors, and creating impact through purpose-driven leadership.
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Scott Helmore
Scott Helmore is an acquisition professional with a diversified background including engineering management, Information Technology implementation, Corporate budgeting and execution, and system testing. Focus on alternative solutions, increasing communications, and finding resolutions to difficult issues. Interested in solving critical constraints in restrictive environments though the development of repeatable solutions.
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Join our 2025
National Security & Defense Advisory Committee
The USNDA Board of Advisors and Directors works closely with U.S. Government Liaisons to ensure that our mission aligns directly with National Security and Defense priorities and equities.
“Heads of DoD Component organizations may appoint DoD personnel as liaisons to represent DoD interests to the [USNDA] when they determine that there is a significant and continuing DoD interest in such representation.” - (JER 3-201)
> DoD personnel perform the representation as an official duty and may discuss matters of mutual interest.
> Liaison activities must satisfy an authorized agency purpose.
> Liaisons may not participate in management (internal, day-to-day management) or control, but may serve on advisory committees.
> Liaisons do not have a conflict of interest because they represent only DoD, with no fiduciary duty to the NFE.
> Because they act in their official capacity, personnel may use Government time,resources, and personnel to perform that function. They may also use their title, position or organization name.
> Since personnel act within their scope of office, their personal liability is limited.
- Relations with Non-Federal Entities, Ethics Counselor Deskbook, 2024