President & Founder
Bobby Colella served in the United States Army Infantry for 21 years reaching the rank of First Sergeant. Bobby's service includes 27 months leading soldiers in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-2005 (Ramadi/Fallujah) and 2005-2006 (Baqubah). After retiring as a First Sergeant in 2010, Bobby was recruited by a private contractor and supported both Operation Iraqi Freedom from Kuwait and Operation Enduring Freedom in Kabul, Afghanistan. After two years overseas, Bobby returned to Central Florida and continued his work with PEO-STRI in Research Park as a Subject Matter Expert and later as a Military Analyst for the U.S. Army’s SOF Training Systems, Engagement Skills Trainer Program until January 2016. In 2012, Bobby published Battle for Baqubah, Killing Our Way Out. In 2016, Bobby shifted his career toward the healthcare industry, where he held the position of director of new hire training and operations for AdventHealth’s Central and East Florida Divisions (15 hospitals and growing). Though Bobby’s post-military career was focused on supporting the training of newly hired nurses and other clinical staff, Bobby has maintained his passion for taking care of the troops and giving back to his community through various volunteer programs including assisting with establishing the Orlando and Daytona Beach Chapters of Team Red, White and Blue and current administrative director for Redemption Community Biker Church in Daytona Beach. Bobby recently retired from AdventHealth to focus on The Debrief Project and its mission. Some of Bobby’s awards and decorations consist of the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Master Gunner Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star 1 OLC, Meritorious Service Medal 3 OLC, Army Accommodation Medal 3 OLC, Army Achievement Medal 1 Silver OLC, and Good Conduct Medal. Bobby also attended the Army’s Advanced and Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, and the Bradley Master Gunners Course. Bobby holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix, AZ.
VP West Coast Operations
Leon "PJ" Pijpaert is a serial entrepreneur and turnaround aficionado with businesses in chemical manufacturing, construction, aerospace and defense, transportation, and education. Prior to going into business for himself he worked around the world for General Electric and graduated from their Junior Officer Leadership Program. In the Army Leonard was an Infantry Officer and platoon leader with 1-12 CAV, 1st Cavalry Division during the Battle of Baqubah. In that capacity he supported the Commander’s vision by conducting COIN operations and establishing outposts within the city during The Surge. Upon redeployment he was selected to be the Speechwriter for then III Corps Commander LTG Raymond Odierno and later served under LTG Rick Lynch. Leonard graduated from Loyola Marymount University where he played Division 1 soccer. He was selected to the Alpha Sigma Nu honor society and also received the Carl G. Kadner award upon graduation. Additionally, he received an MBA from Claremont Graduate University, an MS in Finance from the University of Rochester, and a certificate in government contracting from UCLA. His military awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Valorous Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster. Leonard is the son of refugees and concentration camp survivors. He is proud to be a 7th generation soldier whose family has fought in major conflicts for the past 200 years. Notably, his great uncle led a guerrilla company in the jungles of New Guinea for over a year before being captured and beheaded by the Japanese. Leonard is married with four children and lives in California.
VP East Coast Operations
Christopher Conley is the owner of Christopher F. Conley & Associates, a firm that specializes in both defense market entry consulting and Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance work. Chris is currently working in a program support role with the Test Resource Management Center. Prior to starting Christopher F. Conley & Associates, Chris worked at Rebellion Defense as the Army Account Executive and at Tesla, Inc on the New Product Introduction team. Chris wrote Tesla’s market entry strategy for the defense market in 2021. Chris served on active duty with the Army for just under 24 years, retiring as a Colonel. In his early career, Chris was an infantry officer and served in multiple operational assignments culminating with command of a mechanized infantry company during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006 & 2007. Chris has multiple deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan throughout his early career. Chris served in a variety of Acquisition assignments ranging from an Assistant Program Manager for the Army’s Sniper Weapon Portfolio to Product Manager for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Chris also led the Budget and Execution Team within the office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Plans, Programs and Resources. Chris graduated from the United States Military Academy with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. Chris has also earned a master’s in business administration from the George Washington University School of Business as well as a masters in national resource strategy from the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School. Some of Chris’ awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Chris is also an Army Ranger and Jumpmaster.
Secretary
Woodrow "Doug" Hawthorne dedicated 20 years of exemplary service in the United States Army, advancing through increasingly significant leadership roles as a Combat Engineer. His military career was marked by multiple deployments in Baghdad and Baqubah, Iraq, as both a Fire Team Leader and Squad Leader, and then to Ghazni, Afghanistan, as a Platoon Sergeant. Upon returning from Afghanistan, Doug assumed the pivotal role of Company First Sergeant. In this capacity, he led the successful deactivation, relocation, and reactivation of the unit to Fort Knox, Kentucky.
After retiring from active duty, Doug continued to apply his leadership skills in the civilian sector, working in public education and project management. Doug holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology, along with both a Bachelor and Master of Arts in History, reflecting a commitment to personal growth and education. Doug is now continuing his service to the nation as a Program Manager for the Department of Defense, where he leverages his military experience to manage complex defense projects. His career reflects his ongoing commitment to serving his country and community.
After retiring from active duty, Doug continued to apply his leadership skills in the civilian sector, working in public education and project management. Doug holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology, along with both a Bachelor and Master of Arts in History, reflecting a commitment to personal growth and education. Doug is now continuing his service to the nation as a Program Manager for the Department of Defense, where he leverages his military experience to manage complex defense projects. His career reflects his ongoing commitment to serving his country and community.
Director at Large
Jim Dobis is a federal employee who has served in law enforcement positions of increasing responsibility in both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of Justice. Prior to his federal civilian service, Jim served as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at Rutgers University Army ROTC, and as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army where he led Soldiers during fifteen months of combat in Iraq. Jim possesses a Master of Science in Justice Studies and Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University, a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University, and an Associate of Arts from Valley Forge Military College. Jim’s work has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, and New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Association. His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Bronze Star, The Valorous Unit Award, the Combat Infantrymen Badge, and the State of New Jersey Disnguished Service Medal
Director of Development
Michael "Mike" Martin proudly served 21.5 years in the U.S. Army, advancing from a senior noncommissioned officer to an officer. Over the course of his distinguished career, he completed multiple combat deployments and held pivotal leadership roles, including S2 NCOIC for the 1-12 CAV, Commander of the 125th Forward Support Company, and S4 for the 4th Cavalry Brigade. Mike retired from active duty in 2021, bringing a wealth of leadership, logistical, and operational expertise to his post-military endeavors. Following his retirement, Mike transitioned into the nonprofit sector, serving as the Director of Development and Community Relations for the General Patton Museum Foundation. His leadership was instrumental in revitalizing the organization and enhancing its community impact. Inspired to pursue his passion for helping others on a deeper level, Mike returned to academia and earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During his clinical training, Mike completed a year-long internship at Warrior's Heart, where he gained hands-on experience providing therapeutic support to veterans and first responders. He has since joined a private practice as a Professional Counselor and Life Coach, specializing in assisting active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. His work focuses on facilitating successful transitions from military service to civilian life, promoting reintegration, and addressing the unique challenges military families face. Mike's dedication to his clients is matched by his commitment to his family. He is married to the remarkable Star Martin, with whom he shares three children, including four-month-old twin boys. Their household is lively and joyful, rounded out by their beloved dogs. Mike remains deeply invested in making a positive impact within both his professional and personal spheres.