STEERING COMMITTEE
The NSL4A Steering Committee comprises our Executive Leadership Team, Committee Co-Chairs, and the following At-Large members.
-
Judith Cefkin
Ambassador, (Ret)
-
Dr. Cindy Courville Ph.D.
Former Ambassador to African Union
-
Charles D. Luckey
Lieutenant General US Army (Ret)
-
Peter Cooke
Major General US Army (Ret)
-
Randy Manner
Major General, US Army (Ret)
-
John Douglas
Brigadier General, US Air Force, (Ret)
-
Katharine Laughton
Rear Admiral, US Navy (Ret)
-
Jack Tomarchio
Colonel, US Army (Ret)
-
Jess Pellegrino
CEO of Defense Cyber Solutions
-
Neal Urwitz
Sr Vice President Antenna Group
Steering Committee At Large Member Bios
Ambassador Judith Cefkin
Retired U.S. Ambassador Judith Cefkin, a seasoned diplomat with 35 years of service, culminating in her retirement as Minister-Counselor in 2018, boasts extensive expertise in international relations. Notable for her tenure as Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu, she fostered cooperation in the Pacific Island region. With leadership roles across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, including Deputy Chief of Mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Thailand, she brings a wealth of diplomatic experience. Holding degrees from Smith College and the London School of Economics and Political Science, Ambassador Cefkin continues to contribute post-retirement through board memberships and consulting on Pacific Island Affairs with the U.S. Institute of Peace.
Dr. Cindy Courville Ph.D.
Cindy Courville, Ph.D., is currently a member of George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School National Security Institute Advisory Board and a Distinguished National Security Fellow. She has nearly 20 years of experience in various national security roles within the U.S. Department of State, the National Security Council, and other key agencie. She served as the first U.S. Ambassador to the African Union, she played a pivotal role in shaping U.S.-Africa policy, leading negotiations, and spearheading strategic initiatives to support peacekeeping efforts and disaster readiness programs. Her contributions extend to fostering cooperation, addressing humanitarian crises, and facilitating multiparty elections. Dr. Courville holds advanced degrees in international studies and political science, earning recognition for her outstanding contributions to international affairs.
Lieutenant General Charles D. Luckey, USA (Ret)
Lieutenant General Charles D. Luckey, a retired US Army 3-star General Officer, boasts over forty years of military experience, demonstrating exceptional strategic leadership across various roles. From leading troops at all levels to commanding a force of over 200,000 soldiers and civilians as Chief of the Army Reserve, he's proven adept in organizational development, talent management, and global security. With a distinguished career spanning Infantry, Special Forces, and Judge Advocate General's Corps, he led US forces in combat during operations like JUST CAUSE, DESERT STORM, and IRAQI FREEDOM, showcasing his expertise and dedication to service. A graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Connecticut School of Law, LTG Luckey combines military prowess with a strong academic background.
Major General Peter Cooke, USA (Ret)
Major General Cooke is the CEO/Owner of PSC Enterprises, creating public-private partnerships and leading real estate ventures to provide affordable housing and economic opportunities for his community. In addition to serving for 39 years in the Army Reserves, retiring as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army 96th Regional Readiness Command, MGEN Cooke also served as the Director of Economic Development for the State of Utah and was the 2012 Democratic Candidate for Governor in Utah. After retirement from the military, Mr. Cooke co-founded and served as Director of the National Center for Veteran Studies. He currently serves as Chair of the Board for the American College of National Security Leaders, Chair of the Board for the Reserve Officer Association, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Avalon Health Care Group.
Major General Randy Manner, USA (Ret)
Major General Manner’s multifaceted career spans military, government, business, and academia. As a Senior Partner at Korn Ferry, he coached executives transitioning to senior roles and mentored business leaders, particularly veterans, in maximizing client value. With extensive military experience, including roles like Deputy Commanding General of the United States 3rd Army and Deputy Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, he played pivotal roles in major operations such as facilitating the US forces' withdrawal from Iraq and coordinating emergency responses to natural disasters. Committed to service and mentorship, Randy continues to advocate for veterans' interests and excellence across various sectors.
Brigadier General John Douglas, USAF, (Ret)
General Douglass retired as the Deputy US Military Representative to the NATO military committee at NATO HQ in Brussels, Belgium. Before that he was Director of Science and Technology on the Air Staff and Director of Defense Programs on the National Security Council. After retirement he served as a senior staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and later as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. After retirement from government service, he was President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association.
Rear Admiral Katharine Laughton, USN (Ret)
Rear Admiral Katharine Laughton, a distinguished veteran of over 34 years in the U.S. Navy, broke barriers as one of the first women to achieve operational control over ships and as one of the first female flag officers. Rising through the ranks, she served in pivotal roles during the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War, showcasing her exceptional leadership and expertise. From her trailblazing achievements to her high-ranking positions at the Pentagon and in Saudi Arabia, Rear Admiral Laughton's career exemplifies dedication to service and breaking gender barriers in the military.
Colonel Jack Tomarchio, USA (Ret)
Jack Tomarchio was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2005 to the Department of Homeland Security where he served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Intelligence and later as Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Intelligence. He is a retired colonel in the US Army and has served on three overseas deployments to Grenada, the Sinai & The Gulf War (1990-91). He is a lawyer, and venture capital investor working in the Philadelphia area.
Jess Pellegrino
Jessica Pellegrino, CEO of Defense Cyber Solutions, brings national security expertise from Wayne County, Univision, and the Detroit Medical Center. Active in the Michigan Defense Center Cybersecurity Advisory Committee and as Michigan State President for the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), she's committed to excellence. As a Wayne County Sheriff Reserve Deputy with certifications in Project Management Fundamentals, National Contract Management, and Cybersecurity, she upholds high standards.
Neil Urwitz
Neal Urwitz is a senior vice president for the Antenna Group, an Integrated marketing, public relations and public affairs agency. He was a speechwriter and senior advisor to the 78th Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro from 2021 - 2023. Neal’s career spans the intersection of national security, politics, and public relations, serving in the communications shops of the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Center for a New American Security. Neal began his career as an intern in the office of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA). He received his bachelor’s degree in Religion and Government from Bowdoin College.