ESGI - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Co - Chair for the Northern Virginia Technology Council 's Cyber Security
• Managing Partner of the ESGI Cyber Practice
• President and Chief Executive Officer of HEMISPHERE Cyber Risk Management, Inc

Carter Schoenberg is the President and Chief Executive Officer of HEMISPHERE Cyber Risk Management, Inc. Mr. Schoenberg is a Certified Information System Security Specialist with over 21 years of combined experience in criminal investigations, cyber threat intelligence, cyber security, risk management, and cyber law. He is a cyber-security subject matter expert supporting government and commercial markets to support organizational alignment with the NIST Cyber Framework, the National Strategy for Homeland Security, the National Infrastructure Protection Plan, and NIST NICE framework while holding a dual career with a NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence leading undergraduate studies for cyber law, cybersecurity, cybercrime, and terrorism. His past efforts include acting as the Director for Cyber Security at CALIBRE Systems where he designed a portfolio focusing on niche areas in cyber-physical systems, cyber as an element of due diligence in support of Mergers and Acquisitions, and designing risk models for insurance underwriters. Mr. Schoenberg is the Co-Chair for the Northern Virginia Technology Council's Cyber Security and Privacy Committee and actively contributed to the GSA/DoD Final Report to the White House "Improving Cybersecurity and Resiliency through Acquisition". He is responsible for designing practical solutions to address cyber risk management using his proprietary cost-benefit analysis enabling system owners to make mission and cost justified decisions on cyber risk. Starting his career in law enforcement as a police officer rapidly advancing to investigating homicides, his work products have been actively used by DHS, the ISAC communities, and the Georgia Bar Association for Continuing Learning Educational (CLE) credits on the topic of cybersecurity risk and liability. His expertise is profiled at conferences including ISC2, SecureWorld Expo, ISSA, and InfosecWorld and is regular contributor to NORSE Dark Matters Blog.

Job Titles:

• Vice President, Research

Eric joined the Washington DC executive search leadership group in 2010. ESGI is frequently cited as a top ten retainer-based executive search firm specializing in federal contracting in part due to the leading-edge research driven by Eric and his team. Eric's expertise at outside research includes such tools as AI and Data Analytics. Through these and others, as well as his team management he is able to track top talent in the federal contracting business. This allows the firm to fill searches quickly with proven performers. He also handles much of the PR needs of the local Washington DC executive staffing agency. By tracking all relevant conferences and events attended by top industry leaders he augments ESGI's visibility in the Federal contracting search profession. In his spare time Eric is an accomplished musician and quite active in the local music scene.

Job Titles:

• CEO
• Founder
• President

Evan Scott is the CEO/Founder of ESGI. Prior to establishing ESGI in 2000, Mr. Scott was the Senior Partner with a retainer-based executive search firm with HQ in Philadelphia. When Mr. Scott sold his shares in that firm, the company was listed as the 23rd largest search firm in the country. ESGI specialized in working with venture capital and private equity firms. The practice worked in the commercial sector both nationally and globally. Please keep reading to find out more about our Washington DC executive search leadership. Mr. Scott's mission at ESGI was to bring personalized attention and sophisticated executive search experience to the federal contracting community. He ensures that ESGI approaches each engagement as a strategic partnership. Searches are handled exclusively by expert search professionals who drive all assignments from beginning to end. His goal is to help companies attract experienced executives who work effectively with federal agencies and the systems integrators that serve the government. ESGI also is committed to filling key positions promptly. By specializing in federal for over 20 years, ESGI differentiates itself from their competitors by drawing upon a well-cultivated network in this community. With nearly three decades of executive search experience, Mr. Scott has helped numerous systems integrators, software, biometrics, services, product companies, and small government contractors hire top-level executive talent. Much of the work is centered around security to include cyber, big data, analytics, cloud security/mobility, biometrics, and AI. Clients range from large blue-chip federal integrators to small and mid-cap companies. ESGI has helped clients fill positions varying from the Board of Directors, Advisory Boards, and corporate officers such as the CEO, COO, CFO, VP Business Development, VP Federal Sales/Operations, and a host of other high impact functional roles. ESGI works very closely with graduating and graduated (8a) companies to recruit leadership that knows how to scale a business. ESGI has been recognized by GovCon as one of the top retainers based executive search firms in federal contracting for five years running. Evan Scott serves on the membership committee of the prestigious Homeland Security Defense Business Council that works on a bi-partisan basis to help DHS and DOJ protect the nation from all threats. This has exposed Mr. Scott to all the leading companies and executives in federal contracting who are on the front lines in National Security. Mr. Scott has been quoted in such publications as Business Week, Government Security News, The New York Times, WSJ Technology Daily, DC Examiner, Financial Times, and Electronic Design. He has appeared on the Bloomsburg News Network, discussing issues related to security and executive leadership. He is also an active member at NDIA, InfraGard, GovCon, and ASIS. Mr. Scott is a graduate of Philadelphia University with a bachelor's degree in Management and Marketing. President and founder Evan Scott is a 29-year veteran in the retainer-based executive search industry. All searches are handled by Mr. Scott or one of our firm's partners, whose long-standing relationships and networks in the community are hallmarks of the ESGI brand.

Job Titles:

• CEO
• President
• CEO and a Director of Hooper Holmes, Inc

Henry Dubois: 25+ year global career includes serving as the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Board Member of public, private, and development-stage companies; since 1999, has led companies focused on defense / intelligence / security imaging and information extraction. Built and led management teams that grew companies' revenue from concept stage to over $300 mm / year 2 - 4 year periods with strong cash flow growth increasing equity value 3 to 10 times over the time period. Led win and management of $1 billion of US government contracts and $250+ million of foreign government contracts; assisted on an additional $3.8 billion US government contract as lead strategy advisor. Mr. Dubois is currently the president, CEO and a director of Hooper Holmes, Inc. (NYSE-MKT: HH). Hooper Holmes provides health professionals to the insurance industry, health and wellness companies and the government for medical screenings and specimen collections. In 2012, the performed 1.5 million screenings generating $145 million of revenue.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Advisory Board
• Rear Admiral, USN ( Ret. ) Principal, the Chertoff Group CEO, JayMCohen LLC

Jay M. Cohen is a native of New York. He was commissioned in 1968 upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy. He holds a joint Ocean Engineering degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Master of Science in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture from MIT. His early Navy assignments included service on conventional and nuclear submarines. From 1985 to 1988 Cohen commanded USS HYMAN G. RICKOVER (SSN 709). Following command, he served on the U.S. Atlantic Fleet as a senior member of the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board, responsible for certifying the safe operation of nuclear powered ships and crews. From 1991 to 1993, he commanded the submarine tender USS L.Y. SPEAR (AS 36) including a deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation DESERT STORM. After Spear, he reported to the Secretary of the Navy as Deputy Chief of Navy Legislative Affairs. During this assignment, Cohen was responsible for supervising all Navy Congressional liaison. Cohen was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral in October 1997 and reported to the Joint Staff as Deputy Director for Operations responsible to the President and DoD leaders for strategic weapons release authority. In June 1999, he assumed duties as Director Navy Y2K Project Office responsible for transitioning all Navy computer systems into the new century. In June 2000, Cohen was promoted in rank and became the 20th Chief of Naval Research. He served during war as the Department of the Navy Chief Technology Officer (a direct report to the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corps). Responsible for the $2B+/year Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology (S&T) Program (involving basic research to applied technology portfolios and contracting), Cohen coordinated investments with other U.S. and international S&T providers to rapidly meet war fighter combat needs. After an unprecedented five and a half year assignment as Chief of Naval Research, Rear Admiral Cohen retired from the Navy on February 1, 2006. Unanimously confirmed by the US Senate, Cohen was sworn in as Under Secretary for Science & Technology at the Department of Homeland Security (responsible for DHS Research, Development, Test and Evaluation) on August 10, 2006 (the day of the British Airways liquid explosive plot in England). At the time of his assuming this position, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 U.S. Senate Appropriations Report described DHS S&T as "a rudderless ship without a clear way to get back on course". Through Cohen's leadership and the people and programs he put in place, the FY 2008 Senate Appropriations Report stated the committee "is pleased with the rapid progress S&T appears to be making…" and in FY 2009 the Congress added $63M to the nearly $1B DHS S&T budget and directed that Cohen be given acquisition authority over his responsible programs. The output focused, customer oriented transformation of DHS S&T (from the lowest morale federal government component in 2006 to amongst the highest in 2008) is a success story that is captured in Hill testimony, press articles, international partnerships and a recent National Geographic TV special "Hi-Tech War on Terror" that documents the high risk/high gain innovation portfolio which Cohen put in place to make the nation safer. Since leaving government, Rear Admiral Cohen is now a principal in The Chertoff Group, serves on numerous corporate boards and as CEO of JayMCohen LLC is an independent consultant for science and technology in support of domestic and international defense, homeland security and energy issues and solutions.

Job Titles:

• Security Advisory Committee Member
• U.S. Homeland Security Advisory Committee Member / More Info

John Hensley has an extensive background in government, law enforcement, seaport/airport security and trade issues. Mr. Hensley has over 30 years of federal/state law enforcement and regulatory experience, including numerous positions within the U.S. Customs Service with a focus on international trade, commerce regulation and enforcement. While the Assistant Commissioner for enforcement and operations in U.S. Customs he was responsible for all personnel, policies, operations and budget in the agencies' worldwide organization. He was the first ever Chairman of the California State Gambling Control Commission regulating the complex 8+ Billion Dollar gambling industry in California. Following his government service, Mr. Hensley joined SAIC, a Fortune 500 company as a Corporate Vice President for Homeland Security. In that role, Mr. Hensley designed the major processes and procedures related to all phases of the company's HS business. Mr. Hensley was also the primary contact for the Strategic Operations Group and the Secure Transportation/Technology Business Unit within SAIC for DHS, TSA, ICE, and CBP focusing on 100% inspection of cargo and related systems. In that role Mr. Hensley established an expertise in both radiation detection and non-intrusive inspection technology/methodology. Mr. Hensley was also the lead with the World Customs Org and 125 member customs Services. He has also taken the lead in The DHS/DOE Secure Freight Initiative Program, interacting with DHS, DOE and the Congress. In 2006, he was highly involved in working with members of Congress to get the Safe Ports Act enacted into law, followed in 2007 by working with Congress to get approval of the 100% inspection of air and sea cargo provision of HR-1 also signed into law. Mr. Hensley previously directed SAIC's national maritime and airport strategy at the Corporate level where he also focused on Op Safe Commerce, the Container Security Initiative and MTSA/ISPS. He also took the lead on security projects for the Ports of LA, LB, Houston and LAX among others. He was also a key part of the Secure Freight Initiative (SFI) and the Container Security Initiative (CSI/ICIS) tests in Hong Kong, the EU and Central America. He has additionally been a key member of the corporation's work on the international supply chain. In 2011, Mr. Hensley took the position of Senior Advisor to the CEO of AeroMexico Airlines for Security and Compliance. AeroMexico is the official flag carrier for Mexico and flies to over 160 destinations worldwide. In that role he has led the airline risk/threat assessments at major airports serviced by AeroMexico and conducted sensitive security investigations related to the companies' operations. Mr. Hensley has led major changes in the airline's compliance and security policies and also is the lead person in dealing with all regulatory and law enforcement agencies in those countries where AeroMexico flies. Mr. Hensley also advises other corporate clients and is on the board of advisors for two such clients. In addition to his undergraduate work, he has completed the Executive Program at Harvard's Kennedy School. Among numerous awards, Mr. Hensley has received the government's Presidential Rank Award for outstanding executive management and the Eagle Award, the highest military award for civilians. Mr. Hensley is a member of the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory Committee and is also has been a member of the ISO working groups developing world standards for international trade/ maritime security.

Kay is a forward thinking, hands-on senior executive focused on human capital and operations in mid-sized professional services firms. She is skilled at driving strategy and delivering solutions for rapidly growing organizations experiencing accelerated revenue growth in both the private, private-equity backed and public sector companies. She maintains a track record of building high performance organizations and spearheading global talent strategies that meet market demands in growth-oriented industries. She has proven her ability to build and lead complex organizations in multi-cultural environments. Her diverse business background includes directing all aspects of Human Resources as well as project management experience within line business units. Her past and present work has garnered national awards for her employers and for her personally. Her passions extend into community organizations where she volunteers and serves on Boards of Directors.

Job Titles:

• Secretary

Michelle Mrdeza joined Cornerstone in 2007 after twenty-three years in public service on Capitol Hill and the Executive Branch, including her final four years as Majority Staff Director of the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security. At Cornerstone, Michelle leads the firm's homeland security practice group. In that capacity, Michelle represents a broad and diverse set of clients. Michelle aids her clients in identifying key funding opportunities within the Department of Homeland Security, and introduces them to decision makers, putting clients in an advantageous position to successfully bid on multi-year contracts. Beyond her work at Cornerstone, she also serves as a subject matter expert on homeland security and appropriations issues for Georgetown University's Government Affairs Institute; The Brookings Institution; the Homeland Security Institute; the Homeland Security and Defense Business Council; the MITRE Corporation; the Government Technology and Services Coalition; and Women in Homeland Security. Prior to her position on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Michelle served as the Majority Staff Director of the House Treasury, Postal Service, & General Government Appropriations Subcommittee from 1995-2003-becoming one of the first women to serve as an appropriations subcommittee Staff Director. From 1992-1995, Michelle was a staff assistant with the House Committee on Appropriations on both the Energy & Water and Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government Committees. Michelle began working on Capitol Hill in 1985 as a senior analyst with the Senate Budget Committee, where she focused on education, job training, social services, and Veterans' benefits. Before working for Congress, Michelle served as a program analyst with the Veterans Administration where she provided analytical support on medical care, with an emphasis on Agent Orange and medical research. She began her government service career as a Presidential Management Intern (PMI) and program analyst with the Office of Management and Budget. Michelle received a Masters of Public Administration from George Washington University, a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Virginia, and was a senior research fellow at the UCLA School of Public Policy and Social Research. She was named to the Phi Alpha Alpha Honor Society and was the recipient of the 1998 George Washington University Department of Public Administration Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2006, Michelle received the US Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award. Close

Job Titles:

• Member of the Advisory Board
• Principal
• FOX NEWS Contributor
• Principal, Balido and Associates

Nelson Balido drives results in diverse government, politics, private industry, and non-profit arenas. His sought-after multicultural inside-and outside-the-beltway and real-world expertise spans U.S. Border trade and security relations, communications, international public relations, marketing, Fortune 500 business leadership, politics, arts and cultural affairs, entertainment, media, and government. As Principal, Balido and Associates, Nelson delivers border issues, marketing, public relations, and communications strategic management expertise. Nelson is a syndicated columnist for Fox News Latino. BORDER AND TRADE: Nelson chairs the Border Commerce and Security Council, the nation's premier organization for fostering relations which enhance North America's economic health and border security. Recently, Nelson, as non-profit Border Trade Alliance President, represented a 4.3 million person public and private sector network, as the top authority on U.S. Northern and Southern Border issues. He turned around the organization, ensuring long-term viability, by recruiting and retaining Fortune 500 business leadership. Nelson successfully advocated border security and trade issues by establishing effective relationships with diplomats and governmental officials, testifying before Congress, speaking frequently at conferences, and educating the public. He enabled passage of key bills and secretary-level appointment to the U.S. Department of Commerce Industry Trade Advisory Council. GOVERNMENTAL & EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP: In 2007, Secretary Michael Chertoff appointed Nelson to the Department of Homeland Security Senior Advisory Council. Nelson received the department's highest civilian award, the Outstanding Public Service Medal. As a Presidential pick, Nelson led the Federal Emergency Management Agency's private sector division, where he earned the Secretary's Award for Excellence. Nelson serves as a U.S. Navy Reserve Public Affairs Officer with Top Secret/SCI Clearance. Nelson served as the Governor of Texas-appointed Commissioner, Texas Commission of the Arts and as the Chairperson, Cultural Arts Board for the City of San Antonio. Nelson bridged the gap with Hispanic voters, leading to successful Presidential and gubernatorial elections. BUSINESS LEADERSHIP: As Director of Multicultural Marketing for SBC Communications / at&t by the company's former Chairman and CEO, Nelson built and managed a new division targeting multicultural Hispanic and international market segments, growing revenue from $5 billion to $7 billion in one year. As General Manager of Southwest Entertainment, Nelson received Small Business of the Year 1995, along with a Hispanic Business 500 listing. He remains a Lifetime Voting Member for the Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards. EDUCATION: Nelson, born to Cuban immigrants, learned the value of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and education early in his life. He has earned several degrees and certificates and continues a lifelong interest in learning, including a Masters-Level Graduate Certificate in Advanced International Affairs from Bush School of Government, Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Science in International Economics and Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Texas Tech University.

Job Titles:

• Principal in the Chertoff Group

Job Titles:

• Expert in the Areas of Homeland and National Security

Rick Saunders has an extensive background in homeland and national security affairs plus successful experience building business and delivering services to government clients. Rick joined Booz Allen Hamilton in early 2001 as a strategic hire to seek business opportunities and create capabilities in the then-new field of homeland security. Rick spent more than a decade as a senior executive helping create and then run Booz Allen's highly respected homeland security practice. He formulated strategy; provided insight into client missions and requirements; and applied hands-on business development, proposal, and client delivery skills to help Booz Allen become one of the premier contractors in the field. Along the way, he led numerous client engagements aimed at improving key mission support functions at DHS Headquarters and in many of the operating agencies. Rick remains engaged in the field as an independent consultant working with companies engaged in the homeland security sector. Prior to joining the private sector, Rick held a series of national security affairs positions. He spent six years on the Vice President's national security staff, ending up as the Vice President's Deputy National Security Advisor. During that time he helped create and run several bi-national commissions. Operating under the Vice President's leadership, these commissions focused White House and Cabinet-level attention on critical bilateral relationships in the new post-Cold War environment. He also helped lead interagency coordination of economic sanctions during the conflicts in the Balkans, plus provided security and political-military advice on all aspects of foreign policy. Earlier, Rick spent three years on the National Security Council Staff, where he was responsible for U.S. foreign assistance and arms transfer policy and program coordination. Rick was a political-military advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army and a special assistant to an Ambassador-at-Large in the State Department. Rick served on active duty in the U.S. Army for 28 years. In addition to the positions described above, he taught at both the National War College and the Department of Social Sciences at West Point. He held operational assignments in cavalry, armor, and airborne units. Rick was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit. He also holds both the Presidential and the Vice Presidential Service Badges. Rick was a distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy and received a Master of Public Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University. He also graduated from the Army War College.

Job Titles:

• Retired Senior Executive

Mr. Miller has led the organizations that he had oversight for to become model operations for success, and has turned around the culture of all of those organizations to become effective, efficient, and customer focused. He has very successfully managed operations that have been regional, national, and departmental in size and scope, with annual operating budgets in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The many skillsets that Mr. Miller brings forward include: numerous years of senior level leadership/management experience; a proven track record of organizational change management success; extensive program management/executive program management experience; a wide-spread working knowledge in acquisition/procurement/contracting; strong risk management attributes; certified as a training instructor; robust leading change capabilities; broad financial management knowledge; and strong strategic planning experience. Mr. Miller is a retired senior executive, with over 32 years in the Federal Government. He has worked for the US Postal Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of Transportation.