RAVEN ADVISORY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Facility Security Officer Retired U.S. Air Force, JSOC
Carmela retired from the United States Air Force in April of 2011. Fifteen of her 20 years were spent assigned to HQ AFSOC units. During her active duty career she was tasked with Working Group Management, Courier Assistant, Unit Administration and was the security manager for 6 units.
After retiring "Coke" worked with Fayetteville's Festival of Flight as Executive Assistant, and later spearheaded the Industrial Security Program at the Joint Special Operations Command.
Since leaving her position at JSOC she has worked with several defense contracting companies, assisting them with their security programs.
She has over 35 years of experience in Security Management as active duty, a civilian and as a defense contractor. She has worked with all services and has some experience working with other government agencies as well. She is a longtime member in good standing of NCMS: The Society of Industrial Security Professionals and frequently offers her experience to others new to the National Industrial Security Program, or NISP.
David Heldt is a United States Army veteran with over 20 years of experience in Special Operations. His distinguished record includes accomplishments in the areas of leadership, project management and development, and training, and he has served in advisory roles during both war- and peacetime. David has received the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and many other prestigious awards.
David is an expert at identifying problems and creating sound solutions. His tactical, operational, and strategic consulting experience has involved US policymakers, interagency partners, and US military officers of all levels. David ensures that his actions always incorporate the whole-of-government approach, supporting the goals and objectives of Higher Command and the interests of the US.
David has worked extensively with US-NATO and other partner countries, foreign militaries and government officials, the Department of State, and federal/local law enforcement. He is passionate about development and excels at taking on challenges in strategic and diplomatic environments.
Major General (Ret) Edward Reeder retired from the United States Army on January 1, 2016, after nearly 35 years of service. He spent the last 30 years in uniform as a Special Forces Officer commanding at every level in the US Army Special Forces.
Reeder commanded the US Army Special Forces Command responsible for manning, equipping, training, and deploying the prestigious US Army Green Berets operating in 56 different countries each day. He also commanded the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, which is responsible for the entry-level training of the US Army Special Forces, Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations, and other select pieces of the greater US Special Operations community.
Reeder's combat tours include National Civil Defense Advisor in the Republic of El Salvador in 1988. He commanded Special Forces Operational Detachment - Alpha 786, supporting Operation JUST CAUSE in 1989, assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, under Task Force Black in the Republic of Panama. He led Special Operations Task Force 32 in 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan in 2002, and again in 2003. Reeder commanded the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan, in 7th Special Forces Group, supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan in 2006, and again in 2007. He also established and commanded the first Combined Forces Special Operations Component Command - Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. From 2014 to 2015, he commanded the Special Operations Joint Task Force/NATO Special Operations Component Command - Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation RESOLUTE SUPPORT.
Reeder's personal awards include various US military and foreign decorations and badges, such as the Baryal Medal (1st Degree) from the President of Afghanistan and The Donovan Award from the Clandestine Service of the Central Intelligence Agency. He is married to Adrian Hopkins of Overland Park, KS. They have four children, Edward III, Jennifer, Andrew, and Morgan, and two grandchildren.
Lieutenant General (Ret) Michael D. Barbero served in the United States Army for 38 years as an Infantry Officer, executing the foreign policy objectives of the United States in a variety of tactical, operational, and international assignments. LTG Barbero commanded at every grade, from lieutenant colonel to lieutenant general, serving four years in combat in Iraq with over three separate tours of duty. After retiring from active military service, LTG Barbero has been very active in international infrastructure and security projects with a focus in the Middle East and holds advisory and board positions within international firms.
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Vice President, Founder Retired Central Intelligence Agency
Philip Raveling spent 25 years in the Central Intelligence Agency's National Clandestine Service (NCS). He has experience in all phases of intelligence leadership, from operations to collection, with a special focus on transnational issues like counterterrorism, counter-threat finance, and counterintelligence. Phil has served throughout the Middle East, Europe, and South Asia, as well as domestically, and can speak French, Italian, and Turkish fluently.
Phil has a proven record of accomplishment at the senior executive level, performing risk analysis and management duties within complex and dangerous war zone environments. He is an expert at both strategic and policy planning and is skilled at interagency collaboration.
In the private sector, Phil has been a successful entrepreneur. He has also served commercial businesses in management and consultative capacities. He has expertise in capital development and private equity financing for projects in Oil & Gas and mining and has executed numerous commercial projects overseas. Phil serves as a board member and strategic advisor to multiple US and foreign enterprises.
Sheffield Ford III is a United States veteran with 24 years of service within the Army's Special Forces. He is multi-lingual and has an outstanding record of achievements within strategic, operational, and tactical advisory roles during both combat and peacetime. He has advised and worked with US policymakers, top-ranking military officials, and corporate executives to identify solutions to both current and emerging threats in order to protect the US and its interests.
Shef is an experienced leader who has developed teams, managed budgets, and solved problems all over the world. With his sound judgment, he has built key relationships between international business partners, securing both logistics and transportation contracts. He also expertly identifies business development opportunities within the US and in frontier markets.
Shef is a trusted mission partner - whether the assignment is humanitarian or for business purposes. Ford excels under pressure and strives to accomplish the toughest tasks while achieving success. His military awards and decorations include the Silver Star, The Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.