WESTWAY ENTERPRISES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Executive
20 years of experience in financial management, business leadership, and corporate strategy
Austin Griffin has held multiple Executive roles in national and global real estate development and management companies. Leadership roles include positions in operations, development, acquisitions and finance. As a leader in Finance, in multiple roles of Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Austin has been responsible for all financial functions, including accounting, audit, treasury, corporate finance, and investor relations. He has also overseen and managed all human resources and facilities activities. His career spans more than 20 years of varied experience in financial management, business leadership, and corporate strategy.
Before joining Westway in 2022, Austin has served as a Chief Financial Officer for 12 years overseeing the expansion of 5 million square feet of multi-use real estate development, over 50 million square feet of real estate acquisitions, and over $1 Billion in money-raised and re-financed. Other highlights of Austin's career include leading the expansion of 6 retail chains/brands in the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand - totaling 1,200 locations in a $400M asset portfolio.
Austin holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Indiana University.
In addition, Austin holds the Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation awarded from the Institute of Real Estate Management.
Extensive experience in real estate law, residential and commercial real estate development and commercial office leasing
Ms. Kidon has over 25 years' experience in real estate. After graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Business with a major in Real Estate and Urban Land Economics, she worked in London, UK for a commercial real estate developer. Upon her return to the U.S., Catherine studied at The George Washington University Law School and was awarded her J.D. with Honors. Ms. Kidon has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1994 and worked in private law practices in Naples, Florida for over 10 years with a focus on real estate, including the development of residential communities and high value commercial and residential transactions.
In addition to her work at law firms, Catherine worked for a global software company based in Naples, Florida managing its portfolio of over 40 leased properties around the world and developing two new commercial office buildings. More recently, Ms. Kidon worked as an executive assistant organizing luxury events and managing real estate holdings.
Beyond her involvement in real estate, Ms. Kidon has extensive experience in chartering and operating private aircraft and managing private flight departments. She has traveled around the world extensively.
Catherine has volunteered for many years with animal shelters and rescue organizations and continues to foster animals for these groups.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations, Aurora, Colorado
Former Senior Technical Security Specialist leading government agency's Technical Surveillance Countermeasure program
Instructed on the Intelligence Community's physical and technical security requirements for SCIFs
Conrad De La Paz is the Director of Operations, Westway Services Group LLC, Aurora, Colorado. He has 31 years of experience in U.S. government (USG) and 18 months as a defense contractor. For 19 years, he was a U.S. Special Agent directing, managing, and executing sensitive programs, investigations, and operations in the counterintelligence, cyber, technical surveillance countermeasures, and antiterrorism/force protection disciplines for the USG and Department of Defense (DoD). Most recently, he served as the Senior Technical Security Specialist leading a USG agency's Technical Surveillance Countermeasure program. He also has instructed USG personnel and cleared defense contractors on the Intelligence Community's physical and technical security requirements for Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities.
Prior to retirement in May 2014, he was detailed to the Director of National Intelligence, Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive where he developed and coordinated Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) initiatives, evaluated national space-based and terrestrial systems, and advised the National TSCM program. He also provided expertise and recommendations on White House-directed initiatives and National space operations, which enhanced the effectiveness, negated security gaps, and prevented compromise of U.S. national assets.
Job Titles:
- Director of Leasing for Westway Services Group LLC
As the Director of Leasing for Westway Services Group LLC, Donna is charged with executing contracts between Westway and our tenants while maintaining a high occupancy rate for our facilities. Her meticulous attention to detail and experience with secure facility operations provides a unique strength to our team. Donna is the first line for accommodating our tenants distinctive and varied needs within the secure environment. She manages hundreds of leases across multiple locations and always provides quality service regardless of space requirements or complexity of requests. Donna excels at tailoring workspace solutions to meet our client's security and mission-specific expectations. Donna has extensive experience working with government contractors in the areas of security and operations, while providing support to the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, Department of State, and Homeland Security. She's managed a wide array of activities pertaining to SCI programs and SCIF operations, with a focus on security concepts, procedures, and compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM).
Throughout her career, Donna has displayed a dedication to customer service, quality, and continuous learning. She takes pride in helping clients achieve their goals.
Job Titles:
- President & COO, Westway Services Group LLC
30+ years leadership and management experience in the US Military, DoD and private industry
As President & COO of Westway Services Group Greg is responsible for the day-to-day operations of all our facilities. Greg is a culturally attuned executive with unique global, historical, and cross-functional perspectives gained from years as a US Army officer and through executive roles in corporate America. He has leadership and management experience with over 30 years in the defense industry including active duty service with Special Operations, US Army Ranger and Infantry Units. He brings a unique experience, having worked his way from an enlisted soldier to a commissioned officer. Greg has a mix of combat experience, operational planning, training, and peace enforcement operations, serving on multi-discipline teams during his military career beginning with Combat Operations in Panama in 1989 through the conflict in Afghanistan. He has experience working with the Intelligence Community and other agencies including US State Dept., International Red Cross, the U.N., OSCE and NATO. Since his retirement from active duty he has served in senior leadership positions in the private sector and as an operational planner for US Special Operations Command. He is a strategic, focused, results-driven leader with tested ability to provide innovative solutions for global organizations. He has a proven record of leading complex organizations by guiding others to create positive change that enhances mission accomplishment.
Greg's educational background includes a master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Tampa and a bachelor's degree in Business Management from St. Leo University. He is a graduate of the Tampa Bay Public Leadership Institute and numerous management and leadership training programs throughout his career. He is a master parachutist and U.S. Army Ranger. He sits on the Board of Advisors for the American Land Forces Institute, is on the Board of Directors for youth baseball in Tampa, FL and the Board of Advisors for the National League of Junior Cotillions.
A leader with 50+ years experience in the US military, education, senior management and leadership positions in government, industry and international business
Jack H. Pryor is a combat infantry leader with over 50 years of experience in the US military, education and executive management and leadership positions in industry and international business He was the President of the Army Management Engineering College where he led major educational reforms. He is the Founder of the American Land Forces Institute (ALFI, a 501c3) and prior to founding ALFI he was the co-founder and CEO of COLGEN LP, a defense and homeland security consulting firm a successful business he ran for 11 years, the president of a major international energy firm's South American subsidiary a 2.1B a year P&L and a senior executive in several US commercial firms. He continues his entrepreneurial spirit and continues to operate several small businesses. He has provided consulting to senior government officials in four Latin American nations, and while still on active duty in the US Army he served as the Director of Counter-Narcotics for US Southern Command. He currently serves on Boards and Advisory Boards.
During his military career, Mr. Pryor established himself as one of the US Army's preeminent combat leaders, trainers, and educators. Pryor has over 29 months leading infantry soldiers in direct combat. Following the invasion of Panama, Mr. Pryor was invited to advise the President of Panama and his executive leadership on that nation's national reconstruction strategy and its implementation. He effectively bridged communications between the Government of Panama and the US diplomatic and military missions.
Mr. Pryor is one of the pioneers in sports science (Sensory Integration and Cognition) and has been working in this area for over 40 years. He has utilized the sports world of elite athletes and teams as his laboratory analyzing, testing, and determining the guidelines of high performing athletes and teams. He has successfully coached at all levels from Little League to the Major Leagues. He has coached at UNLV, College of William and Mary, Salve Regina College and with several Professional Organizations.
He is a graduate of the US Navy War College (MA National Defense and Strategic Studies). Mr. Pryor's partial list of awards and decorations include: Silver Star, Purple Heart (with 3 oak leaf clusters), Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (with/V 2 oak leaf clusters), Meritorious Service Medal (with 4 oak leaf clusters), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with/V 4 oak leaf clusters), Humanitarian Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Order of Balboa (Panama), Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Educator of the Year (Nova University) Coach of the Year (several awards) and the UNLV and Fresno City College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Jack is married to the former Debbie S. Mulligan and they have four children and nine grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Licensed Architect
James Manzelmann has a 47 year Public/Private service career in facility development, design, and construction management as well as a leader of organizations that provide these services. His career has been a dual track career as a Licensed Architect in Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama, Arizona, and California. He currently maintains his California License # C27540. In parallel, he served 33 years on active duty and reserve assignments as a Surface Warfare and Naval Intelligence Officer. He was commissioned in 1971 after completing NROTC graduating with a degree in Architecture from the University of Oklahoma.
From 2000 through 2020 Mr. Manzelmann served in the Public Sector as Associate Deputy Director Facilities and Logistics for the Office of the Director for National Intelligence [DNI], Defense Intelligence Agency Director for Mission Services, Facility Functional Manager for General Defense Intelligence Program, and the Program Manager for the DIAC Expansion at Bolling AFB. Government projects included the Intelligence Community Campus Bethesda, Intelligence Community Campus Reston, CENTCOM JIOC [The Vince Building] Tampa, TRANSCOM JIOC Addition, Maryland Square 2 College Park Md, BRAC Rowe Building Charlottesville Va., National Geospatial Agency Springfield Va. and St Louis, Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Center Suitland Md, Marine Corps Intelligence Center addition Quantico, and Joint Intelligence Center Pacific addition. Mr. Manzelmann retired as a RADM [O-8] 2004 and a civilian SES 3.
From 1974 through 2000 Mr. Manzelmann served in the Private Sector as an architect in the design, program management, and construction management of Office Buildings, Laboratories, Educational facilities, Industrial facilities, and Disney's California Adventure. Office facilities relevant to Westway Services line of work include The Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Headquarters and Metro Center, the Maricopa County Administration Building, the Pennsylvania State Office Building, Park Towers Tulsa, Provident Bank Building Dallas, and the Bethesda Metro Center office complex.
Mr. Manzelmann's Military Awards include Navy and Marine Corp Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal [2], Navy Commendation Medal [3], Navy Achievement Medal [2], and Vietnam Service Medal. Mr. Manzelmann's Civilian Awards include DIA Diversity Management Award, Meritorious Presidential Rank Award 2006 & 2011, the De Fleury Silver Medal, Corps of Engineers 2018, and Top Federal 100 2019.
Jim is married to the former Denise Eberhardt and the family includes a son Connor and daughters Cara and Marcia along with 3 grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Consultant / Major General, US Army ( Ret )
- Founder of Jason Kamiya Associates
- Major General ( RET ) United States Army
Jason K. Kamiya has over 40 years combined military and corporate experience, and is best known for helping organizations achieve competitive advantage through strategy formulation and operational planning employing cross-functional coalitions, alignment and synchronization of resources, and enrolling talent.
Jason is a veteran of three combat campaigns during his military career. He was deputy operations officer for the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) Combat Team during Operation Desert Shield and became the division's principal planner for Operation Desert Storm. He later commanded a multinational joint task force in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, a force comprised of all branches of the US Armed Forces and elements from US/NATO partner nations. Building upon his operational experience, he was subsequently assigned as Director for Joint Training, US Joint Forces Command, and principal representative to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) and Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for all US joint training matters. In this capacity, he executed technical direction and management of a $307 million joint training budget in support of US joint combatant commands, and extended joint training partnerships with foreign militaries and governments of US/NATO partner nations spanning five continents. Earlier in his career, Jason served in the Office of the President of the United States as senior military assistant to the Director of National Drug Control Policy, a US Cabinet-level official. There, Jason helped coordinate activities between the Director and the White House, Department of Defense, other US government departments and agencies, and city/state drug enforcement organizations to implement a $19 billion national drug strategy.
Upon military retirement Jason joined the United Service Automobile Association (USAA) as senior vice president. Over the next 11 years, he became best known for a unique joint enterprise approach to strategically plan and operate through cross-functional / cross-line of business coalitions. He led teams in a variety of functions including contact center operations, remote workforce strategy, business continuation, employee development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Jason is the founder of Jason Kamiya Associates, LLC, a consulting practice that assists clients with strategy formulation, operational planning, and team development. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Gonzaga University and a Master of Arts degree in National Security Affairs from the US Naval Postgraduate School. He is vice chairman of the board of Special Reach, a community non-profit that supports families of children with special needs, and a past board member of two other non-profit organizations.
Jason is a native of Hawaii and the son of a World War II veteran of the all-Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He is married to the former Carmen Unciano and they have two daughters and one grandchild.
Job Titles:
- Director of Supply Chain Operations and Procurement
Jeffrey G. Franklin is a combat pilot with over 40 years of executive management and leadership in the US Military and Industry. His construction management experience covers as wide variety of successful projects in the cleared access/classified arena, to include multiple structures completed in Afghanistan and the build-out of US Presidential Transition office spaces in Washington DC. He also commanded a Scan Eagle unmanned aerial vehicle site in Afghanistan which covered a substantial portion of the Helmand province with as many as 4 aircraft airborne simultaneously. At Westway Services, he has been filled multiple critical positions integral to the successes as the company expanded its holdings and missions in several US cities.
During his military career Mr. Franklin established himself as the service expert for operations, training, and doctrine for USAF Aerial Refueling Tanker Forces. In addition to successfully commanding units at every level during actual combat flight operations, he obtained and maintained Instructor and Evaluator certifications in the KC-135 aircraft (A, R, Q, and T models) and the KC-10A aircraft. He logged numerous Combat and Combat Support missions in many different theaters from Panama to the Balkans to Southwest Asia. He has more than 4500 flight hours in the T-37, T-38, C-12, KC-135A, R, T, Q, KC-10A and C-141B. He also holds an FAA Air Transport Pilot Certification.
Mr. Franklin is a graduate of the USAF Academy in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Basic Science. He has also obtained MAS in Aeronautical Science and Technology from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (with 5 oak leaf clusters}, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (with 2 oak leaf clusters, the Aerial Achievement Medal, and Command Pilot Wings. In 2000 he was awarded the Air Education and Training Command Personnel Officer of the Year.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations and Security, St. Louis
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
Kimberly Ellsworth, Director of Human Resources, has spent the last 20 years of her career gaining unparalleled experience in customer networking skills. She builds fruitful partnerships effectively while also establishing herself as a respected change agent. A passion for serving people led to a degree in Cosmetology "With High Honors" that pivoted to working at the U.S. Department of Education and Howard University before joining Westway.
With a heart for all things HR, she is an advocate for all people. She is resourceful and responds to employee inquiries on HR policies, procedures, and oversees Talent Acquisition, Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), Employee Engagement, and Training.
For most people, solving problems does not sound very interesting but for Kimberly, she loves that HR is constantly evolving, never boring, and challenging with no two days being the same.
A strong believer in "The Details Matter", she is committed to the most important resource at Westway, which lies within the people. Her self-proclaimed formula for success is Policy + People + Passion = Human Resources.
An avid learner, who regularly attends training sessions to stay current on new HR trends, employee wellness, and people analytics tools, she is also a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Managing Member of Westway
Mr. Webber is the managing member of Westway, a privately-owned, full service real estate development firm providing commercial buildings for lease, turnkey build-to-suits for sale or lease, construction management, and property management for over 30 years.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive
- Consultant
Mr. Michael is an accomplished chief executive with 35 years of broad-based experience leading design, construction, commissioning, and operation of mission critical facilities and infrastructure for government and industry. Much of that time has been focused within the Intelligence Community, where he achieved the distinction of Senior Intelligence Service at the Central Intelligence Agency. During his distinguished 25-year CIA career, Mr. Michael was instrumental in thoughtfully leading many significant, complex, high-security projects and operations throughout the globe for CIA, Department of Defense and Department of State. Since his retirement from the government, Mr. Michael has held several high ranking positions in the private sector, continuing to blaze new trails of excellence in the building and real estate industries. Mike's technical knowledge, coupled with creative strategic thinking and effective human relations, enables him to accomplish what others pass over as too difficult, or non-traditional.
Norm took over as the Director of Security for Westway Services Group LLC on September 21st, 2020. Norm oversees the physical and personnel security for the Westway Chantilly and Westway Herndon properties ensuring compliance with our current accrediting sponsor. Norman is an accomplished professional and respected senior security leader/manager with over 24 years of experience with the Department of Defense to include a broad experience at the NRO. He has led a variety of teams, directing global security programs for operations, physical, personnel, industrial, and information security.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations and Security, Northern Virginia
Ron Burgess retired from the US Army, as the 17th Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, and joined Auburn University in 2012, as the Senior Counsel for National Security Programs, Cyber Programs and Military Affairs. In May of 2018, he assumed the duties as the university's Executive Vice President (EVP). As Executive Vice President, Burgess advises the President on matters related to the overall direction, management, and the effective administrative operations of managed oversight in support of Auburn's mission, strategic plan, core values and vision.
During his distinguished 38-year career in the U.S. Army, and now, at Auburn University, Lieutenant General Ronald L. Burgess, Jr. (Ret.) has and continues to serve as a driving force in the U.S. Intelligence Community by providing exceptional leadership and broad strategic vision that contributes to safeguarding U.S. national security interests. He has consistently guided outcomes that have strengthened our national and military intelligence capabilities and has been instrumental in transforming defense intelligence into a cooperative enterprise to better serve national policymakers, Combatant Commanders, and the warfighter in the field.
As head of the Defense Intelligence Agency and a former Acting Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Burgess served as a key player within the national security arena, called upon by the President, the Secretary of Defense, the Director of National Intelligence, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Congressional leaders for his opinions, advice and expertise. His exceptional leadership skills were used to focus the Defense Intelligence Agency on the greatest challenges confronting the United States including Afghanistan-Pakistan, Iraq, transnational terrorism, and preventing strategic surprise elsewhere around the globe.
Lieutenant General Burgess' personal military awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (One Oak Leaf Cluster), Defense Superior Service Medal (Two Oak Leaf Clusters), Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (Four Oak Leaf Clusters,) Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, NATO Medal-former Republic of Yugoslavia, Parachutist Badge, Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge and Army Staff Identification Badge. During his career he has been recognized with awards by the governments of Colombia and Bolivia. Additionally, he was presented with the Order of the Star of Romania by the President of Romania and was inducted in the National Order of the Legion of Honor by the President of France. He received the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Auburn University Alumni Association. In June of 2015, he was inducted into the United States Army Military Intelligence Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Army ROTC National Hall of Fame on June 10, 2016.
Throughout his career, Burgess has been recognized for his contributions to the U.S. National Intelligence Community. His comprehensive knowledge of defense intelligence organization and information systems, and his leadership, proactive coordination, and attentive follow-through contributed to the success of numerous missions of national significance. As a result of his leadership, the cornerstone Executive Order 12333, which governs all intelligence activities, was revised; critical Intelligence Community managerial operations were overhauled; and innovative human capital practices were pioneered.
Ron Burgess' responsibilities include interfacing and coordinating with federal, state and commercial entities on all matters related to national security interests, cyber and Auburn University's emphasis, focus and interaction with the military. He also interfaces, coordinates and briefs, as directed, Congressional offices and Alabama legislative offices on all of the above to advance Auburn University's interests.
LTG Burgess was commissioned in Military Intelligence through the Auburn University ROTC Program in 1974, Burgess earned a Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Southern California in 1980, and a Master of Military Arts and Science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 1986. On May 16, 2015, Burgess was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, from LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia. On May 13, 2017, Burgess received an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) from Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida. On July 27, 2018, he received an honorary Doctor of Strategic Intelligence, Honoris Causa, degree from the National Intelligence University in Bethesda, Maryland His military education includes the Armor Officer Basic Course, the Military Intelligence Officers Advanced Course, the Command and General Staff College, the Advanced Military Studies Program, and the Air War College.