Russell W. Strong

Russell W. Strong is the developer of the Jake and founder of Operation American Agility. Just as he originated this work for those of our disabled community, Russ and is committed to opening innovation with our soldiers. To this critical task, Russ brings over 30 years experience in engineering, product design, manufacturing and program management. A ‘72 Tau Beta Pi Agricultural Engineering grad of the University of Idaho, Russ holds his PE in Mechanical Engineering. He has headed R&D for New Holland’s North American rotary combine (grain harvesting) development, with 6 years in Belgium, with travels the breadth of US states, Europe, Australia and S. Africa and first hand experience in how amazing things get done in the small shops across our land. He also has a unique background of studies in art and Industrial Design. Russ is best known in the global Ag and Industrial industries for his team-based concept development and prototyping. His company, Integrated Vision, utilizes a broad network of resources in accomplishing industry-leading programs with Ford New Holland, Fiat-Hitachi, CNH Global, John Deere, Caterpillar, and AgChem, among others. Holder of over 50 patents, Russ has provided design, ergonomics and team management to over 40 successful and industry-leading programs. Italian executives affectionately title Russ the “Industrializer”. Winner of the 2002 BusinessWeek/ IDSA Gold Medal for Vehicle Design, Russ is a member of IDSA and Society of Automotive Engineers.

COL Michael Kershner

COL Michael Kershner is a Defense Consultant based in Fayetteville, NC. A West Point graduate, COL Kershner also holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from Boston University, is a 1998 graduate of the U.S. Army War College and speaks five languages himself. Previous to his present work, COL Kershner has served as CEO of Shee Atika Languages, with the Wexford Group and as Principle Analyst with Sonalysts. COL Kershner’s duties have included all leadership levels in 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne); Director of Operations, Special Operations Command South, Panama; Deputy Commanding Officer, U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne), Fort Bragg, NC; Director, Special Operations, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, PA., with expertise in operational civilian engagement, training, strategic planning, policy analysis, international operations, and financial, logistical and human resource management. COL Kershner is a published and noted leader in transformational and unconventional warfare doctrine.