Andrew Hertel, a retired Navy Captain, served for over 29 years after graduating from the University of Illinois in 1994. His submarine career included various leadership roles, culminating in command of USS TEXAS. Ashore, Hertel supported afloat forces through diverse assignments, such as training at Nuclear Power Training Unit, intelligence work at US Pacific Command, and personnel management at Submarine Force Headquarters. He also served as Commanding Officer of Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific and Director of the Commander’s Initiatives Group at COMSEVENTHFLT in Japan. Hertel’s final assignment was Commanding Officer of the North Carolina Piedmont Region NROTC program and Professor of Naval Science at multiple universities. Following his July 2023 retirement, he became an adjunct professor in national security at Duke. Hertel now serves on boards of philanthropic organizations supporting service members, veterans, and STEM education for future workforce development.

Scott McGinnis, a retired Navy Captain, was commissioned in 1997 from the US Naval Academy, and served for more than two decades in strategic and leadership roles in submarine operations. He held key positions on USS WILLIAM H. BATES, USS SEAWOLF, USS NEVADA, and USS SAN FRANCISCO, with his service culminating as Commanding Officer of USS HOUSTON. On shore, McGinnis served as a flag aide in the Pentagon to Vice Admiral Barry McCullough, worked as a Defense Fellow for two US Senators, and as Deputy Chief of Staff for Theater Anti-Submarine Warfare for Commander, Submarine Group SEVEN in Yokosuka, Japan. He worked at OPNAV N97 (Undersea Warfare Division) in the Pentagon developing the Tactical Submarine Evolution Plan and was a Secretary of Defense Executive Fellow at SRI International and Submarine Squadron SEVEN Deputy Commander for Training. He most recently served as USINDOPACOM’s Sensitive Activities Division Chief, J3X, and Commanding Officer of Naval Nuclear Power Training Command.

With over 20 years of experience spanning military and corporate leadership roles, Mark Campsey has consistently excelled in high-impact positions. His career began in the U.S. Army and Texas Army National Guard, where he rose to the rank of Colonel, managing large-scale operations and personnel across multiple countries. In the private sector, Campsey has held key positions at Laser Shot, Inc. and ROSEN, demonstrating expertise in project management, strategic planning, and business development. His track record includes significant improvements in operational efficiency, sales growth, and client satisfaction in competitive government and commercial markets. Skilled in directing multi-site operations, developing high-performing teams, and implementing best practices, Campsey consistently delivered superior results and innovative solutions. With a Master’s in Military and Strategic Leadership and a strong background in organizational leadership, Campsey excels in roles requiring critical thinking, authentic relationship building, and a customer-centric approach. His career exemplifies adaptability and effectiveness across diverse, challenging environments.

Command Sergeant Major (CSM) John F. Sampa served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard for 35 years, retiring in 2022. His career began in 1987 as a Tank Armored Crewman, culminating in his appointment as the 12th Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard in 2018. CSM Sampa deployed to Bosnia and Iraq, and played a key role in the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia recovery mission. He served in various leadership positions, including Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Texas Military Department and Command Sergeant Major for the 36th Infantry Division. CSM Sampa completed extensive military education and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Concurrently, he served 27 years with the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Division. His numerous decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star Medal, reflecting his dedication to both military and civilian service.

Kathy Norris, a Houston transplant from Illinois, is a multifaceted leader balancing corporate responsibilities with extensive philanthropic work. In the energy sector, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Gas Producers Association, focusing on ESG issues and emission requirements. Norris is also active in several state oil and gas associations. Her dedication to community service is evident through her involvement with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where she’s a board member. Norris extends her philanthropic efforts to various foundations, including the Cliff Harris HOF Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, McKee Foundation’s Green Beret—Heroes at Home charity, and Kodiak Cares Foundation. A University of Houston alumna, Norris has devoted much of her life to fundraising for those in need. Her diverse roles showcase her commitment to both industry advancement and community support, making her an influential figure in Houston’s business and charitable spheres.