2026 AOC Elections
2026 AOC Board of Directors Candidates
Voting for the 2026 AOC Board of Directors will take place October 1-31.
AOC members are invited to actively participate in shaping the leadership of the association. Your engagement in this election is vital in ensuring the continued growth and success of AOC.
Please note: In order to be eligible for voting in the 2026 AOC Board of Directors Election, member dues must be up to date as of September 20, 2026.
Campaign Rules
Please remember: Other than AOC-level “Get Out the Vote” campaign efforts, campaigning or electioneering on behalf of any individual candidate for AOC office, with or without their knowledge or consent, is prohibited.
Voting Instructions
Beginning October 1, AOC members can visit crows.org where they will see election information and a link to Election Online, the independent vendor conducting this year’s online election. You will receive an email with login instructions shortly before the elections start. The website will direct you to your ballot, where you can make your selections. Your AOC dues must be current as of September 21 in order to vote. As with past AOC elections your ballot is secret.
Election Online will hold all completed ballots, tabulate them, and send the results to the AOC when the election is complete. Once you have cast your online vote, Election Online will send you an email confirming that they have received your completed ballot.
At Large (2 Slots)
Dr. Jacob Cox
Jacob H. Cox, PhD, PMP, CISSP, is a technical leader and Senior Solutions Architect Manager at Trideum Corporation, with more than 20 years of experience spanning cyberspace and electromagnetic activities, AI/ML, and multi-domain operations.
A military veteran with 22 years of Army service, he began his career as an enlisted Private First Class, advanced to sergeant, and later commissioned through Officer Candidate School, retiring as a Cyber Officer at the rank of major. His roles included serving as an Assistant Professor at USMA West Point – earning the William Lane Award for Teaching Excellence – and leading enterprise cyber operations and training initiatives across the Army.
Dr. Cox holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Georgia Tech, where his research in software-defined networking and security has been cited more than 700 times. He is the author of Transition Time: A Veteran’s Guide to a Thriving Transition and leads advanced cyber, AI, test and evaluation, and decision-support efforts at Trideum, including multiple AI-enabled SBIR projects.He also teaches software development and cybersecurity as an Adjunct Professor at Augusta University and serves as president of the AOC Green Jacket Roost, contributing to the electronic warfare and defense communities.
A Florida native, Dr. Cox lives in the Augusta, Georgia, area with his wife, Laura. He is active in his church, invests in real estate, and enjoys continuous learning, audiobooks, and training in his garage gym. Passionate about helping others thrive, he supports several charitable organizations dedicated to global outreach and service.
Jonathan Cox
Jon Cox is a native of Omaha, Nebraska, born in 1986. He grew up as the son of a railroader, living in Woodbine, Iowa; Pocatello, Idaho; and DeSoto, Missouri, where he graduated from high school. He enlisted in the United States Navy in August 2004.
Following completion of Cryptologic Technician Technical (CTT) "A" School and AN/SLQ-32(V)3 "C" School, he reported to USS PORT ROYAL (CG 73) in January 2006, where he earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) qualification and qualified as Electronic Warfare Operator and Supervisor.
Selected for recruiting duty in March 2010, Jon led his station to Small Station of the Year honors and was meritoriously advanced to Cryptologic Technician Technical First Class (E-6). He next reported to USS MOMSEN (DDG 92), where he was tried, tested, and selected as a Chief Petty Officer.
He was subsequently selected for staff duty at Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR), supporting cyber special projects. During that tour, he became a plank owner of the Naval Information Warfare Development Center (NIWDC), helping stand up both the command and the Information Warfare Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) program. As a qualified Electronic Warfare WTI, he participated in numerous fleet experiments and led tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) development and curriculum development across all Information Warfare tenants.
Cox then served as Senior Enlisted Leader for the pre-commissioning detachment of PCU JOHN BASILONE (DDG 122), where he was selected for advancement to Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8). His final sea tour was aboard USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78) as Intelligence Department Leading Chief Petty Officer, guiding the department through the complete first-in-class carrier workup cycle with zero failures, a seamless Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP), and the ship's first deployment.
Cox holds a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Excelsior University. His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards), the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal, along with various unit and campaign awards.
Following retirement after 20 years of service, he continues to support the Navy as an Information Warfare Modeling and Simulation Architect.
COL Kevin E. Finch USA (Ret.)
COL Kevin E. Finch USA (Ret.) is a seasoned acquisition and operational strategist with over three decades of experience delivering cutting‑edge capabilities to the US Warfighter. Across his 28‑year Army career, he led intelligence, electronic warfare (EW), and cyber organizations with a singular focus: ensuring Soldiers at the tactical edge receive the tools, technologies, and decision advantage needed to fight and win in contested environments. His leadership spans modernization initiatives, joint capability development, and integration of complex systems across the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS), always grounded in operational relevance and mission outcomes.
Today, Finch continues this commitment in industry at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO). Working at the intersection of operational requirements, advanced technologies, and strategic investments, he ensures that emerging capabilities are not only innovative but survivable, interoperable, and rapidly fielded. His portfolio spans ISR, EW, cyber, spectrum management, and multi‑domain integration, with particular emphasis on building end‑to‑end solutions that close Warfighter gaps at speed.
His contributions include championing low‑cost, low‑SWaP EW prototypes, advancing Electromagnetic Battle Management and spectrum‑sharing constructs, and supporting rapid reprogramming and RF‑enabled cyber operations. Known for unifying diverse technical teams and aligning senior‑leader vision with executable outcomes, he brings a holistic EMSO lens that blends policy, acquisition, operations, and technology.
Through every role, Finch remains driven by a single imperative: delivering timely, effective, and future‑ready capabilities that preserve spectrum superiority and ensure the Joint Force maintains decisive overmatch.
George Lewis
George Lewis serves as the Executive Director of CACI’s C-C5ISR&T and previously as Vice President, Electronic Warfare Innovations Team (EWIT), in support of corporate change and CACI strategic and line capture campaigns. This $1.82 billion portfolio succeeded in the CEO’s directive to change the business focus of CACI International from a service-to-product leader recognized as such by the US government, Department of Defense, and industry competitors.
Lewis served as Army G-3 lead for all Cyber and Electronic Warfare resourcing and requirements. Previously, he led Army G-8, in coordination with Army G-2, to develop, integrate, resource, build, and field current and future capabilities for ISR, cyber, and EW capabilities for operations worldwide. He directly supported Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism.
Lewis co-led groundbreaking strategic analysis of remerging Russia in support of the Chief of Staff Army’s assessment, confirmation and plan of action for readiness and force modernization. He has gained significant experience on Army, Joint and IC strategy, policy and investments and served as Commander of Intelligence, EW and Counter-IED Targeting in Al-Anbar Province, Iraq. He built All Source analysis capabilities, including EW, GEOINT, and advanced SIGINT capabilities, which helped to reduce IED events by 50% throughout Al-Anbar Province.
Lewis led the technical collection management and reporting for Korean and Iraq theaters and provided daily briefings on this intelligence to US, Korean, coalition, and Interagency IC partners.
George also led joint special operations and technical surveillance and EW teams during initial entry and expeditionary counter terrorism operations, on multiple continents and in three theaters of war, in response to 9/11 counteraction.
Rafael D. Sampayo
Rafael D. Sampayo is a decorated combat veteran, electromagnetic warfare professional, and international association leader uniquely positioned to advance AOC's global mission. A retired US Army Cyber Operations Warrant Officer with 23 years of active service, Sampayo served as Liaison Officer to the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and advised the Army Deputy Chief of Staff on cyber protection and intelligence modernization. A four-time Bronze Star Medal recipient, he brings firsthand operational experience across SIGINT, EW, cyberspace operations, and multi-domain intelligence environments.
In the private sector, Sampayo leads multinational defense and technology initiatives as President and CEO of Arlington Advanced Technologies (A2 Technologies), serving clients across three continents. He previously served as a Manager at Deloitte's Cyber & Strategic Risk practice and as SETA to the US Army ISR Task Force at Radiance Technologies, advising senior Army leadership on intelligence modernization and capability development. Within AOC, Sampayo founded and serves as President of the AOC Spain Chapter – the first chapter officially recognized by Spain's Ministry of Interior. He also serves on the AOC Foundation Board, has attended AOC Europe, and has spoken at the AOC Annual Symposium in Washington, DC. Rafael holds an MS in Cybersecurity from Marymount University, an MBA in International Business, and completed the CTO Executive Program at the Wharton School. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, and Italian – a linguistic range enabling direct engagement with AOC partners and allies across four continents.
If elected, his priorities will be to broaden AOC's global engagement, enhance our international relationships, support the growth of our chapters, invest in professional development and STEM outreach, and make sure that AOC remains the leading international organization for professionals who work within the electromagnetic spectrum.
R. Scott "Sherm" Oliver
R. Scott “Sherm” Oliver is a spectrum operations and electromagnetic warfare (EW) expert at Booz Allen Hamilton's Defense Technology Group, where he leads electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO)-related solution development and provides internationally focused policy and strategy advisement.
A retired Navy Electromagnetic Warfare Officer (EWO), he flew both the EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler, and within his last assignment, he helped establish and lead the Secretary of Defense Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Cross Functional Team (EMSO CFT). His career also includes time as a program manager at the Joint IED Defeat Organization, managing counter radio-controlled electromagnetic warfare (CREW) and directed energy programs, and serving in Iraq as the explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) EWO for Multi-National Division - Baghdad.
Sherm brings rare operational and industry-spanning depth across joint and combined air, land, sea, space, cyber, and spectrum domains, as well as deep insight into commercial technologies – making him uniquely equipped to lead international EMSO efforts in today’s global security environment. He holds degrees from The Citadel, the US Naval War College, and the Eisenhower School at National Defense University.
International Region II
Jang-Pyo Kim
Jang Pyo Kim retired from the Republic of Korea Air Force as a major after more than 22 years of service and has over 36 years of EW experience. He has been a member of the AOC since 2014 and is an International Cooperation Director of the ROK Roost chapter. He has also served as an International Region 2 Director since 2023. He received a bachelor's degree in foreign languages from the Air Force Academy and was commissioned in the ROKAF in 1987. He also received a master's degree in Physics from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1998, and a doctoral degree in Electro-Optics from the University of Dayton in 2006.
He served as an RF-4C Weapon System Officer, Instructor, Evaluator, and Test Pilot at the 19th and 20th Fighter Wings. Since 2009, he has worked as a Chief Principal Researcher at the Agency for Defense Development, working on numerous EW programs including Tac-ELINT, 701, and DIRCM. He is currently a program manager for the Laser Weapon project, overseeing a team of over 10 engineers.
Katherine Head
Katherine Head is a senior systems engineer and test and evaluation engineer practicing in the Defense and Aviation sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Military Electronic Systems Engineering.
Her career began as an electronic warfare engineer in the Royal Australian Air Force, where she held roles in EW system acquisition, RF countermeasure development, test and evaluation, and capability development.
Following her RAAF career, Head moved to BAE Systems Australia, where she worked on high-speed weapon defense system architecture design. She now works as a consultant engineer, where she supports programs translating early-phase research and technology concepts into evaluation-ready systems for Defense.
Practicing at the intersection of engineering, research, electronic warfare, and autonomous systems, Head is passionate about advancing technology in support of national security outcomes.
Her is a lifetime member of AOC and has held numerous roles on the AOC Australia board of directors since 2019. She has been active in both the domestic and international EW communities, having supported numerous AOC events as an organizer and program contributor.
Head is a passionate STEM and diversity advocate, supporting numerous professional associations, including the AOC through the Lunch and Learn program.
Her ambition as an AOC regional director is to further the advancement of the AOC mission in the Asia Pacific region. She will work to improve engagement between chapters at a regional level, to improve the resources available to chapters, and to enhance the relationship between Region II and the global AOC organization.
Northeastern Region
Antonino Amoroso
Nino Amoroso is the president of the AOC Patriots' Roost and the Managing Director of Amoroso and Associates, LLC. Amoroso has over 50 years of government and industry experience within the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), information operations and EW communities, where he has spearheaded new initiatives and directed the procurement of Air Force, joint systems, special operations capabilities, counter-narcotics centers, coalition, command and control networks, aerial ground surveillance systems, and the rapid acquisition of critical technologies.
In his current and past positions, Amoroso has had government and corporate responsibility for planning, identifying, and executing programs in the C4ISR area. He has held government leadership positions up to the system program office and division level. Nino has also represented corporate organizations to senior government and industry. Focus areas include the US Air Force, the US Intelligence Community, Targeting & Geospatial Intelligence, Commercial Intelligence, Battle Management, Aerial Ground Surveillance Systems, Battle Control Systems, International C4ISR programs, and Homeland Security (HLS).
Amoroso has an extensive operational background and has worked at all levels of intelligence, from collection to applications. He has had extensive experience and has led efforts in the areas of collection management and operations; indications and warning analysis at SECDEF level; development and delivery of special operations capabilities; counter drug/counter terrorism development and delivery of capabilities; and liaison and training activities in the areas of joint and combined combat coordination/intelligence operations.
Within the focus of the AOC and other professional US and International organizations, Amoroso has chaired six international symposia and over 40 chapter summits and symposia He has also chaired all committees at the international and chapter level. He has also served as Regional Director and on the International Board of Directors and Board of Governors. Within the AOC alone he has been recognized with multiple international awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Byron Rempel
Byron Rempel, CD is a senior Electronic Warfare and Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) professional with more than 30 years of experience spanning military service, government engagement, and industry leadership. A veteran with deep operational and strategic expertise, Remple has spent his career advancing EW/EMSO capabilities while building trusted relationships across defense, security, and allied communities.
As an active leader within AOC, Remple has played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s footprint in Canada. During his first year of regional leadership, he supported the establishment of additional Maple Leaf Chapter (MLC) branches, strengthening national engagement and fostering collaboration between military, government, academia, and industry stakeholders. Notably, he led the organization of the inaugural AOC Maple Leaf EMSO Symposium in 2026, a landmark event that elevated AOC’s visibility in Canada and created a durable forum for professional exchange, capability development, and allied cooperation.
Remple's experience spans operational EMSO, program leadership, business development, and strategic advisory roles. His background as a veteran provides him with a practitioner’s perspective on real-world challenges, while his long-standing ties to government and industry enable him to effectively bridge policy, operations, and innovation.
Known for his collaborative leadership style and clear strategic vision, Remple remains committed to strengthening AOC’s mission, advancing EMSO excellence, and supporting the next generation of professionals across the Northeastern Region and beyond.
Southern Region
Lt Col Kevin Greeley, USAF (Ret.)
Lt Col Kevin Greeley, USAF (Ret.), has worked in several roles during his career, including Director of Special Projects at AFSOC HQ A5 from 2013 to 2015; Lockheed Martin F-35 Support Engineering 2015 to 2018; Chief Engineer for Tactical Air Support from 2018 to 2022; and now as a consulting engineer, including work on the XQ-58 Valkyrie and F-5N+. During his 35 years in uniform, he flew as a WSO/EWO/Navigator/CSO in F-4, C-130, and MC-130 in the ANG and AFRC, from 1982 to 2017. Greeley also has a parallel career path in industry, including McDonnell Douglas (1985 to 1992) on MD-80, KC-10, C-17, F-15, F/A-18, and YF-23, and Lockheed Martin (1992 to 2018) on F-22, C-130J (and multiple special mission variants), and F-35, serving in LM’s Advanced Development Programs (ADP) organization – the famed “Skunk Works.”
Lt Col Laureen James
Lt Col Laureen James is an Organizational Design expert, Lean Six Sigma Master Black belt, and Air Force leader with more than 23 years of military service, most recently advancing electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO), operational transformation, and mission integration across the Joint force.
Widely recognized for her leadership in contested non-kinetic environments, she played a foundational role in developing and operationalizing the missions of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing (350 SWW) and the 950th Spectrum Warfare Group (950 SWG), the Air Force’s first enterprise EMSO assessment organization. Previously serving more than six years on Military Personnel Appropriation (MPA) orders with Air Combat Command (ACC), she was selected as one of ACC’s premier Liaison Officers supporting the stand-up of the 950 SWG. She helped align strategic vision, operational requirements, governance frameworks, and stakeholder integration efforts across Active Duty, Air National Guard, Reserve, mission and research partners. Culminating this tour, she was selected as one of the inaugural Deputy Group Commanders for the 950 SWG, serving as a critical lynchpin advancing EMSO readiness and operational capability across the Combat Air Forces.
Currently, she continues to advance joint EMSO readiness in a contracted role as the Lead Program Manager for Spectrum Warfare, overseeing strategic initiatives for Electronic Warfare Assessments. Concurrently activated with the Georgia Air National Guard’s 116th Air Control Wing, she serves as the State Lead Conversion Officer, guiding the state's transition into new Air Force missions and future force capabilities.
Beyond her operational leadership, Lt Col James is a Board Member of the AOC Dixie Crows Chapter and an Adjunct Professor at Rutgers University, N.J.
RDML (Ret.) Timothy Kuekkas
RDML Tim Kuehhas, USN (Ret.) has been a member of the Association of Old Crows for over 35 years and is currently the president of the Palmetto Roost in Charleston, South Carolina. The Palmetto Roost is an active contributor to both the Charleston and military communities; some examples include an annual Network/Cyber Bootcamp in cooperation with Charleston Southern University, and an annual SCI-level Cyber/EW Convergence Summit hosted by the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic. He has also served as an AOC Director at Large and has been a member of various boards, including fundraising and awards.
As a director with Scientific Research Corporation (SRC), Tim’s portfolio includes aircraft carrier C4I integration, P-8A sensor fusion/post flight analysis, partner nation weapon system integration, and AI/ML integration.
During his Navy career, Kuehhas's operational sea assignments included numerous carrier strike group deployments in electronic attack squadrons (VAQ) supporting CENTCOM and EUCOM operational objectives. He served as commanding officer of VAQ-132, deploying to CENTCOM (Al Assad); USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), deploying to CENTCOM; and USS George Washington (CVN 73), deploying to INDOPACOM and SOUTHCOM. Shore/staff assignments included VAQ-129 as an electronic warfare instructor; a tour on the Joint Staff in the C4/Cyber (J6) Directorate as spectrum branch action officer; a tour on the Chief of Naval Operations staff as EA-6B and EA-18G requirements officer; and a tour as Director of Fleet and Joint Training (N7) at US Fleet Forces. During his final assignment he served as Commander, Joint Task Force Guantanamo.
Kuehhas holds a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Dallas, a Master of Arts degree from the Naval War College in National Security, and a Master of Science from Old Dominion University in Engineering Management. Additionally, his post graduate education includes the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command and the University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler) Executive Development Course.
Christelle Ward
Christelle Ward is a U.S. Navy veteran and Electronic Warfare professional whose career spans operational military service, instruction, industry leadership, and business development across the electromagnetic warfare and SIGINT communities. She currently serves as Senior Sales Executive for AmpSpec LLC and as Vice President of AOC’s Green Jacket Roost. She is also the founder and chair of AOC’s Empowering Women in Electromagnetic Warfare (EWinEW), an initiative focused on mentorship, workforce development, and strengthening the future EW community.
During her military career as a Cryptologic Technician Technical (CTT), Ward supported EW and ELINT operations aboard Arleigh Burke-class destroyers before later serving as an Army 17E Electronic Warfare Instructor. Throughout her career, she has trained hundreds of personnel, delivered operational and intelligence briefings, and worked extensively across joint service and industry environments.
Ward is committed to advancing electromagnetic warfare readiness, strengthening operator-focused capability development, and building greater collaboration across the military, government, industry, and academia. Through her involvement with AOC, she is passionate about expanding opportunities for members, strengthening connections across the EW community, and helping ensure AOC continues to serve and develop the next generation of electromagnetic warfare professionals.