Dean is the President and Co-founder of AIC. Dean brings 20+ years of government acquisition experience supporting Army Joint and Special Operations. Key positions included Project Management for supporting Rapid Equipping Force, Project Manager for Medium Altitude Reconnaissance & Surveillance Systems, and Project Manager for Soldier Protection & Individual Equipment. Additionally, Dean served as the Joint Special Operations J8, overseeing a $13.9B dollar portfolio. While serving in these executive level positions, Dean identified several challenges between government and small innovative business. Thus, he founded AIC to bridge the gap between innovative technology and government entities. Dean is a member of the Defense Innovation Network and a Technology scout for several Venture Capital and Private Equity firms. Dean's education includes a MS in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University, a MS in System Acquisition Management from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a BA in Business Administration and Economics from Lycoming College.

Hannah serves as AIC’s Vice President, Security & Research. As an experienced US Army intelligence officer, Hannah brings a wealth of knowledge in tactical and strategic operations and leadership. Her experience as a Facility Security Officer and academic background in the field of Emergency Management & Homeland Security enhances her deep knowledge of government, industry, and academia.

Brady served for 33 years as a medical operations officer in all three US military components. In the private sector, he has served in business development and strategic leadership roles for more than 25 years in healthcare, biotech, and health safety industries. With a strong track record of working with organizations like the Defense Health Agency and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Brady brings a sharp focus on creating sustainable growth and value in complex environments. At Accel Innovation Corp, Brady applies his knowledge of federal healthcare systems, clinical operations, and human-centered innovation to expand market reach and accelerate adoption of emerging technologies. His ability to navigate healthcare policy, cultivate executive-level relationships, and drive mission-aligned strategy positions him as a key driver of innovation and growth.

Brian brings over 29 years of dynamic military leadership experience, having served in key leadership positions within the most esteemed and elite organization in the US military. As a Special Operations Senior Director for our nation's most high-performing, geographically dispersed groups, he directed strategic global operations and technology integration initiatives under high-stakes conditions. He specializes in operational development, project execution, and delivering critical client solutions. Brian's extensive DoD experience enables him to proactively forge strategic partnerships with industry leaders, driving both organizational and client success.

Lindsey is a U.S. Army Veteran with military intelligence. She brings a unique set of skills and experience with Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (PED), Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Tactical Controller training, and much more. Her dedication and passion for the field is evident through her ongoing pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Studies, showcasing a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Connie brings over a decade of experience in industrial security, specializing in compliance for cleared contractor environments. She is highly experienced in managing comprehensive security programs aligned with DCSA regulations, covering personnel, physical, and information security in accordance with NISPOM standards. Throughout her career, Connie has supported numerous federal contracts and agencies across contracting, operations, and security, consistently ensuring operational excellence and confidentiality. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and proactive approach, she excels in program management and has successfully led internal audits, supported self-inspections, and the development of standard operating procedures. Connie is an active member of NCMS, The Society of Industrial Security Professionals, and remains committed to upholding the highest standards of security compliance.

Frank previously served 26+ years in the U.S. Army with 20+ years as a senior special operations tactician, strategist, innovator, and Middle East / North Africa expert. During his time with Special Operations, he served in multiple positions including maneuver element team member, team leader, ground force commander, interagency advisor, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) Acquisition Advisor, and JSOC Innovation Cell Advisor. Frank culminated his military career as the senior advisor for a global joint task force spanning five continents leading operations, collaborative planning, and policy implementation for two Presidential administrations in Syria.

Blair serves as the Strategic Advisor for AIC. Employing his strategic background, Blair has assembled a wealth of business and financial resource specialists to meet the full spectrum of client needs all in one place. Blair is a Million Dollar Round Table, MDRT®, qualifying member, holds the Certified Wealth Strategist, CWS®, designation and is a perennial Chairman’s Council and Leaders Club qualifier with several institutions. Blair holds BS in Economics and Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Brett started his 21+ year Army career as an exceptional Army Aviator as an Attack (AH-64) & Special Operations (MH-47) aviator with over 3600 flight hours, of which 2500+ were in combat. Brett serves as AIC’s Aviation SME. Brett has deployed eight times with over 48 months of combat throughout the globe in support of both conventional and special operations. Brett brings unique skills in identifying creative solutions through diligent insight to organizations by “getting nerd” through discovery learning and an engineering mindset. Brett holds a PMP certification, an MS in Project Management, and a BS in Professional Aeronautics, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Bob is a Senior IT Executive with over 25 years of experience both in the Commercial market and the Public Sector market. His most recent role was as a Principal at Booz Allen Hamilton where, as a leader in the Strategic Innovation Group, Bob delivered cutting edge data platforms that turned data into insights. These solutions were deployed at the Veterans Administration, ICE, IRS and GSA. Bob’s track record of success in delivering IT solutions spans federal, state, and local government sectors, as well as the commercial industry. He achieved this through a combination of strategic planning, effective leadership, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

Dr. Stephen Lee served 26 years as the U.S. Army Research Office Senior Scientist for Interdisciplinary Science, where he shaped the future vision of basic research and coordinated individual extramural programs to meet Army intramural laboratories and Soldier needs. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology from Millsaps College and a Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry from Emory University. Over his career, Dr. Lee also served as Chief Scientist for both the Army Research Laboratory and the Army Research Office, focusing on hazardous materials management, decontamination, detection, protection, and Military Working Dog (MWD) research. He led the Army S&T Enterprise with his research for MWDs, enhancing canine capabilities, veterinary care, and overall conditioning. Dr. Lee has been involved in the fielding and transition of many technologies and capabilities to the Soldier including decontaminants, detectors and sensors, field protection equipment, and overall MWD gear., Dr. Lee’s contributions have led to the commercialization of hundreds of technologies for national security. He is a two-time recipient of the Army’s Greatest Invention Award and has received numerous accolades, including the 2008 Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award, the 2011 Presidential Rank Meritorious Award, the 2020 Tibbetts Small Business Award, and the 2020 Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award for his commitment and success supporting national security of the United States of America.

General Place is a board-certified family physician and the former Chief of Staff for the Office of the Surgeon General and U.S. Army Medical Command, as well as the Deputy Commanding General (Support), U.S. Army Medical Command. A seasoned Army medicine strategic leader who has commanded medical units at every level including multiple combat tours, General Place is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He served in operational units such as the 75th Ranger Regiment, the 101st Airborne, and the 10th Combat Support Hospital. His last operational assignment was as the Commanding General, 18th Medical Command, a theater-enabling command within US Army, Pacific. He previously served in the Pentagon as the Senior Medical Advisor in the Army Secretariat, assigned as the Assistant Deputy for Health Affairs in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) where he was intimately involved in policy, programming and budgeting of health and family programs. General Place also served within the accession enterprise as the Army Cadet Command Surgeon and with the DoD Medical Examination Review Board. In garrison, Major General Place served as the Commander of Madigan Army Medical Center during the initial fielding of MHS GENESIS, was the Director of the Hawaii Multi-Service market for the Defense Health Agency and as the Commanding General of Regional Health Command, Atlantic where he was responsible for care for Army-affiliated patients within the eastern half of the US during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. After service, General Place continues his work to improve healthcare in the US with particular focus on medical support for the Armed Forces.

Rich brings extensive leadership experience from Secretary of Defense-led operations and major acquisition programs working as a US Air Force Officer. During his time in service, he held key roles in the special operations community, including Joint Staff Officer, Director of Operations for an AFSOC squadron, and Program Manager for operational requirements within PEO Fixed Wing. He successfully oversaw the development and resourcing of over $1 billion in acquisition and services contracts for USSOCOM, leading cross-functional teams to deliver critical operational capabilities to the Air Force, Army, and Navy. Rich holds a bachelors of science in biochemistry from the US Air Force Academy and a MBA in Business Administration and Management from TUI University.

DeAnton brings over 20 years of leadership, program management, and logistics experience from the U.S. Army. His distinguished career includes senior leadership roles in the 75th Ranger Regiment, 7th Special Forces Group, and Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). As a strategic and hands-on leader, DeAnton has a proven record of directing large-scale, multi-million dollar programs across global logistics, operations, and sustainment. He has led and mentored cross-functional teams of over 2,000 personnel. Orchestrating the execution of $15M in annual procurement and service contract, DeAnton has a proven track record of driving process optimization, risk mitigation, and strategic planning for mission-critical objectives. DeAnton holds a bachelors of science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston and is currently working on a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Webster University.

Meara is an undergraduate student at Colorado Christian University completing a summer internship with AIC. Currently a rising sophomore, she is pursuing a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. Meara has Social Media Management experience and has career aspirations to work as a small business consultant. Meara is originally from Pinehurst, NC, and has been a part of the military community for 17 years due to her father's service. These experiences molded her fierce determination, organization, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.