TSC Staff

TSC Leadership

  • Randy “Church” Kee, Maj Gen, USAF (Ret)

    Senior Advisor, Arctic Security Affairs

Randy “Church” Kee, Maj Gen, USAF (Ret)

Senior Advisor, Arctic Security Affairs

Maj Gen Randy “Church” Kee, United States Air Force (Ret) serves as the Senior Advisor, Arctic Security Affairs, to assist with establishing the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, the Department of Defense’s sixth and newest regional center located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, near Anchorage Alaska.

Kee is responsible for supporting the establishment and early operations of the new DoD institution, with the mission to engage in regional and global security issues through research, communication, and education. The goal of the center is to build strong, sustainable, international networks of security leaders to advance U.S. national security priorities in the Arctic region. Kee is also working with partner nations to ensure a stable, rules-based order in the Arctic that will benefit the United States and all Arctic nations.

In 2020, the President of the U.S. appointed Kee as a Commissioner to the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, and from 4 January 2016 to 22 August 2021 he served as the Executive Director of the Arctic Domain Awareness Center, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center of Excellence in Maritime Research, hosted by the University of Alaska.

During his tenure in leading ADAC, a DHS Science and Technology Office of University Programs, U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Arctic Research Community recognized the Center for contributions to “operator relevant” Arctic science and technology innovations, education and convergence events specifically oriented to address the challenges and to “enable the decision maker” in Arctic maritime crisis response.

In volunteer “pro-bono” capacities, Kee serves a Global Fellow of the Woodrow Wilson Polar Institute; Network member of the Canadian Hosted North American and Arctic Defense and Security Network; he is the designated U.S. lead for a technology working group hosted by the Chief of Naval Research in support of the International Cooperative Engagement Program for Polar Research; and serves as the Co-chair of the Alaska Civilian Armed Services Team, a State of Alaska Advisory Board to the Governor.

During his 30-year military career, Kee led at the squadron, group, wing, and Air Operations Center levels. General Kee’s staff assignments include U.S. Transportation Command, HQ USAF, and the U.S. Joint Staff in both Operations plus Strategic Plans and Policy Directorates. He is a command pilot and prior qualified navigator, and logged 4,700 flying hours, 700 of which were in combat (Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan). While in uniform he contributed to U.S. Arctic Strategy, supported domain awareness technology development, and Defense Support to Arctic crisis response. He culminated his military service as Director of Strategy, Policy, Planning and Capabilities for U.S. European Command (ECJ5/8) in Stuttgart, Germany. He holds three master’s degrees: Organizational Leadership, Air Mobility/Logistics Management and Strategic Studies.

His USAF Biography is available at: www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/Display/tabid/225/Article/108465/major-general-randya-kee.aspx.

  • Craig Fleener

    TSC Deputy Advisor, Arctic Security Affairs, Lt Col, Alaska National Guard

Craig Fleener

TSC Deputy Advisor, Arctic Security Affairs, Lt Col, Alaska National Guard

Mr. Craig Fleener serves as the Deputy Advisor and Chief of Staff, Arctic Security Affairs, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, at the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies. In addition to his duties at the Stevens Center, Craig serves in a traditional guardsman role with the Alaska Air National Guard.

Craig was born and raised in Alaska. He’s from Fort Yukon, a small town on the north bank of the Yukon River, 8-miles above the Arctic Circle in northeastern interior, Alaska near the Yukon, Canada border.

He has a 35-year military career where he began as an enlisted US Marine from 1986-1990. He transitioned to the Alaska Air National Guard in 1991 where he still serves today. He received his US Air Force commission in 2001 from the Academy of Military Sciences. He has served as a supply warehouseman, a .50 caliber machine gunner, a KC-135 air refueling aircraft crew chief, maintenance controller, and maintenance officer. Craig has participated in active deployed service in the U.S. Central Command region. He currently holds the rank of Lt Col serving in the Alaska Air National Guard as an intelligence officer with the 176 Airlift Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Most recently, he served on active duty for 16 months as the Chief of Staff and Arctic Cell Deputy to the Eleventh Air Force commander.

In his civilian career he served his community and tribe as a wildland fire fighter, wildlife biologist, climate researcher, and Director of a regional tribal non-profit providing healthcare, education, and natural resources management services. His duties include serving in elected office.

Craig was active as a Permanent Participant of the Arctic Council as a the International Co-chair of the Gwich’in Council International, one of the six internationally recognized Arctic indigenous groups. The Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation in the Arctic. The Gwich’in Council International (GCI) is a non-profit organization that represents Gwich’in in Alaska, United States and the Yukon and Northwest Territories in Canada.

Mr. Fleener has served for three different governors of Alaska as the Director of the Division of Subsistence, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game, and as an appointed cabinet member responsible for Arctic Policy and Director of State and Federal Relations where he also served as third in line of succession for governor.

Craig has also worked in and has a passion for economic development with a focus on rural and tribal development, blue economy, and new opportunities for rural residents of the state. Recently he supported the advancement and construction of broadband throughout rural Alaska.

Craig joined the Ted Stevens Center as the Deputy Advisor for Arctic Security Affairs in January of 2022.

TSC Dean and Associate Directors

  • Matthew T. Bell Jr., RADM, USCG (Ret)

    Dean, School of Arctic and Climate Studies

  • Brenda A. Dunkle

    Associate Director Research and Analysis

  • Matthew J. Hickey

    Associate Director for Strategic Engagement

  • Linda K. Denning

    Associate Director for Mission Support

  • Nicole A. Rumsey

    Deputy Associate Director for Combatant Command Programs

Matthew T. Bell Jr., RADM, USCG (Ret)

Dean, School of Arctic and Climate Studies

Former Commander, Seventeenth Coast Guard District, Juneau, AK, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Matthew T. Bell Jr. joined the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies as Dean On 25 April 2022. He is responsible for the executive education program designed with the end goals of protecting the U.S. homeland, maintaining a favorable balance of power in the region, and promoting a shared approach to regional security and respect for the existing rules-based order. His thirty-six year Coast Guard career includes numerous operational tours in Alaska, including two command afloat assignments in Kodiak and most recently as the Commander, 17th Coast Guard District in Juneau where he was responsible for Coast Guard operations throughout Alaska, the North Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean. Dean Bell is a 1984 graduate from Northern Arizona University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He entered the Coast Guard in 1985 through Recruit Training Center Cape May and received his commission in 1986 upon graduation from Officer Candidate School. He holds a Master of Science in Chemistry awarded by Northern Arizona University in 1993 and is a graduate of Harvard University, National Preparedness Leadership Initiative.

Brenda A. Dunkle

Associate Director Research and Analysis

Brenda joined the Ted Stevens Center from National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency on January 1, 2023. Prior to joining the Ted Stevens Center, she served as a Science and Technology Programmatics Officer at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. She previously served as a defense contractor for the Department of Defense supporting EUCOM and NGA.

She holds a master’s degree in International Management from Thunderbird, the American Graduate School of Global Management, and is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. An avid skier, traveler, and cook, Brenda currently resides in Anchorage, AK.

Matthew J. Hickey

Associate Director for Strategic Engagement

Matthew J. Hickey serves as the Associate Director for Strategic Engagement and leads the Strategic Engagement Division at the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies. Matt joined the Ted Stevens Center on 5 December 2022. Prior to coming to the center, Matt served as the Legislative Assistant for National Security Affairs and Arctic Policy for U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski where he was responsible for defense and foreign operations appropriations, drafting Arctic-focused legislation, and building Arctic awareness in the National Capitol Region and across the country. Previous to that, Matt was an officer in the U.S. Army where, amongst a variety of assignments, he commanded the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, led combat operations in Afghanistan, taught and specialized in Arctic and Mountain Warfare, and participated in security cooperation operations in Europe and South Asia.

Matt holds a Master of Arts Degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography from the United States Military Academy, West Point.

Matt is an avid explorer who has led expeditions to high altitudes and latitudes on six continents and serves as a board member of a local chapter of the The Explorers Club.

Linda K. Denning

Associate Director for Mission Support

Linda K. Denning joined the Ted Stevens Center in May 2022. As Associate Director for Mission Support, she oversees budget, human resources, travel, information technology, contracting and facilities. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, Ms. Denning was Chief of Operations and Student Affairs at the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (the Perry Center), another member of the Department of Defense’s Regional Center Enterprise. At the Perry Center, she oversaw all operational aspects of the Center’s programs and events, as well as admissions, recruitment and contracting. Ms. Denning was a part of the Perry Center team from 1999-2022.

Prior to her service in the Regional Center Enterprise, Ms. Denning was a linguist and intelligence analyst with the Drug Enforcement Administration and served on active duty in the United States Army in the field of Military Intelligence. She is fluent in Spanish and conversant in Portuguese and Russian.

Ms. Denning holds degrees in International Relations and Economics from the University of California, Davis, and in Computer Science from Mary Washington University. She also holds a Master’s Certificate in Federal Government Program Management from George Washington University.

She was born and raised in California and currently resides in Alaska.

Nicole A. Rumsey

Deputy Associate Director for Combatant Command Programs

Nicole “Niki” Rumsey joined the Ted Stevens Center on 31 July 2023. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, she was the Deputy Division Chief for the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Joint Wargaming team. In this role she led a team that designed and executed two multinational Command wargames annually, providing outcomes that contributed to Homeland Defense frameworks, future Homeland Defense Designs, and Joint Staff Future concepts. Her previous assignments include USNORTHCOM J3 COVID Crisis Action Cell Chief of Current Operations, design and planning support for USINDOPACOM geopolitical studies, and Program Manager for Combatant Command Integration for USEUCOM’s Russia Strategic Initiative.

Prior to joining DoD she was an arena and event manager in Atlanta, GA and in Colorado Springs, CO, which allowed her to lead the production, day-of-show operations, budget, and logistics, and staff teams for national concert tours and sporting events in arenas, convention centers, and performing arts theaters.

She holds an BA in Economics and Management and an MBA from Mercer University.

She was born in Tampa, FL, and currently resides in Colorado Springs, CO with her husband, Charlie. She enjoys summers playing golf, guiding women’s mountain bike rides, and gardening. In the winter months, she enjoys skiing and snowshoeing.

TSC Staff

  • Tracy D. Smith

    Deputy Dean School of Arctic and Climate Studies

  • Matthew C. Schell

    Deputy Associate Director, Research & Analysis

  • Michael K. Perez

    Deputy Associate Director of Mission Support

  • Hannah J. Smith

    Strategic Communications Specialist

  • Haliehana M. Stepetin, Ph.D.

    Assistant Professor of Arctic Security Studies

  • Kelsey Frazier

    TSC Research Associate for Operations Research Analysis

  • Terry “Lee” Grimsley

    Budget Officer, Arctic Security Affairs

  • Christine Duprow

    Curriculum Development Specialist

  • Elizabeth “Ellee” Matthews Parry

    Research Analyst, Arctic Awareness

  • Amber E. Kurka

    Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist

  • Sabrina Collins

    Talent Manager (HR Specialist)

  • Xerex J Santella

    Program Services Support Specialist, Human Domain Solutions

Tracy D. Smith

Deputy Dean School of Arctic and Climate Studies

Tracy D. Smith, joined the Ted Stevens Center on 31 October 2022. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, she served as the Assistant Adjutant General for Air and the Commander of the Alaska Air National Guard.

She holds a Master of Science Degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University.

She was born in Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Anchorage.

Her pride and joy is her son in college at CU Boulder. She enjoys all activities Alaska has to offer, especially skate skiing, cross country skiing, hiking and biking.

 

Matthew C. Schell

Deputy Associate Director, Research & Analysis

Matthew C. Schell joined the Ted Stevens Center in October of 2022.  Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he was a 28-year Army Aviation officer with command experience at the company through brigade levels. Before he retired from the Alaska National Guard he served as the Arctic Security Advisor to the Adjutant General, Alaska.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from the United States Military Academy; a Master’s of Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle University; and a Master of Science in Security Studies from the US Army War College.

Matthew was born in Ohio.  He and his wife have lived in Alaska since 2005.  His interests include reading, dogs, hunting, fishing, foraging, and Nordic skiing.

Michael K. Perez

Deputy Associate Director of Mission Support

Michael K. Perez joined the Ted Stevens Center on 17 August 2023. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he was the Army Joint Modernization Command’s Senior Strategic Operations and Concepts Advisor.

He holds and Associate’s Degree in Resource Management.

He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and currently resides in Eagle River, Alaska.

He shares two children (5 and 9 yo) with his girlfriend, Kelly; his hobbies are shooting and hunting.

Hannah J. Smith

Strategic Communications Specialist

Professional Publications and Awards:

Col Stephen Marr, Nicholas Hargreaves-Heald, Hiram Reynolds, and Hannah Smith, “Stability in Multi-Domain Battle,” Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute, June 2018, available at http://pksoi.armywarcollege.edu/default/assets/File/Stability%20in%20MDB%20monograph.pdf

“The Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II: A Tactical Necessity with Strategic Implications,” Air Power History Magazine, Spring 2022, available at Spring2022Issue_All-1.pdf (afhistory.org)

“Social media can be a weapon, and it’s time US troops get trained on it,” Task and Purpose, June 22, Available at Social media can be a weapon. The US military needs to be trained on it (taskandpurpose.com)

“Influencer Warfare: Shaping Public Perceptions of the US Army Though Social Media,” Presenting May 2023, US Army War College Civil Military Relations Center.

“MilTwitter, VetBros, and Misogyny: The Impact of Social Media on Gender Integration in the Military,” Forthcoming.

Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award, May 2022.

She grew up in Upstate New York and currently resides in Anchorage, Alaska.

She enjoys hiking, running, and being outside with her sister, Emily, and their dog, Obi.

Haliehana M. Stepetin, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Arctic Security Studies

Dr. Haliehana Stepetin joined the Ted Stevens Center on 14 August 2023. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, she was an Assistant Professor of Alaska Native Studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage on Dena’ina lands. She has served in numerous roles over the past ten years at her regional Alaska Native organizations through internships and positions at the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Development Association, the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, and the Akutan Corporation and Akutan Qigiiĝun Tribe. She has contracted as a dance, art, and Unangam Tunuu [Unangax̂ Language] instructor at culture camps in the Unangax̂ region since 2013. She has a background in museums that began at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in 2013 and continued at the Bill Holm Center for Northwest Coast Native Art at the Burke Museum in Seattle until 2018. Dr. Stepetin served as a Fire Controlman 2nd Class Petty Officer (E-5/ESWS) onboard the USS Chosin CG 65 stationed at Pearl Harbor, HI (2008-2012).

She holds a PhD in Native American Studies with a Designated Emphasis in Studies in Performance and Practice from the University of California Davis (2023), a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies from the University of Washington Bothell (2018), and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies – Russia Track with minors in Russian and Anthropology from the University of Alaska Anchorage (2016). Her dissertation titled, “Unangam Qaqamiiĝuu [Unangax̂ Subsistence] Cosmologies: Protocols of Sustainability, or Ways of Being Unangax̂,” connects environmental justice, Indigenous food sovereignty, and climate change research with, by, and for Unangax̂ and Circumpolar Arctic communities. Dr. Stepetin’s work tends to social justice and equity in research by uplifting Indigenous Knowledge and the keepers of it as valid and valued experts and scientists. She weaves together her transdisciplinary experience deeply shaped by the Unangax̂ subsistence cosmology she was raised within as an artist and scholar.

Kelsey Frazier

TSC Research Associate for Operations Research Analysis

Kelsey Frazier is a lifelong Alaskan with a passion for snow and ice. In her daily work, she pursues this passion as a Research Analyst focused on Operations for the Ted Stevens Center of Arctic Security Studies, a U.S. Department of Defense Research Center. Her role includes organizing Arctic-focused operational research programs, executing new research projects, and reporting on those findings in support of OSD(Policy), CCDR, and military service mission needs. Kelsey’s formal training is in mechanical engineering, and her research focuses on thermal-fluid behavior impacted by extreme Arctic conditions, boundary layer structure, interactions and phenomena at the ocean and sea ice interface, and climate science in the Arctic region. When not engaged with research at work, Kelsey is finishing a Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she investigates sea ice structure and models the complex subsurface of the ice. Her singular pursuit of all things snow and ice earned her the call sign “Doc Freeze,” a badge of honor she aspires to live up to in her career.

Terry “Lee” Grimsley

Budget Officer, Arctic Security Affairs

Mr. Lee Grimsley serves as the Budget Officer, at the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies. Plans, organizes, and carries out annual multi-year budgeting projects. Responsible for planning, directing, reviewing, managing, and controlling of the budget planning, execution, evaluation and financial management functions and other duties assigned.

His twenty-year active Army career included serving in the NCO Corps of Infanty and Finance and Accounting with tours in Fort Greely, Alaska and 82nd Airborne, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Mr. Grimsley is a 2012 graduate from Webster University, earning a Master of Business and a graduate of the University of South Carolina Cost Management Certification Course and has been serving in DOD comptrollership assignments since May 2005.

Lee has been volunteering as a Chaplain over the past twelve years, serving communities in disaster relief, fire, police, rescue, hospital, youth sports at the community, corps and regional leadership levels. He was recently presented the Go6vernor of Kentucky’s highest award of, Kentucky Colonial, for his dedication and his team’s community service and disaster relief support to Dawson Springs and Mayfield KY tornado victims and their families. Lee gives all credit for this award to his team. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Lee is married to his lovely wife of 21 years and enjoys Church and outdoor recreational sports with his daughters.

Christine Duprow

Curriculum Development Specialist

Christine Duprow is the Training and Curriculum Developer for the Ted Stevens Center. As part of the ACT1 team serving the center, Christine develops, plans, and executes Arctic courses. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education from Northcentral University. Prior to supporting the Ted Stevens Center Mrs. Duprow was an Anchorage School District Department Chair and lead educator. Mrs. Duprow is a transplant to Alaska via the U.S. Airforce and served for 23 years as a signals specialist and classified courier. She lives in Anchorage with her husband, children and 2 cats.

Elizabeth “Ellee” Matthews Parry

Research Analyst, Arctic Awareness

Elizabeth “Ellee” Parry is a Research Analyst specializing in Arctic Awareness at the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies. Ellee’s research areas include One Health, health security, and the impacts of climate change on the interactions between humans, animals, and their shared environment in the Arctic. Ellee is also a current PhD student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where her research is focused on food security and One Health in Alaska. Prior to joining TSC, Ellee worked at the Arctic Domain Awareness Center (ADAC) as the Education & Administrative Manager. Ellee has an MSc. in Environment & Development from the University of Edinburgh, and a B.S. in Zoology from Colorado State University. A born and raised Alaskan, Ellee currently resides in Anchorage, Alaska, with her husband and two dogs.

Amber E. Kurka

Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist

Amber E. Kurka joined the Ted Stevens Center in August of 2023 and serves as the manager of the center’s Public Affairs program. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, she served as the chief of Public Engagement for U.S. Army Garrison Japan where she led all media relations and community relations outreach efforts across 17 Army Installations throughout the country of Japan. During her time at USAG Japan she won numerous Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Communication Awards and led her team to win the first-ever Jim “Goose” Guzior Communications Awards, sweeping all categories. In 2023, she was recognized by the Honolulu-Pacific Federal Executive Board as a Leader of the Year Award winner.     

Ms. Kurka holds a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from Eastern Michigan University and Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communications from Western Illinois University.

Sabrina Collins

Talent Manager (HR Specialist)

Sabrina J. Collins joined the Ted Stevens Center on January 2, 2022. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, she worked as a Human Resources Specialist for the Department of the Air Force as well as the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) with 14 years’ experience.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

She was born and raised in Southern Indiana, and currently resides in Cheyenne, WY with her active-duty Air Force spouse and 16-year-old twin boys.  

She enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling with her family.

Xerex J Santella

Program Services Support Specialist, Human Domain Solutions

Xerex J Santella joined Human Domain Solutions in support of the Ted Stevens Center on 01 August 2022. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, he was the Director of Food and Beverage in Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa after retiring from 21 years of service in the United States Air Force.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and an associate degree in Fitness, Lodging and Recreation Management

  • Air Force A1 Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, 2015
  • AK YMCA Armed Forces Service Person of the Year, 2013
  • John L. Levitow Award, Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, 2012
  •  Authored “4_2MRW: Quick mentoring tips for #Adulting people” and “I Want To Be A Little Toy Princess”, both published on 2021

He was born in Manila, Philippines and currently resides in Anchorage, Alaska.  He enjoys quality time with his wife, Helene and his daughters Malaya and Emilia. His hobbies include music composition, basketball, hiking, running and painting.

 

Contracted Support

  • Dieter E. Bareihs

    Program Manager, ACT1 Federal

  • Elizabeth E. Copes

    Participant Programs Manager, ACT1 Federal

  • Kathryn B. Friedman

    North American Arctic Policy Advisor, ACT1 Federal

  • Matthew Philip Wee

    Senior Events Program Planner, Human Domain Solutions

  • Rahsaan Ash

    IT Services; Dep Prgm Mgr/Site Lead, ACT1 Federal

  • Connor N. Keesecker

    Deputy Registrar/Support, Act-1 Federal, Contractor

  • Carlos A. Figueroa

    Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst, ACT1 Federal

  • Dwayne A. Wood

    Training and Curriculum Developer, ACT1 Federal

  • Courtney M. Guinan

    Events Program Planning Manager, ACT1 Federal

  • Jason “Olaf” Roe

    Media and Communications Specialist, ACT1 Federal

  • Olga (Olgy), M, Gary

    Curriculum Developer, ACT1 Federal

  • Tim Brennan

    Web Developer and Designer, ACT1 Federal

  • Gail E. Chambers

    Curriculum Developer, ACT1 Federal

Dieter E. Bareihs

Program Manager, ACT1 Federal

Dieter E. Bareihs joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on 27 Dec 2021. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, he served as the U.S. Deputy Director at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. He retired in 2018 as a Brigadier General, after serving more than 29 years in the United States Air Force.

He received his commission in 1989 and graduated as a distinguished graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course and is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours in various aircraft, predominantly the F-16.  While on active duty, he served in several operational, command and staff assignments, including twice at Eielson AFB, AK.  In his final active-duty assignment, he served as Director Plans, Programs, and Analysis, United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa where he participated in the Headquarters Air Staff study which laid the foundation for the inaugural Air Force Arctic Strategy.

He holds master’s degrees in Engineering Management, Military Operational Art and Science and in National Resource Strategy.

He was born in Pennsylvania and currently resides in northern Virginia.

His USAF biography is available at: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/581228/dieter-e-bareihs/

Elizabeth E. Copes

Participant Programs Manager, ACT1 Federal

Elizabeth E. Copes joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on November 10, 2021. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, she was a Global Events Manager who supported DOD Office of Small Business Programs & USAID hosted events on three continents. Previously, Beth applied her passion for customer engagement, service delivery & process improvement in both the government contracting (FAA & NASA) and not-for-profit administration arenas.

She holds a master’s degree in business administration.

She was born in Spain and currently resides in Virginia.

As an advocate of Servant Leadership, Beth has invested countless hours over two decades leading community service and civic engagement organizations both as a volunteer and executive member of multiple community boards.

Kathryn B. Friedman

North American Arctic Policy Advisor, ACT1 Federal

Dr. Kathryn B. Friedman joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center in July 2022. She also serves as a Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Canada Institute). Kathryn is a recognized foreign policy expert, with two decades of experience collaborating with and advising US, Canadian, and European government officials on security, borders, migration, and transboundary water challenges. Her work sits at the intersection of law, security, geopolitics, and governance. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, she served on the faculty at the University at Buffalo where she directed a law and policy program on the US-Canada relationship.

Kathryn holds a Ph.D., with a concentration in international relations and comparative politics, and a J.D., magna cum laude, with a concentration in international law. She served as a Fulbright Fellow (Germany) and an Abshire Inamori Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC. Kathryn clerked for two appellate judges and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Kathryn was born in New York, and currently resides in Buffalo, New York.

Matthew Philip Wee

Senior Events Program Planner, Human Domain Solutions

Matthew Philip Wee joined Human Domain Solutions in support of the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies on 1 August 2022. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, he was an Active-Duty Marine for 20 years, from 9 July 2001 to 31 July 2021, as a Personnel Administrator, Training/Operations Specialist, and Foreign Affairs/Security Cooperation Specialist. Before transitioning out, he completed his Skill Bridge program with Sales Platoon. After transitioning, he completed a tour from 1 October 2021 to 31 July 2022 with HillVets supporting a United States House of Representatives member as a Defense and Veterans Fellow.

He holds an Associate, Bachelor, and Master’s Degree in Business Administration with multiple certifications in Leadership, Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, and more.

He was born in the Bay Area in California and currently resides in Washington, District of Columbia.

He is interested in many things, including running, music, television, and movies. Through self-development, he constantly learns and earns many additional certifications, increasing his abilities to learn about real estate investing, website development, and management of products/programs/projects. He also volunteers with multiple Veteran/Military Service organizations to assist and help Active Duty, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans, and Family members achieve their goals.

Rahsaan Ash

IT Services; Dep Prgm Mgr/Site Lead, ACT1 Federal

Rahsaan Ash joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on 21 February 2023. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, he was a Systems and Network Engineer for the 673rd Civil Engineering Group on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. He is a former US Army Infantryman, serving from 2006 until 2017.

He holds a BAS in Business Administration, with a specialization in Cybersecurity from Wayland Baptist University. In October of 2023, he became a ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Practitioner. He is also a graduate of the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC)’s Information Technology program, based in Seward, Alaska.

He was born in Soldotna, Alaska and currently resides in Anchorage. Rahsaan loves hunting, fishing, and camping with his wife, three children, and German Shepherd.

Connor N. Keesecker

Deputy Registrar/Support, Act-1 Federal, Contractor

Connor Keesecker joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center in December 2022 as Deputy
Registrar/Deputy Support. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he served as the Communications and Research
Associate for the Arctic Domain Awareness Center, a DHS Center of Excellence hosted by the University of Alaska
Anchorage. He previously worked on economic development and community issues with non-profits in Anchorage.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Alaska Anchorage. He was born and raised in
Alaska, and currently resides in Anchorage with his two retired sled dogs. He enjoys recreating in the outdoors, whether
by ski, bike, kayak, or foot.

Carlos A. Figueroa

Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Analyst, ACT1 Federal

Carlos A. Figueroa joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on 3 April 2023. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, he served as the Command Regional Advisor for Mexico, Canada, the Northern Triangle Countries and the U.S. Southern Command Caribbean Basin Region within the Office of International Affairs and Foreign Policy at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC.  He retired as a Colonel in 2017, after having served 30 years on active duty in the United States Army. Colonel Figueroa graduated as a Distinguished Military Student and received his commission in 1987 from the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at the University of Puerto Rico. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College, the U.S. Naval War College, and the Chief of Staff of the Army’s Senior Leader Seminar Program.

As an Armor/Cavalry officer and Foreign Area Officer for Latin America, he served in numerous operational, command, and staff assignments including Senior Military Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere, Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché, U.S. Embassy, Guatemala City, Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché, U.S. Embassy, San Salvador, Central America and Caribbean Advisor to the Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy within the Executive Office of the President, Army Attaché, U.S. Embassy, Tegucigalpa, Senior Executive Officer to the Director Strategy, Policy and Plans, U.S. Southern Command, Exchange Instructor at the Venezuelan Army Armor and Cavalry School in Caracas, and diverse Armor/Cavalry command billets.

He holds master’s degrees in international policy for Latin America and in National Defense and Strategy.

He was born in Puerto Rico, and currently resides in San Antonio, TX.

Dwayne A. Wood

Training and Curriculum Developer, ACT1 Federal

Dwayne A. Wood joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on 15 May 2023. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, he held instructional design and instructor positions in the government and higher education sectors.

He holds a Doctorate in Education and a Master’s in Adult Education.

He retired from the Army after 22 years serving in many roles such as Combat Engineer, Human Resources, Special Operations Support, Senior Enlisted Advisor, and Military Science Instructor.

He was born in the finger lakes region of New York, and currently resides in Alabama.

He has been married for 26 years with three children. He is an avid reader, preferring books on military history, education, neuroscience, physics, leadership, and philosophy to name a few.

Courtney M. Guinan

Events Program Planning Manager, ACT1 Federal

Courtney, M, Guinan joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center in October 2023. Prior to supporting the Ted Stevens Center, she spent a decade at sea facilitating elite, luxury service on board some of the world’s most prestigious private super yachts. This role took her to over 30 countries and she collaborated with Ultra High Net Worth Individuals on projects ranging from the public launching of companies on the NYSE to multi-million dollar refit projects on board their private vessels. Courtney has unique experience in creating distinctive events within the logistical confines of being at sea or in extremely remote locations with limited resources.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business from The Eli Broad School of Business at Michigan State University, graduating with honors.

Courtney was born in Michigan, and currently resides in Anchorage, Alaska after spending much of her career at sea based in Europe.

Courtney is also an accomplished equestrian, PADI Divemaster, sailor, and recently obtained her Commercial Helicopter Pilot’s License. She is most passionate about travel and being outdoors in nature, whether hiking in the mountains, swimming in the sea, or flying in the skies.

Jason “Olaf” Roe

Media and Communications Specialist, ACT1 Federal

Jason “Olaf” Roe joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on 15 February 2022. As part of the ACT1 team serving the Center, Mr. Roe provides graphic design, photography, audio and video production, publishing, and web-design support.

Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, Mr. Roe served as the Associate Director and Senior Research Professional for the Arctic Domain Awareness Center (ADAC), a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center of Excellence in Arctic Maritime Research, hosted by the University of Alaska. During his tenure at ADAC, Mr. Roe assisted in the management of a nationwide network of research teams focused on a diverse range of Arctic issues including GIS systems, communications, underwater robotics, oil and ice modeling and detection, and pollution mitigation strategies.

Mr. Roe retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2019 after 20 years of service, more than 10 of which involved operations planning of Search and Rescue (SAR), Maritime Environmental Response, and Maritime Law Enforcement missions in Alaska and the U.S. Arctic region.

Olga (Olgy), M, Gary

Curriculum Developer, ACT1 Federal

Olga (Olgy) M. Gary joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on May 17, 2023. Concurrent with supporting the Stevens Center as a curriculum developer, Olgy is the Lead Instructional Designer at Oral Roberts University, where she serves as the Quality Matters (QM) Institution Representative and Quality Assurance Specialist.

She holds a B.A. in Geology, an M.A. in Education with an emphasis on Human Performance Technology/Instructional Design and is a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration candidate with an expected graduation date of May 2024.

Her publications include:

  • The Kampei Game: Experience the joy of crossing cultural barriers; The Luna Game: A Cross-Cultural Experience.
  • The art, business and science of editing children’s books; Cook Partners Magazine.
  • Unpublished Papers: 1) Disruptive Innovation in Higher Education; (2) Who Will Speak for the Voiceless? A Case for Racial Diversity in Higher Education; (3) Race and Educational Access in American Higher Education;

She was born in Cuba, and currently resides in Oklahoma.

Olgy is an educator, public speaker, trainer, author, game designer, translator, PenWoman, wife, and mother. She’s originally from Cuba and is grateful to have found a home in the USA after she was forced to leave her homeland. Olgy enjoys talking about education, politics, writing, reading, kids, family, and, of course, Cuba… “The Island of My Heart” the title of the novel she’s writing. She has a deep love for the USA as the country that took her family in and gave them a future and a hope, and she is obnoxiously patriotic when it comes to her adopted country. She’s been married for 40 years to her graduate school sweetheart, Jay, whom she met while attending GeorgiaTech. Her son, David, is a U.S. Army veteran working as a Physicist/scientist at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, IN. Her daughter, Christine, is a Senior VP at a top PR firm in Washington, DC. Christine and her husband live in MD and are the proud parents of twins, two precious little kids, a boy and a girl. Olgy and Jay’s love these days are the TWINkies, the 2-year-old grandkids.

Tim Brennan

Web Developer and Designer, ACT1 Federal

Tim Brennan joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on May 17, 2023. Tim supports the Ted Stevens Center as a web developer, designer, and digital strategist.

Tim is a highly effective design and development specialist with twenty-six years’ experience designing, developing, producing, and leading large federal and commercial digital initiatives. During his career, Tim has been a director in both large and boutique commercial and federal engagements and has a proven track record of innovation and success. His experience encompasses all areas of media and web design including content management, customized web tools, video, animation, branding, and graphic design. Tim’s recent federal client engagements include DHS, HHS, DOD, GSA, and FCC.

Tim’s specialties include:

  • UI/UX/CX
  • Digital Strategy
  • WordPress/Drupal/SharePoint/Joomla/
  • Graphic Design
  • Data and Analytics
  • Web Content Writing
  • 508 Compliance
  • Scrum Master
  • User Testing and Focus Groups
  • Information Architecture
  • Search Engine Optimization
  • AWS/Server Configuration
  • Wire-framing and Prototyping
  • User-Centered Design
  • Video and Animation

Gail E. Chambers

Curriculum Developer, ACT1 Federal

Gail E. Chambers joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on May 30, 2023. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, she worked as a Digital Learning Administrator/Lead Instructional Designer for Horizons Control Group, an engineering firm with offices in the United States and Ireland. Gail has 15 years of experience working for government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations as an instructional designer/developer/ LMS administrator.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from Walden University, as well as a minor in Human Computer Interaction.

She was born in New Jersey and currently resides in Pennsylvania.

Gail has three adult children, two of whom are social workers and one who works for Homeland Security. Gail enjoys hiking, kayaking, and creating wood-fired pottery in her spare time.

Agency Representatives, Fellows, and IPAs

  • Joel A. Kopp

    National and Arctic Interest Chair

  • Maranda S. Kan

    DHS Representative for TSC

  • Shannon Jenkins

    U.S. Coast Guard Senior Arctic Policy Advisor in Marine Transportation Systems Directorate (CG-5PW Arctic)

  • Jereme M. Altendorf

    Commander, US Coast Guard Senior Arctic Service Lead

  • Dr. Lillian “Doc” Alessa 

    Lead, Special Programs Chief Scientist, USSOCOM, MacDill AFB, Florida

Joel A. Kopp

National and Arctic Interest Chair

Joel Kopp joined the Ted Stevens Center in late August 2023 on a one-year secondment from the U.S. Department of State. Joel is a career Foreign Service Officer who has served in diplomatic missions in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, as well as in Washington D.C.  Over the course of his 21-year career he has been trained in Spanish and Indonesian.

Joel holds a Master of Marine Affairs degree from the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Joel was born and raised on the Kenai Peninsula, and has lived in Newhalen, Soldotna, Kenai, Anchorage, and Valdez. He currently resides in Liberia, West Africa, where he serves as the Political and Economic Counselor at U.S. Embassy Monrovia. 

Joel and his wife, who was born and raised in Anchorage, have three grown sons and two granddaughters. Joel is a hobbyist composer whose first “rough draft” piano instrumental album, Letters from Ukraine, was recorded in Paris in October 2022 and is available on all major streaming services.

Maranda S. Kan

DHS Representative for TSC

Maranda S. Kan joined the Ted Stevens Center on January 4, 2023. Maranda is currently the Acting Director for Economic Competitiveness at the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Strategy, Policy and Plans. In this capacity, Ms. Kan formulates a vision for and implements Arctic efforts on behalf of the DHS enterprise. Prior to joining DHS, Ms. Kan galvanized support for and drove the modernization of customs policy at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Ms. Kan has a Master of Public Policy in national security from the University of Maryland School of Public Policy and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Theory from Arizona State University.

Ms. Kan currently resides in Washington, DC.

Shannon Jenkins

U.S. Coast Guard Senior Arctic Policy Advisor in Marine Transportation Systems Directorate (CG-5PW Arctic)

Shannon Jenkins serves as head of the Arctic Policy Office at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters. His responsibilities include coordinating Arctic cross-directorate actions, harmonizing Coast Guard program office and field efforts, leading Arctic policy and strategy development, and tracking Arctic implementation-plan actions and progress. Shannon provides expert assistance on Arctic topics both internal and external to the Coast Guard and advances National interests and dialogue through public, private, and international forums. His mandate is to advance the Coast Guard’s Arctic strategy of ensuring safe, secure, and environmentally responsible maritime activity in the region.

Prior to his role as Senior Arctic Policy Advisor, Shannon served as a Program Manager within the Coast Guard’s Research, Development, Test, & Evaluation Program. He managed the Arctic and the Environmental & Waterways research areas. His duties included identifying and prioritizing research needs, coordinating project execution and resource management, and addressing internal and external leadership queries. Shannon was also a member of the matrix team that developed the Coast Guard 2010 High Latitude Mission Analysis Report.

Shannon Jenkins has 30+ years of Federal service, most of those with the Coast Guard. He earned a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Mississippi State University and a Master’s degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School.

Jereme M. Altendorf

Commander, US Coast Guard Senior Arctic Service Lead

Commander Jereme M. Altendorf joined the Ted Stevens Center on November 15, 2023. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he was assigned to Sector Anchorage where he was the program manager for Sector Anchorage’s Arctic Operations where he managed a $1.2M annual budget that ensured Coast Guard regulatory missions were completed throughout rural Alaska. CDR Altendorf is also a subject matter expert with regards marine environmental protection, specifically oil and chemical spill planning, preparedness, and response. Before his time in Alaska, CDR Altendorf coordinated the US Coast Guard’s Maritime Security efforts for the 2017 58th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, DC, and the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, PA. He served as the Training Officer for the Coast Guard’s National Strike Force Atlantic Strike Team, Hazardous Substance Response Specialist for the Strike Force Coordination Center, and Operations Officer for the Pacific Strike Team.

CDR Altendorf graduated from Creighton University with a B.S. in Chemistry and Environmental Science. He went on to get a Master’s in Engineering, with an emphasis in Environmental Engineering, from the University of Missouri and a M.B.A. from George Washington University and is a Certified Hazardous Material Manager (CHMM) and Project Management Professional (PMP). He has spent over 20 years working for various agencies of the federal government (EPA, Coast Guard and Dept. of the Interior) regulating the actions of the public and private sector as it relates to the handling of hazardous waste, managed million-dollar environmental Superfund and oil spill cleanup projects, assisted in the investigation and prosecution of environmental civil and criminal cases, and responded to all types of oil and chemical spills in rivers, bays, and oceans.

Dr. Lillian “Doc” Alessa 

Lead, Special Programs Chief Scientist, USSOCOM, MacDill AFB, Florida

Dr. Lillian “Doc” Alessa is President’s Professor at the University of Idaho and Affiliate Faculty with George Mason and Texas A&M universities. She is currently in split service as Lead, Special Programs and Senior Scientist with the Ted Stevens Center and Chief Scientist and Arctic Lead with U.S. Special Operations Command. Her federal service spans decades including as a Defense Intelligence Senior Level Special Adviser to the Office of the Director for National Intelligence, a Senior Arctic Advisor to the Pentagon and Deputy Chief of Global Strategies with the Department of Homeland Security. She has 30 years of Canadian and U.S. federal experience in the Arctic, cumulatively managing a $16 billion dollar portfolio that includes Canadian and U.S. service between Canadian Department of National Defense, Canadian Armed Forces, U.S. Department of Defense, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, among others. She has dedicated her career to specializing in resilience science focused on national security, intelligence, and defense across interagency, intergovernmental, multinational and commercial sectors.

About

“Committed to innovation and excellence in Arctic defense education, practitioner relevant research and collaborations with America’s Arctic security Allies and partners.”

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