USVBA Leadership

 

BECOME A MEMBER

Become a Partner

Letter from the President

I accept this presidency on the heels of great past presidents. I would like to publicly thank Leslie Marshall and Dan Connor for their leadership and dedication to the USVBA. Without these gentlemen, the USVBA would not be the viable organization it is today.

For those who may not be familiar with who I am, I have been affiliated with the USVBA for over 10 years. First, as a sponsor with Lockheed Martin, then as the USVBA Corporate Advisory Board Chair, and lastly as a board member. Prior to my corporate life, I served in the Alabama National Guard, the Army Reserves, and on active duty as an Army Officer.

Congratulations to those USVBA Board members returning to serve and the newly elected USVBA officers. This organization extends a heartfelt Thank You to Coreena Conolly and Jack Smith for their service as Board Members.

I look forward to multiple business connections for USVBA members, and valuable collaborations with my fellow veteran organizations.

Regards,
Mershelle Davis
President – USVBA

Board of Directors

MIKE WRAY

MIKE WRAY

USVBA VICE PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT OF BIDSPEED

 

Read Bio

Mike possesses over 30 years of diverse work experience in leading programs, managing budgets and assets, and improving quality and processes. Mike is a Veteran of the US Navy as a Naval Aviator flying P-3 Orion’s and served as Plane Commander during his tenure. After leaving the Navy, he managed a robust business development program for a Irvine based defense contractor. More recently, Mike assumed the role as President of Bidspeed, which is a Government Opportunity Management System designed to facilitate a more efficient environment for Gov contractors.

 

He has worked closely with various SBDCs and PTACs across the country. He provides expert guidance and advice in the area of Government & Corporate contracting and devotes countless hours towards helping other veteran entrepreneurs. He has developed and presented several business seminars and events ranging from “Gov Contracting 101” to “Responding to an RFP”.

DANIEL CONNOR

DANIEL CONNOR

USVBA PRESIDENT EMERITUS

CEO AND FOUNDER OF RAMS HEAD SOLUTIONS

Read Bio

Daniel Connor is CEO and founder of Rams Head Solutions, a company that provides Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) services and operations to first responders and the construction and insurance industries. He transitioned from the Marine Corps in 2014, after a successful career as a combat decorated Naval Aviator, Marine One Presidential Helicopter Pilot, and military attaché.
As CEO of Rams Head Solutions, he oversees the establishment and growth of a UAS services and operations company on the cutting edge of the rapidly expanding market of aerial based data acquisition and management. Rams Head Solutions is at the nexus of the worlds of aviation and data management, and has become a leader in the field, partnering with police, fire, FAA, local governments, and industry to ensure that the disruptive technology of UAS is integrated effectively, safely, and without disruption to current operations.

Among his accomplishments as a Marine aviator, he was selected to fly Marine One, and become a Presidential Helicopter Pilot in support of the President and Vice President of the United States, visiting foreign dignitaries, and select cabinet secretaries.

Upon completion of this tour, he was again hand selected to serve as the US Naval Attaché to Pakistan, where he was an integral part of the team that reestablished working lines of communication after a diplomatic breakdown following the raid to capture/kill Osama bin Laden.

After transitioning from the Marine Corps, he served as the Vice President of Operations for vMocion, as they introduced groundbreaking medical technology into the media and entertainment industry.

Daniel has degrees in History and Political Science from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He frequently speaks to civic and professional organizations on his experiences within the military. He resides in Newport Beach, CA, where he serves on the board of directors at Disabled Veteran Business Alliance, and enjoys assisting recently separated veterans in their transition from military to civilian life.

MIKE OLIVIER

MIKE OLIVIER

USVBA SECRETARY

PRESIDENT 171COMPLY

 

Read Bio

Mershelle Davis is the Supplier Diversity Veteran and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Advocate for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics located in Fort Worth, Texas. In the role, Ms. Davis is responsible for the development of business opportunities for Veteran Owned and Service Disabled Veteran Owned small businesses.
Ms. Davis has a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Human Resources from Tarleton State University – Central Texas. She has thirteen years’ experience as Army Officer serving time with the Alabama National Guard, the Army Reserves, and on active duty.

She began her Lockheed Martin Aeronautics career in Supplier Diversity in 2007. As the Veteran and Service Disabled Small Business Advocate she was instrumental in exceeding or meeting the Veteran and Service Disabled Small Business Owned Small Business goals from 2008-2017 for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

In 2012, Ms. Davis won the US Small Business Dallas / Fort Worth District Award for Advocate of the Year, the National Veterans Administration Corporate Advocate Award, and Women of Color STEM Special Recognition Award for her work with the small business community. In 2013 she was recognized by STEM Leaders and Legends in Industry. March 2019, Ms. Davis was awarded the John K. Lopez award form the US Veteran Business Alliance for her efforts to improve disabled veteran business programs.

DAVID FELDMAN

DAVID FELDMAN

USVBA BOARD MEMBER

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY/LOCAL CONTENT

Read Bio

David Feldman is the Manager of Chevron’s Local Content/Supplier Diversity program in where he is responsibility for advocating for the utilization and development of local, small, and diverse suppliers to support the company’s international and domestic operations. Feldman assumed this role in 2014 where he promotes an inclusive work environment and a supply chain reflective of the communities where Chevron operates. Feldman represents Chevron with the local, small, and diverse supplier community and national and local nonprofit advocacy organizations.
Feldman previously held positions with Chevron Policy, Government and Public Affairs where he managed Chevron community engagement and social investment initiatives at the company’s headquarter locations in the San Francisco Bay area and in Houston. Feldman also previously held responsible positions with Chevron’s Energy Technology Company. David is a native Houstonian, attended public schools in Houston, and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin.

ALEX GALICIA

ALEX GALICIA

USVBA BOARD MEMBER

PRESIDENT/CEO OF BPI PLUMBING

Read Bio

Alex Galicia is a Navy & Army Veteran. In 2016, he will retire as an Army National Guard Major. His military assignments include running convoys during Operations Iraqi Freedom, as well as Operations New Horizons (Central America), -Noble Eagle, -Jump Start (US Mexico Border) and a NATO Ukraine mission. Alex is a 20 year travel industry veteran, mostly United Airlines where he held management Airport Operations, Field Sales and International Planning positions. Alex is President/CEO of BPI Plumbing (www.bpiplumbing.com) which expanded from $200,000 in 2006 to $4 Million in 2015. . He has served as a Veterans Consultant at the San Diego Small Business Development Center and on the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) San Diego and National Boards, San Diego Board Chair in 2017. Alex’s awards include the 2015 Louis Zamperini Inspirational Award (DVBA), the 2014 Disabled Veteran Supplier of the Year (San Diego Council for Supplier Diversity) and the 2013 Veteran-Business-Owner of the Year (SBA San Diego). His business made the Hispanic Business (HB) 500 and Fastest Growing 100 since 2012. Alex has a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of California, Los Angeles and Masters in Transportation and Logistics from American Military University. More at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexgalicia

MIMI LOHM

MIMI LOHM

USVBA BOARD MEMBER

Read Bio

I work with Supplier Diversity professionals. Our association connects veteran businesses with Corporate America, government agencies and franchises. Out outreach is done through Vetrepreneur Magazine.

ELTON JOHNSON JR.

ELTON JOHNSON JR.

USVBA BOARD MEMBER

NON EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF AMERIVET SECURITIES, INC.

Read Bio

Elton Johnson, Jr., Biography

Elton Johnson, Jr., Non Executive Chairman of Amerivet Securities, Inc., has been a stockbroker since 1977. He currently holds the following securities/commodities licenses: Series 3, 4, 7, 14, 24, 27, 30, 52, 53, 57, 63, 65, 79 and 99; a total of fourteen licenses, the most of any FINRA member. He has owned and operated Amerivet Securities, Inc., since the company became a member of the Self-Regulatory Organization (“SRO”) now known as the FINRA in May 1994

Elton Johnson, Jr., is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (1976) where he was a Notre Dame Scholar.  He majored in Finance graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He is currently enrolled in American Military University where he is pursuing his Master’s in Business Administration.

Shortly after graduating from college, Elton Johnson, Jr., enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He served in the 4th Marine Division for two years before he obtained a conditional release and a lateral transfer to the U.S. Army in order to volunteer for U.S. Army Special Forces training (the “Green Berets”). He is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the Infantry Branch in the U.S. Army Retired Reserves. Since 9/11, he has served two tours of duty in Iraq and one tour of duty in Afghanistan. His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Action Badge (CAB). He is a disabled U.S. veteran and an advocate for veterans’ rights.

LESLIE MARSHALL

LESLIE MARSHALL

USVBA PAST PRESIDENT

CEO OF MEI MAIL SERVICES

Read Bio

USAF, Vietnam-Era-Disabled veteran, Leslie E. Marshall, is the President & CEO of MEI Mail Services which he founded in 1996. Mr. Marshall held various positions in Sales, Financial Management, Human Resource Management and Executive Sales Management with The International Business Machines and Apple Computer corporations. With current operations in 13 cities and 7 States, he has overseen this Mail Outsourcing, Document Management and Payment Processing company’s growth from a start-up to its current status.

 

Mr. Marshall has served on the Boards of Director for Theatre Three of Dallas, The Dallas Chamber Orchestra, The West View District, Circle 10 Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dallas and The West Dallas Community Centers, among others. Leslie is a graduate of the University of New Mexico where he earned degrees in Accounting and Finance. In addition, he is the proud father of six accomplished children which are his pride and joy.

The U.S. Veteran Business Alliance thanks Dean Sloan, former USVBA Treasurer and other past board members for their work in support of the USVBA.

Get In Touch

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
k

MAIL US

3140 Peacekeeper Way
Ste. 100

McClellan, CA. 95652

w

CALL US

Mon – Fri 10:00 – 18:00
(888) 517-3822