Ross E. Davidson Jr, Owner and CEO
Retired US Army Colonel Ross E. Davidson Jr founded Chieftain Elite Consulting following his retirement from the US Army in 2019. He and his team specialize in Program Management, Leader Training and Development, and aiding clients with strategic and operational planning, and mission execution solutions for successful business operations. Chieftain’s team of highly skilled professionals provide program management support and specialized research and analysis for National Defense programs. Ross has worked with multiple clients on projects ranging from advanced technological solutions for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms; Organizational readiness programs; Training Exercise design and delivery; Counter-UAS detection, early warning and neutralization; and Commercial construction business operations and program management.
Ross is a national defense professional with over 31 years’ experience in joint & combined arms warfare - both Conventional and Special Operations Forces. He is an expert in all related aspects of mission command systems, effective organizational design, and operations – intelligence integration. He also has extensive experience in enhanced AI system design and cyberspace warfare, and has led multiple industry collaborative development efforts in this area over the past several years. He is a combat Veteran with multiple tours of duty in Iraq during the Global War on Terror, where he served as a Special Operations Task Force Commander, and as the Chief of Staff for the United States Special Operations Command’s senior Joint Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan.
Under Ross’ leadership, Chieftain has emerged as a leading provider of tailored and scalable training and education programs supporting organizational workforce development programs with a succinct focus on elevating leadership capabilities through knowledge and awareness. Chieftain is spearheading a regionally aligned National Security talent development project, and continues to develop and deploy undergraduate and Defense Civilian courses related to National Security, Defense Acquisition, Leader Professional Development, and AI Integration.
Ross was commissioned into the United States Army as an Infantryman through The Ohio State University’s Army ROTC program, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and represented Ohio State as an NCAA student athlete, earning three letters in men’s Varsity Lacrosse. In 2024 he was inducted into The Ohio State University ROTC Hall of Fame in recognition of his leadership and extensive service to the nation.
Ronald J. Minty, Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Program Manager
Ron Minty is the CEO and founder of Paragon Leadership and Management Solutions LLC, specializing in high-performance team development and leadership programs for business success. With 24 years of service as a combat veteran, Ron has commanded units from Platoon to Battalion and led Joint Task Force missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea, honing his skills in strategic planning and joint tactical operations. He has collaborated with agencies like the CIA, DEA, and DHS while executing strategic plans for the Department of Defense.
Ron graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences, emphasizing Nuclear Engineering, and was commissioned as an Infantry officer. He is dedicated to motivating individuals and teams to achieve personal and professional goals while mitigating risks.
After retiring, Ron became the Chief Operating Officer of Special Support Technologies (SST), where he synchronized business functions and established mission, vision, and core values to support marketing, sales, and operations for joint warfighters and law enforcement. He excels in developing strategic objectives and translating them into operational tasks and metrics.
A lifelong learner, Ron earned his MBA in 2020 and completed a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Strategic Innovation and Change, along with a graduate certificate in Organizational Development from the University of Denver in 2023. As a transformational leader, Ron is committed to helping individuals surpass their potential through effective guidance and inspiration, contributing to team objectives and organizational strategy.
John B. VanHook, Senior Development Operations Manager
Retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel John B. VanHook is working as a member of Chieftain Elite Consulting, LLC as an Associate Consultant, supporting New Mexico State University’s development of the Defense Workplace Development & Defense Civilian Mentorship and Effective Communications Micro-Courses.
Previously he served in the US Army from 1986 to 2023 in progressive Infantry and broadening assignments, including multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. LTC Vanhook’s civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Texas Christian University in 1995, a Master of Arts in International Relations from Webster University in 2008, and a Master of Arts in Strategy and Planning from the Army Command and General Staff College in 2009.
Charles "Mike" Hooke, Senior Operations Support Manager and Program Manager
Charles "Mike" Hooke is a seasoned leader with a rich background in project management, event coordination, and musical performance. Throughout his career, he has successfully led teams, managed budgets, and executed complex initiatives.
Mike's event management expertise shines through his involvement in high-profile events such as Presidential State funerals, NFL Super Bowls, and the Invictus Games as a Master Sergeant and Section Leader in The US Army Band, "Pershing's Own." He excels in logistics, scheduling, and execution, consistently exceeding client expectations. As a talented musician, he has performed at venues including the Tomb of the Unknowns, NASCAR races, and major university ceremonies.
With over 30 years of experience in education and non-profit sectors, Mike has 21 years of progressive experience in project management, customer relations, and organizational leadership. He has a proven track record in developing strategies that drive organizational growth and success while running is own Special Event business in the Washington, DC metro area.
His exceptional contributions to the NMSU Physical Science Laboratory’s CREW and DCTCx programs were crucial in the development of the EliteMC platform, significantly transforming business operations for Department of Defense programs.
Mike enlisted in the US Marine Corps as a military musician after earning a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from Louisiana State University, where he also played on the LSU Rugby team. He later obtained a Master's Degree in Management from George Mason University while serving in the US Army.
With a blend of artistic and creative talents, Mike excels in planning and developing effective business and marketing strategies while mentoring future leaders. After 26 years of distinguished service in both the US Marine Corps and US Army, he retired as a senior leader and award-winning musician.
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