Valley Forge Military Academy and College
Valley Forge Military Academy and College
VFMAC Leaders
Stuart B. Helgeson, USMCR (Ret)Colonel Helgeson was named President of Valley Forge Military Academy and College in March of 2020 after previously serving as Chief Operating Officer, Superintendent and Commandant of Cadets. Colonel Helgeson attended Penn State University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. At Penn State he played Varsity Lacrosse and later walked on to the football team as a receiver on the 1986 National Championship and 1987 Citrus Bowl Teams. Upon graduation Colonel Helgeson was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
During his time on active duty he participated in a wide range of training exercises and operational deployments including Exercise Alpine Warrior, Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm (Iraq), Operation Provide Promise and Deny Flight (former Yugoslavia) and Continue Hope (Somalia). In 1998 after serving as an instructor at The Infantry Officer Course, Colonel Helgeson was assigned as the Head Coach for the Sprint Football team at the United States Naval Academy. While at the Naval Academy, he and three other Marines biked and ran across America in 27 days to raise money for the Children’s Hopes and Dreams Foundation.
In 2000 Colonel Helgeson left active duty for civilian employment with MBNA Bank in Wilmington, DE. In 2004 he joined the Selected Marine Corps Reserve, took command of an Engineer Support Company and completed the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. After assignments as Executive Officer and Commander of 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, he was mobilized and deployed to Afghanistan with the Marine Corps Special Operations Command in 2010. In 2011 he returned to civilian employment with Sechan Electronics, a defense electronics manufacturing service provider based in Lititz, Pennsylvania. In 2013 he was once again mobilized and deployed to Afghanistan and served as Special Operations Coordinator for Helmand and Nimroz provinces.
Colonel Helgeson and his wife, Stephanie, have three children: Stuart, Sarah, and Samantha.
LTC Josh MeyerLieutenant Colonel Josh Meyer grew up largely in upstate New York and is a 2005 Distinguished Military Graduate from Norwich University where he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in Army Aviation.
LTC Meyer earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Norwich University and a Masters of Military Operational Art and Science Degree from Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, AL. His military education includes the Aviation Officer Basic Course, Aviation Captain’s Career Course, and the Air Command and Staff College.
His command and staff assignments include serving as a Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Battalion S1, and Battalion Assistant S3 for 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment (Fort Campbell, KY); Commander of F Company, 1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment (Fort Rucker, AL); Commander of A Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, Battalion Operations Officer for 3rd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, and the Brigade Chief of Operations for the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (Fort Carson, CO); Battalion Operations Officer for 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, and the Brigade Operations Officer for the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (Fort Drum, NY).
LTC Meyer deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve. LTC Meyer’s most recent assignment was as a Presidential Airlift Coordinator for the White House Military Office in Washington, D.C.
LTC Meyer’s awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (1 OLC), Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Army Superior Unit Award. He has earned the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Air Assault Badge, as well as the Presidential Service Badge. Additionally, LTC Meyer is a graduate of Summer and Winter Mountain Warfare Schools and is an instructor pilot in the UH-60A/L and UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters.
LTC Meyer is married to the former Ms. Allison Snyder from Charlton, NY and they have two young children.
Lauren WochokLauren Wochok is dean of VFMA, appointed to that position in June 2022.
She is responsible for leading Academy staff as they guide Cadets toward successful futures.
Prior to this appointment, she was assistant dean at the Academy. She has been an English teacher and led the initiative to establish individualized learning plans for Cadets. She has been active in student activities and engaged with parents to create a line of communication, so parents know what is happening regularly in the life of their children.
Ms. Wochok holds a BS in Elementary and Special Education from Millersville University, an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Cabrini University, and holds a Principal Certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. She lives in Malvern, PA with her husband, Todd, and son, Brayden.
William MottGarrison Sergeant Major William Mott is the Commandant of Cadets at VFMAC, having served in that role since February 2022. His primary responsibility is to establish and maintain the overall support structure for the Corps of Cadets. In addition, he is responsible for all TAC (Teach, Advise, Counsel) officers, campus security operations, and the health and wellness center. GSM Mott came to VFMAC in 2018 recruited to the position of lead TAC Officer for the Corps of Cadets.
Prior to VFMAC, GSM Mott served for 37 years in the British Army, the final 13 serving in London as the Garrison Sergeant Major London District. In that role, he was heavily involved with planning and executing all ceremonial events such as the Royal wedding of their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (now Prince and Princess of Wales), the late Queen Elizabeth’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee celebrations, among many other notable global events. On retirement from the British Army, GSM Mott first relocated to Kentucky prior to his move to VFMAC.
Kathleen DoughertySergeant Kathleen Dougherty is the Bandmaster at Valley Forge Military Academy and College. She was hired on as Bandmaster at the start of the 2022 school year. Kathleen manages the music curriculum for the academy and college, as well as leading the Regimental band and other ensembles in performances.
Prior to joining the staff at Valley Forge, she spent five years as a substitute teacher, taking on the duties of the absent teacher. In that position, she has had multiple long term substitute teaching experiences, the most recent position being the General Music Teacher at Worcester Elementary School in Methacton School District. Kathleen also teaches with the Brad Schoener Foundation when she can as a private teacher and a group teacher.
Kathleen is also a member of the United States Army Reserve, serving with the 78th Army Band based out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. She has been serving her country since 2018, and plans on continuing to serve in the future.
Her educational background is as a Music Educator, receiving her Bachelors of Science in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2017. She was also part of Sigma Alpha Iota, a music fraternity, as the Musicale Chair. Kathleen’s duties in that position were to grow her sisters’ musical talent, encourage them to perform, and organize the annual Tri-Fraternal Musicale.
Dr. Robert SmithDr. Robert Smith joined VFMC in 2019 as Chief Academic Officer, before also being appointed Provost of the College in 2020. In these roles he manages day-to-day operations of the college in areas of academics, admissions, student activities, and student support services.
Smith earned his doctorate in Early American History and the History of Technology from Lehigh University in 2008. His dissertation, which examined the role of government coordination of weapons production in the American Revolution was published in 2016 as Manufacturing Independence: Industrial Innovation in the American Revolution. He completed a minor doctoral field in non-profit management, and used that background to manage Pan Piec Loi, a small non-profit organization that provided secondary school and college scholarships to young men in Uganda, Africa.
Smith attended Villanova University prior to Lehigh, where he earned a masters degree in American history. He also earned a masters in education from Northwest Nazarene University where he focused on curriculum innovation and development. Smith started his education at Gwynedd-Mercy University completing separate bachelors degrees in history and business administration.
Prior to arriving at VFMC, Smith was Assistant Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Northampton Community College. In that position he managed faculty, developed curriculum, oversaw several special events, and directed the college’s dual enrollment programs. Preceding his administrative position, Smith was both a full and part-time instructor at several institutions, including Harford Community College, Mercer County Community College, Peirce College, and Gwynedd-Mercy University. He started his career, however, in development as Director of Alumni Affairs at Gwynedd-Mercy University.
Smith is a Fulbright Scholar, who traveled to Russia in 2019 to exchange ideas and develop partnerships between Russian and American universities. He has also earned the Lawrence Henry Gipson Fellowship from Lehigh University and a learning fellowship from the National Endowment for Humanities.
Throughout his historical studies Smith focused his research on diplomatic and military history, presenting his findings at various conferences on topics including generalship and battle tactics in the American Revolution, development of the War Department, diplomacy in the Civil War, and the rise and fall of the Confederate Navy. He has also used his academic experience and training to speak publicly in numerous forums on topics of two-year education in American colleges, the adaptability of American higher education, and the processes for innovation in American curriculum. Smith’s current research work is focused on preparing a biography of Brigadier General Francis Nash, who led North Carolina forces in the American Revolution and was mortally wounded at the Battle of Germantown.
Smith was, and continues to be heavily involved in Scouting, having served as various times as a Cubmaster, Den Leader, and Scoutmaster. He earned the rank of Eagle and completed the Woodbadge program.
John LanettiJohn Lanetti is the Chief Financial Officer for Valley Forge Military Academy & College. In that role since November 2022, he is responsible for all financial activities related to both VFMA, VFMC and the Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation as well as business office functions, institutional development, and auxiliary programs, as well as finance and accounting.
John has more than thirty years of experience in the accounting and finance profession, spending the previous 15 years in the non-profit area as controller, finance director and chief financial officer for healthcare and social services organizations. A Philadelphia native, John holds a BS in accounting from Temple University and an MBA from Drexel University.
Mr. John English, '91John English is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Heartland Consulting, which he founded in 2009. Mr. English manages and oversees all operations regarding government and commercial clients across several different fields. Prior to founding Heartland, Mr. English worked for the Office of the Secretary within the Department of Veteran’s Affairs from 2005-2009. There, he assisted three different Department Secretaries with organizational and transformational management as well as strategic communications pertaining to the Department’s major initiatives.
Mr. English has also served in government at the state level. His service to Oklahoma began when he joined the administration of Governor Frank Keating in 1998. In that capacity he worked alongside the governor in promoting a pro-growth economic agenda for the state. In 1991, Mr. English joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1996. He graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy and College and currently serves as its Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for the San Miguel School, located in Washington D.C.
He earned an undergraduate degree from The University of Oklahoma and an MBA from The George Washington University. In 2014, Mr. English continued his support and devotion to veterans through the creation of the John L. English scholarship at The George Washington University School of Business. This scholarship was created specifically for former U.S. Marines to attend the GWU school of business in either graduate or undergraduate studies.
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David Cummins
Senior Vice President, Citizen Services Business Group
David Cummins serves as Senior Vice President of Serco’s Citizen Services Business Group. He is responsible for managing the three business units that comprise Serco’s civilian work for federal, state, and local governments in the U.S. and Canada.
David has more than 20 years of experience in government contracting. Before joining Serco in late 2016, he was a Senior Vice President for Conduent Inc. (formerly Xerox and ACS) where he ran their mobility, parking, and court business units. Prior to that, he led strategy, sales, marketing, and acquisitions for their Transportation division with operations in over 30 countries. He has led numerous innovation project and has been co-awarded 15 patents. David was the Director of Operations Management for the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic organizing committee, and he was a recipient of the 2003 International Project of the Year Award, presented by the Project Management Institute.
David holds an MBA from the University of Michigan Business School, an MA in International Affairs from the George Washington University, and a BA in Political Science from Messiah College. He serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Valley Forge Military Academy and College and is involved in other volunteer work for non-profits.
Mr. Robert A. Bacine, Esq., ’60
Attorney, Friedman Schuman, P.C.;
Former Founding Partner/Attorney, Flamm, Boroff & Bacine, P.C. of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. Past President, Montgomery County Estate Planning Council; Past Chairman, Montgomery County Law Reporter Committee; Co-Founder and Past Chairman, Probate and Tax Section, Montgomery Bar Association; Trustee, Montgomery Bar Foundation; Member, Whitemarsh Township Zoning Hearing Board; New York University Graduate School of Law, L.L.M. in Taxation (1969); Villanova University, School of Law, J.D. Degree (1967); Drexel University, B.S., Accounting (1964); Past President and Past Chairman, Alumni Association, VFMAC.
Mr. Joseph A. Bartasius ’81, ‘83C, Colonel, USA (Ret.)
Mr. Bartasius is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Soaring Eagle Solutions, LLC a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. He previously served as Senior Managing Director for L-3 Communications, Inc.
Over the course of his 30-year career in the Army and Army Reserve, Mr. Bartasius served in a variety of command and staff positions in airborne, light, special operations, Joint Commands and training units serving in Southwest Asia (Iraq and Afghanistan), the Republic of Germany and the United States. Having risen to the rank of Colonel, his Senior Officer assignments began as Senior Military Advisor/Military Transition Team of the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team (CMATT), Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq (MNSTC-I) in October 2004. He assumed duties as the Chief, Civil Affairs Plans, 358th Civil Affairs Brigade in January 2006. From July 2006 to December 2007, Mr. Bartasius was assigned as the Brigade Commander, 1st Brigade, 98th Division (Institutional Training). In January 2008, he assumed command of a detachment, J2/JT, Army Reserve Element, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida and served as a Senior Chief, Observer, Controller and Trainer of the 75th Division (Battle Command Training Division) to February 2010. In March of 2010, he served as the Director, Region II (NJ, NY, PR, VI), Emergency Preparedness Office (NORTHCOM) in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Honorably, his last assignment before retiring in September 2013, he was assigned at the United States Military Academy, West Point as a Military Academy Liaison Officer representing the State of New Jersey, in collaboration with the NJ representatives and their staffs of the US House of Representatives.
A graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and College, Class of 81 and 83C, where he obtained an Associate degree in Business, and held the cadet rank of 1st Captain, Regimental Commander. Following graduation from the academy, Mr. Bartasius was commissioned through the ROTC program as an Infantry officer. He holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from Cabrini University, with Cum Laude honors for academic excellence and attended University of Pennsylvania for his graduate work in Organization Management. Mr. Bartasius currently serves as the Chairman of the Valley Forge Military Academy and College, Alumni Board of Directors. Additionally, he serves as a Trustee of the Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation.
He is a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America and Association of the United States Army.
Mr. Bartasius was a 2016 Inductee in the United States Army, Reserve Officer’s Training Corp. (ROTC), Hall of Fame.
Mr. William E. Floyd, Jr. ’63
Chairman Emeritus, Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation. Mr. Floyd is also a 1963 graduate of the Academy. During his tenure at Valley Forge, he oversaw the Pennsylvania House of Representatives approval of Senate Bill 560, legislation introduced by Senator Mensch, creating a new program for legislative appointments to Valley Forge Military College; the designation of the College as “The Military College of Pennsylvania;” and the successful integration of women into the Corps of Cadets at the College.
Mr. Floyd is the retired Chairman and CEO of Physiotherapy Associates, the largest provider of outpatient rehab services in the U.S. Prior to Physiotherapy, he was Chairman, President and CEO of Beverly Enterprises, Inc., a leading provider of eldercare services in the U.S. with $2.2 Billion in revenue. Prior to Beverly, Mr. Floyd held leadership positions as CEO and President of Choice Hotels International, the largest franchiser of hotels in the world, as well as Chief Operating Officer of Taco Bell and KFC, both of which were part of PepsiCo’s Restaurant Division.
Mr. Floyd holds a B.A. Degree in American Studies from the University of Pennsylvania (1967) and an MBA Degree from the Wharton School (1969). After graduation from Wharton, he served as an officer in the Fifth Infantry Division (U.S. Army) from 1970-72.
In addition to being the Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Valley Forge Military Academy & College, Mr. Floyd is the former Chairman of the Board of Buffet Holdings, Inc., a multi-million family dining restaurant concept. He is also on the Board of Korn-Ferry, the world’s largest executive search and talent consulting firm, El Pollo Loco Restaurants, a $600 million flame-grilled chicken restaurant chain, Pivot, an Outpatient Physical Therapy company, and Muzinich Capital LLC.
Mr. Floyd is also a member of the Board of Overseers of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Mr. Floyd is a member of the Union League of Philadelphia and is a past board member of Philadelphia Outward Bound.
Dr. Christine Anne Royce
Dr. Christine Anne Royce is currently a professor in the teacher education department and co-director for the MAT in STEM Education program at Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania having joined the faculty in 2002. In her current position, Royce—who served three consecutive terms as the chair of the teacher education department—teaches classes in science education, assessment, curricular planning and research design at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and implemented a new online teaching certification program which prepares educators to teach in blended or online environments. Royce has been a passionate educator and dedicated leader in the science education community for more than 25 years. She brings with her experience working at the elementary, middle, and secondary school level in both public and private schools having taught science, math, and serving in administrative roles. She holds instructional and administrative certificates in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia.
External to her position at Shippensburg, Dr. Christine Anne Royce is the retiring president of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) having completed her term as 2018-2019 President. Her involvement with NSTA has been extensive having been elected to the NSTA board as director of professional development (2009-2012) and prior to that serving in the role of district IV director (2006-2009). She is the column author for Teaching Through Trade Books which appears in Science and Children and has authored multiple books. In addition to her work and commitment to NSTA, Royce is extremely active with other state and national organizations and STEM initiatives. She was the PSTA Exchange editor, executive secretary, and twice served as the president of the Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association. Royce has also served as the treasurer for the National Science Education Leadership Association, and was an NSF panel judge and chair for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching.
She was invited to serve on the Academy Oversight Committee in July 2018 and joins the BOT having had experience working at Valley Forge Military Academy from 1988 through 1992. She served as an Assistant Camp Commandant for the summer camp program. Additionally, she worked in the Senior ROTC Department for nearly two years as an Administration and Operations Specialist.
During her distinguished career, Royce has received a number of awards and honors. Her accomplishments include receiving NSTA’s Fellow Award (2016), UPCEA Excellence in Teaching Award (2016), Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators’ Teacher Educator of the Year Award (2010), National Association of Geoscience Teachers’ Outstanding Earth Science Teacher – Eastern Region (2003), and the Woodrow Wilson National Memorial Fellowship (2000). Royce was also named a 1997 Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Science Teaching. Her academic preparation includes a B.S. degree in elementary education from Cabrini College, a M.A. degree in curriculum and instruction from Delaware State University, a M.S. degree in school administration and supervision from the University of Scranton, a M.B.A. from Shippensburg University, and an Ed.D. in curriculum, instruction and technology education from Temple University.
Mr. J. Kent McNew ’61C
Current CEO and Owner, Coastal Heating and Air Conditioning Co., Inc. and Southbound Corporation. Mr. McNew worked for Hess Oil & Chemical for four years. In 1969, he formed Eastern Petroleum Corporation, a home heating oil and diesel fuel marketer. In 1999, the heating oil and diesel business was sold and Mr. McNew entered the gasoline market business serving some 80 locations. Mr. McNew sold the gasoline business in 2010.
Current Board of Trustee member and former Board of Visitor member of VFMA&C. Current Board of Trustee member at Anne Arundel Health Systems Inc.. Past Trustee of Foundation Board at Anne Arundel Health System. Past Board Member, Associated Builders and Contractors. Founding Director at The Annapolis National Bank, and current member Board of Directors, The South River Federation.
Mr. McNew has lived in the Annapolis area his entire life with the South River and Chesapeake Bay being a big part of his life.
Mr. George H. Schildge ’56
Chairman/Owner CRP Industries Inc. (Importer/distributor of automotive and industrial products), Cranbury, NJ; Chairman Precision Roll Grinders; board member Transmares Corp., Charleston, SC; member Metropolitan Club, NYC and Navesink Country Club, Middletown, NJ; Served two years as an officer in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany; Bachelor of Engineering Cornell University (1960); studied 1 year at Hannover Institute of Technology in Germany.
Mr. Conrad E. Muhly, IV ’73
CEO, Terra Technical Services, LLC and Terra Railroad Services, LLC, West Chester, Pennsylvania. President, Chester County SPCA Board of Directors; Member, Associated Builders and Contractors, National; Association of Demolition Contractors; VFMA&C Alumni Association Board of Directors (1989-98). VFMA&C Chairman, Alumni Association (1996-97); VFMA&C President, Alumni Association (1995-96); VFMA&C Board of Visitors (1991-93); VFMA&C Golden Sword Society Chairman (1997-98).
Mr. Jonathan Tratt ’76
Founder/Managing Principal of Tratt Properties LLC, a Phoenix based commercial real estate development/investment firm for the past 23 years. He is regarded for his distinguished expertise in real estate development, acquisition and property management services for logistics and e-commerce properties. This includes site selection, ground up construction, and warehousing and distribution operations.
Jonathan brings over 30 years of real estate experience to the leadership of Tratt Properties LLC. His early experience as an industrial broker with Iliff Thorn and Daum Commercial Real Estate Services prepared him to start Industrial Brokerage, Inc. in 1992 before broadening his scope to development and investment as Tratt Properties, LLC in 2000.
Jonathan holds a Master of Business Administration in International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and A Bachelor of Science from the University of Dayton. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Valley Forge Military Academy & College in Wayne, PA. In addition, he is an active Board member for the National Association of Commercial Real Estate Development Industry’s NAIOP. He serves on its Executive Committee, is a Governor of the NAIOP Research Foundation, and is Vice-Chairman, Trustee of the NAIOP-PAC. By way of his expertise and leadership, Jonathan also served as the Chair of the Industrial Development II National Forum of NAIOP. Jonathan is a long-standing local sponsor and Developer Association Member of SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors).
Jonathan contributes to community service and charitable organizations across the country. This broad range of philanthropic activities includes numerous Jewish and religious organizations, as well as academic institutions, and professional associations. In addition, Tratt Properties, LLC focuses contributions in the local markets where they own and operate properties to further the commitment to meaningful service.
Mr. Mark Kelton ’74
Mark Kelton is the Director of MEK & Associates, LLC and a retired senior Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) executive with 34 years of experience in intelligence operations. Mr. Kelton’s CIA career included more than sixteen years of overseas service, to include four assignments in key field leadership positions. He concluded his career as Chief of CIA’s Counterintelligence Center. Directing CIA’s counterintelligence and counterespionage programs, Mr. Kelton led the team that protected the nation’s most closely guarded secrets. He has expertise in intelligence operations, international security issues, detection of insider threats, assessment of counterintelligence risk, and crisis management.
Mr. Kelton is a recipient of the CIA Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the CIA Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, the Director of National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, the CIA Director’s Award, the 2015 Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Senior Intelligence Officer, the CIA Intelligence Medal of Merit, the CIA Donovan Award and many other honors.
Mr. Kelton is: Senior Vice President for National Security Solutions, DynCorp International; an Outside Board Director of Blue Planet-Works, LLC; a member of the Board of Trustees of Valley Forge Military Academy and College; an Advisory Board member for FORCEPOINT, LLC; Board Chair of the Spookstock Foundation (benefitting the CIA Memorial Foundation and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation); an Advisor to the Chertoff Group; and a contributor to The Cipher Brief, writing on intelligence and national security issues.
Colonel Ken DeTreux, USMC (Retired)
Colonel Ken DeTreux, USMC (retired) served for over thirty years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, he graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School (’83) and Temple University (’88). As a career infantry officer and combat veteran, Ken has over 30 years of operational and leadership experience having commanded at the platoon through Regimental level, as well as serving in key staff positions at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. His career spans ten deployments to include combat operations in Panama, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. His highest personal awards include the Legion of Merit w/two gold stars in lieu of 3 rd award and the Bronze Star w/Valor device. During his service, he earned an M.A. in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College in 2008 and a Masters Public Administration (MPA) from Villanova University.
Retiring from active duty in 2018, Ken served as the Commandant of Cadets at Valley Forge Military Academy & College (VFMAC) during Academic Year 2018-19 before accepting a Director position for a Veterans program at the University of Pennsylvania where he served during Academic Year 2019-2020. He continues his public service in the higher education and nonprofit sectors currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at Villanova University in the Department of Public Administration and the College of Professional Studies teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He also served a two-year term (’20-’22) on the Board of Directors for the Society of the Friendly Sons and Daughters of Saint Patrick (Philadelphia Chapter) and is on the current Board of Directors for the Hoxie Harrison Smith Foundation, a grant-making foundation supporting non-profit organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area. He is also very active on the Philadelphia committees of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF) and the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation (MCLEF), as well as serving on the Veterans Advisory Panel for Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (D-PA, 4th Congressional District).
Ken is married for over 32 years to his wife, Kathleen Donohoe DeTreux, a Registered Nurse (RN) with the VA. They have four children.”
Mr. R. Grey Beck