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Our Team

The People Behind
Oak Grove Technologies

We attribute our years of success to the quality of our amazing team, our energetic leadership, and our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. Our diverse team of veteran and civilian employees strive to go the extra mile for our clients.

Senior Leadership

Mark Gross

Chairman of the Board

Richard Haggerty

Chief Executive Officer

Matthew Farr

Chief Strategy Officer

Cody Baker

Chief Growth Officer

Jake Norris, CPA

Chief Revenue Officer

Heather Nixon

Vice President, Staff Operations

Defense & SOF

Tyson Stahl

Senior Director, Defense & Special Operations

Eli Monroe

Director, UxS Programs

Jeremy Young

Program Manager, Defense Programs

IO & SA

Will Clark

Senior Director, Information Operations & Special Activities

Joseph Fancher

Senior Director, Strategic SOF Programs

Education & Learning

Travis Purser

Senior Director, Education & Learning Solutions

Brian Carpinelli

Program Manager, Education & Learning Solutions

Law Enforcement & National Security

Jeff Krill

Senior Director, Law Enforcement & National Security

Kevin Sanderson

Program Manager, Law Enforcement & National Security

Threat Programs

John Mendes

Senior Director, Threat Programs

Lynn Lawrence

Director, Cyber Operations

Training & Exercises

Bart Bryant

Senior Director, Test & Training Center

Michael Smith

Director, SOF Training Exercises

Senior Staff Support

Seth Spivey

Director, IT

Madelyn Bica

Director, Recruiting

Robert Panosetti

Director, Human Resources

Joshua Miller

Director, Art

Lauren Burke

Director, Marketing

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Mark Gross

Chairman of the Board

Since 2003, Mark Gross has grown a successful business practice serving both the federal and commercial sectors. He has guided the company to numerous achievements including the 2007 DoD inaugural SDVOSB achievement award. In addition, Mark’s leadership led Oak Grove to be named the 2008 Mid-Sized Company of the Year by the North Carolina Technology Association. Before founding Oak Grove, Mark was a U.S. Army enlisted soldier. He continued his public service under the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) Honors Program, Antitrust Division. There, Mark improved relations between regulatory agencies and was presented with the Assistant Attorney General (AG) (Ann Bingaman) Award in 1993 and 1994 and the AG (Janet Reno) Award in 1995.

Mark is a passionate supporter of Veterans, as well as Entrepreneurs, having mentored over 15 successful companies over the years. He served as legal editor of Veterans Benefits Manual – An Advocates Guide to Veterans Benefits and is active within the NDIA and AFCEA. He is a founding member of the American Legion, National Economic Committees Small Business Task Force. Mark was also appointed to serve on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Veterans Advisory Committee, advising both the White House and the Congress on issues affecting veteran businesses.

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Richard Haggerty

Chief Executive Officer

Colonel [Retired] Richard Haggerty is currently the Chief Executive Officer at Oak Grove Technologies [OGT] leading a dynamic portfolio of defense, special operations, cyber, unmanned systems, intelligence, and technology-based test, training and services focused on multi-domain operations. In November 2019, Rich retired from the U.S. Army with more than 32 years of distinguished service in conventional and special operations organizations as a transformational leader at multiple echelons, an armed reconnaissance helicopter pilot, and an acquisition professional. He is an expert in manned/unmanned aviation operations, live and virtual training, test and evaluation, cyber operations, Joint and Special Operations Forces requirements, budgeting, and contracting. His expertise and leadership have spearheaded OGT’s transition from a small business into a large industry leader across multiple domains.

Colonel [Retired] Haggerty is a Senior Army Aviator and Instructor Pilot qualified in multiple military aircraft, a Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma, and a certified Agile Software Development SCRUM Master. He’s a graduate with honors from both the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and U.S. Naval War College and holds three civilian college degrees. Rich was board-selected to command at the Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel level, and his highest military decorations include the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star. He supported multiple operational and combat deployments with both conventional and special operations units.

Matthew Farr

Chief Strategy Officer

Matt Farr is OGT’s Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel. As CSO, Matt oversees the daily operations and strategic direction of the company, ensuring efficient processes, effective resource allocation, and consistent alignment with OGT’s organizational goals. As GC, he manages the company’s legal strategy and oversees all legal affairs at OGT, providing guidance to senior management on a wide variety of corporate, adversarial, transactional, and governance matters. Before joining the company, Matt taught US Constitutional law at a University in Europe and practiced civil litigation at a Raleigh based firm. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, school of law. He is a current member of the North Carolina State Bar, the 10th Judicial District, and the Association of Corporate Counsel.

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Cody Baker

Chief Growth Officer

William “Cody” Baker is the Chief Growth Officer at Oak Grove Technologies, where he drives the company’s strategic expansion across the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, and private industry. With an extensive career in professional services, he leads business development, capture management, proposal strategy, and marketing to ensure cohesive and effective growth efforts. Cody oversees the full lifecycle of federal capture and proposal activities, shaping win strategies for complex federal and commercial contracts. He builds and strengthens relationships with customers, industry partners, and system integrators while collaborating closely with internal teams to align growth initiatives with operational delivery. Focused on market positioning and informed by federal budget and procurement trends, Cody plays a central role in elevating OGT’s brand and guiding its long-term success in the current marketplace.

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Jake Norris, CPA

Chief Revenue Officer

As the CRO at OGT, Jake Norris leads our strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth and maximize profitability. Jake has extensive background in accounting and sales, bringing a wealth of experience to our team. He leverages his dual expertise to drive growth, maximize profitability, and lead the organization toward sustainable success. His strategic vision and analytical mindset enable him to create innovative revenue models and optimize financial performance. With a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration across departments, Jake plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s future and achieving its long-term goals.

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Heather Nixon

Vice President of Staff Operations

Heather Nixon, CPSM, serves as the Vice President of Staff Operations at Oak Grove Technologies, where she leverages her extensive background in marketing to drive organizational excellence. With over 20 years of experience in professional services marketing, Heather has been instrumental in shaping OGT’s brand, business strategies, and culture. Her deep understanding of industry trends and project management expertise ensures seamless execution of initiatives from concept to completion. Heather’s natural problem-solving abilities, combined with her resourcefulness and collaborative approach, works well to align teams across the organization.

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Tyson Stahl

Senior Director, Defense & Special Operations

Tyson Stahl is Oak Grove Technologies’ Senior Director of Defense and Special Operations. Drawing on his military, non-profit, and government contracting expertise, Tyson is adept at securing partnerships with clients in complex markets and optimizing business solutions that both propel and support growth. He’s a globally experienced professional with expertise in business development, motivational leadership, and strategic transformation. Tyson is a former Marine Corps Infantry officer and Marine Special Operations Officer with over a decade of military experience and multiple deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.

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Eli Monroe

Director, UXS Programs

Eli Monroe is a retired U.S. Army Green Beret with over 20 years of experience as a Special Forces NCO. He completed nine overseas deployments, totaling 39 months in diverse operational environments. Eli now serves as the Director of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Programs at Oak Grove Technologies, where he leads the development and execution of advanced UAS training. This includes the Organically Designed & Built Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (ODB sUAS) Pilot Course, a program he helped shape to meet the evolving needs of modern military operations. His leadership bridges tactical expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver mission-ready solutions.

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Jeremy Young

Program Manager, Defense Programs

Jeremy Young is Oak Grove Technologies’ Program Manager for Defense Programs. Jeremy brings to Oak Grove Technologies a wealth of knowledge in the government contract process. During his 20 years of service as an Army Conventional and Special Operations Logistics Officer, he is well suited to manage leading edge innovation contracts within Oak Grove Technologies’ portfolio. He is a qualified professional with a proven record of accomplishment of excellence in providing and coordinating resources between strategic government agencies, Army units, and civilian contractors. Jeremy possesses a strong ability to work independently and as a team member, meeting and exceeding performance standards and expectations.

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Will Clark

Senior Director, Information Operations & Special Activities

William Clark brings a reputation of excellence in fostering the interconnectivity of Special Operations Forces with Conventional Forces and Intelligence Functions to the Oak Grove Technologies team. Will is highly skilled in integrating geographically dispersed teams, streamlining communication across business units, and cross-cultural communication between our corporate entity and our government customers. In his previous roles he has served as an innovative planner, doctrine developer, technical writer, and leader responsible for evaluating some of the most sensitive programs in the U.S. Government inventory. Will has worked with or supported the Departments of Defense, State, Homeland Security, most Agencies of the Intelligence Community, forming relationships that have allowed him to hone his extensive knowledge administering and managing contracts and operational support in efforts delivering services tailored to each client’s needs.

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Joseph Fancher

Senior Director, Strategic SOF Programs

Joseph “Joe” Fancher is a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major with 32 years of distinguished service in Special Forces. His career included key leadership roles across multiple combat deployments and culminated as the senior enlisted leader at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. Now serving as Director of Strategic SOF Programs at Oak Grove Technologies, Joe applies his deep operational expertise to advance innovative solutions for the Special Operations community. He holds a Master’s degree in Business and Leadership and is actively involved in initiatives supporting Green Berets, families, education, conservation, and community development.

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Travis Purser

Senior Director, Education & Learning Solutions

Travis Purser is the Senior Director of Education & Learning Solutions at Oak Grove Technologies with more than 20 years of experience developing performance-based training for government, military, and private-sector clients. He designs eLearning, instructor-led, and blended learning programs that translate complex technical systems into engaging, mission-ready experiences. His expertise spans the full ADDIE and SAM lifecycles, adult learning theory, and accessibility compliance. Travis has led learning initiatives for organizations such as the City of Portland, Nike, and GP Strategies and is recognized for integrating AI-assisted tools to improve training quality and development efficiency.

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Brian Carpinelli

Program Manager, Education & Learning Solutions

Brian Carpinelli serves as the Program Manager for Education & Learning Solutions at Oak Grove Technologies, bringing over two decades of expertise in eLearning development, web technologies, and distance learning solutions for both government and private-sector clients. With a strong foundation in Computer Science from James Madison University and certifications including Adobe Captivate and DHS 508 Trusted Tester, Brian combines deep technical knowledge with a passion for accessible, user-centered learning.

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Jeff Krill

Senior Director, Law Enforcement & National Security

Jeff Krill, Senior Director of the Law Enforcement and National Security Division at Oak Grove Technologies, brings a highly qualified tactical background with extensive operational experience. He is a retired FBI agent with over 21 years of service, and he served for over 16 years on the FBI Hostage Rescue Team as an Assaulter, Assault Team Leader, Section Leader, Master Breacher and XO of the HRT breaching program. He is also a graduate of the FBI Hazardous Devices School as a Bomb technician. Jeff has extensive real-world tactical experiences from some of the highest profile cases that have occurred domestically and internationally in the past decade and was awarded the FBI Medal of Valor. While assigned to HRT he conducted personnel security details for the FBI director and the US Attorney General during foreign travel to high threat areas. He participated in multiple deployments to Iraq to include over 100 direct support missions to action wanted individuals and sensitive sites exploitations (SSE’s).

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Kevin Sanderson

Program Manager, Law Enforcement & National Security

Kevin Sanderson is a Program Manager in the Law Enforcement and National Security Division at Oak Grove Technologies and a retired FBI agent with 26 years of service. He spent 24 of those years in the FBI SWAT Program, including 14 years as a Senior Team Leader, where he planned and conducted hundreds of tactical operations both domestically and overseas (OCONUS). He deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of FBI operations and, in 2011, was awarded the FBI Shield of Bravery for actions taken during a 2010 mission in Afghanistan while embedded with a U.S. Army Special Operations unit. Kevin brings extensive investigative and tactical experience, both as an FBI agent and as an instructor. Prior to joining the FBI, he served as a U.S. Army Special Forces officer.

John Mendes

Senior Director, Threat Programs

John Mendes serves as the Senior Director of Threat Programs at Oak Grove Technologies, where he plays a critical role in supporting the Threat Systems Management Office (TSMO) at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. With a focus on enhancing the Army’s readiness for future conflicts, John assists in delivering nation-state, near-peer, multi-domain threat capabilities in alignment with the Army 2030 transformation goals. His leadership contributes to the development and integration of cutting-edge threat replication strategies, ensuring realistic training environments and advanced operational preparedness for U.S. forces. Prior to his role at Oak Grove Technologies, John served as a Department of the Army civil servant across positions of increased responsibilities culminating his career as the Deputy Director, TSMO. Additionally, John served in the US Army retiring as a Master Sergeant with 20 years of military service.

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Lynn Lawrence

Director, Cyber Operations

Lynn “Eric” Lawrence brings over two decades of cyber security leadership to Oak Grove Technologies, where he plays a key role in advancing the company’s cyber capabilities in support of national defense initiatives. Formerly the Deputy Director of Cyber Operations at Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC-GSU), Lynn has deep expertise in planning, executing, and assessing cyberspace operations tailored to special operations missions across the globe. Lynn leverages his technical acumen to drive secure, mission-focused solutions. His extensive background in networking, security architecture, and cyber warfare makes him a trusted leader in developing and safeguarding complex cyber environments. Lynn is passionate about applying his experience to empower organizations with the resilience and agility needed in today’s multi-domain operational landscape.

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Bart Bryant

Senior Director, Test & Training Center

With over 37 years of combined military and defense industry experience, Bart Bryant currently serves as the Senior Director of Oak Grove Technologies’ Test & Training Center (T&TC). Since joining Oak Grove Technologies in 2013, Bart has led the T&TC in delivering cutting-edge training solutions for military and government clients. Prior to his tenure at Oak Grove, Bart served for 25 years in the U.S. Army Special Forces, retiring at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Four. Throughout his distinguished military career, he specialized in unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, and direct action missions across multiple global deployments. Combining deep operational expertise with a commitment to innovation, Bart plays a pivotal role in advancing training capabilities that prepare warfighters for the complex challenges of modern conflict.

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Michael Smith

Director, SOF Training Exercises

Command Sergeant Major [Retired] Michael Smith is the Director for Special Operations Forces Training Exercises at Oak Grove Technologies. He currently overseas the ARSOF contract which is the largest services contract in support of the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). He is also the lead on our virtual trainer, an advanced and combat-proven training methodology with a high-fidelity virtual environment to provide the next generation of individual and small-unit tactical training. In 2018 Mike retired from the U.S. Army with more than 30 years of distinguished service in Ranger and Special Forces Organizations with numerous deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Philippines. He is an expert in marksmanship, tactical operations, and program management. His decorations include the Legion of Merit and multiple Bronze Stars with Valor.

Seth Spivey

Director of IT

In his role as Director of IT, Seth Spivey is responsible for leading the development and implementation of technology solutions and aligning technology initiatives with business objectives. Seth brings over 20 years of Military and DoD contracting experience in a multitude of communications disciplines. He’s a communications professional with experience in managing tactical and executive cross-functional teams while supervising IT infrastructure, security, and projects in both controlled and chaotic environments. He’s knowledgeable in network usage, network transitions, best security practices, satellite footprints, tactical radios, and device management. Beyond supporting the staff at OGT, Seth strives to create strategic IT solutions that align with our customer’s mission, culture, and long-term goals.

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Madelyn Bica

Director, Recruiting

Madelyn “Mady” Bica is our Director of Recruiting. She excels at collaborating with our division leaders to understand job requirements, source candidates through various channels such as job boards, social media, and networking, and manage the recruitment process from start to finish. Mady possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills, an attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Her previous experience in sales provides her with the essential skills such as establishing and maintaining excellent relationships.  She is a critical part of shaping our workforce and contributing to the success of OGT by attracting top talent.

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Robert Panosetti, SHRM-CP

Director, Human Resources

Robert “Rob” Panosetti, SHRM-CP, serves as the Director of Human Resources at Oak Grove Technologies, bringing more than 25 years of combined military and corporate leadership experience. He is committed to aligning strategic human resources initiatives with business needs to support organizational growth and operational excellence. Rob approaches his work with a relationship-focused and collaborative leadership style, valuing teamwork and open communication. He is passionate about creating scalable HR processes that support employees, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and enable long-term success. His work is grounded in the belief that when people are supported and empowered, organizations perform at their best. Rob holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Business Management and a professional certificate in Organizational Leadership from Harvard Business School.

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Joshua Miller

Director, Art

Josh is the Art Director at Oak Grove Technologies, where he leads the creation of 2D and 3D graphics, animations, and video content. With more than 30 years of experience, he produces high-impact visual assets that support OGT’s Solution verticals, ranging from instructional courseware and learning tools to customized client presentations. Driven by a passion for education, Josh uses his artistic expertise to bring instructional media to life, promoting knowledge sharing through engaging visual storytelling. He works closely with cross-functional teams throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring creative cohesion and successful delivery. In addition to his production role, Josh plays a key part in shaping OGT’s brand identity and advancing marketing initiatives.

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Lauren Burke

Director, Marketing

Lauren Burke serves as our Director of Marketing, bringing a versatile mix of creativity, strategic insight, and exceptional communication skills to the team. She holds a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Florida State University, equipping her with a strong foundation in developing cohesive brand messaging and executing social media strategies. Her background in sales has given her a valuable perspective on customer needs and how to communicate effectively to meet them. Her skill set plays a key role in expanding our reach and strengthening our presence across the industry.