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Former Member
Currently nominated to become the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy
Advisor
Bert Hernandez is a highly decorated retired senior manager with 31 years of service in the United States Federal Government, he has received over two dozen national and international commendations for exceptional service and program successes.
His extensive experience includes best practices to leverage foreign partner capabilities, a proven record of exemplary coordination with U.S. and host nation military and law enforcement agencies around the globe as well as service worldwide in the areas of non-proliferation, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and counternarcotics.
Hernandez is a highly decorated retired senior manager with 31 years of service in the United States Federal Government, he has received over two dozen national and international commendations for exceptional service and program successes.
His extensive experience includes best practices to leverage foreign partner capabilities, a proven record of exemplary coordination with U.S. and host nation military and law enforcement agencies around the globe as well as service worldwide in the areas of non-proliferation, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and counternarcotics.
Advisor
Officially joining Project DYNAMO’s Advisory Board in 2024, Félix Rodriguez is a former Central Intelligence Agency Paramilitary Operations Officer with over 60 years of experience in the fields of intelligence gathering, analysis, discrete operations, among others.
Having successfully served the country across 4 separate presidential administrations—earning nine individual Silver Star Awards, as well as CIA’s Intelligence Star Award—Rodriguez applies his extensive knowledge and wide-ranging skill sets to help inform and facilitate Project DYNAMO’s rescue operations around the world.
Former Member
Currently serving as US Ambassador to Mexico
Ambassador Ron Johnson’s broad range of experience spans over four decades of government service in positions of increasing responsibility, with leadership and substantive engagement on a wide range of issues including: diplomacy, national security, intelligence, counterterrorism, insurgency, threat mitigation, conflict resolution, and human rights. This includes his service as Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador from 2019 to 2021, more than twenty years as a Senior Operations and Paramilitary Officer with the CIA and over twenty years in the U.S. Army. He retired in 1998 as a Special Forces (Green Beret) Colonel.
Advisor
Mark Mancuso has over 40 years of experience as a law enforcement and security professional. He is an expert in complex, highly regulated, police and security environments. In his previous roles he has been responsible for building and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, working in complex, regulated environments worldwide. Mancuso was a Captain in the Houston, Texas Police Department where he was responsible for oversight of police operations at Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Upon his retirement in 2002, Mancuso was appointed to the position of Director of Public Safety and Technology for the Houston Airport System in the aftermath of 9/11. As a member of the Joint Terrorism Taskforce (JTTF), Mark was the primary government liaison to the FBI, Customs and Immigrations, the Transportation Security Administration and others. In addition to these roles, Mancuso was also assigned to coordinate with members of the foreign Consulates in Houston as well as the Consulate Generals on a variety of projects.
Mancuso earned a BS degree in Criminal Justice with concentrations in Administration and Technology at Roger Williams University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA and the US Secret Service Dignitary Protection Program in Washington DC.
Advisor
Sara Carter is an award-winning investigative journalist, war correspondent, and active contributor to the Fox News Channel. Her extensive works to inform the public have been featured across the media sphere, including Circa News, Los Angeles News Group, The Washington Times and The Washington Examiner.
Over the past two decades, Carter has garnered widespread acclaim for her in-depth and consequential reporting on critical matters related to national security, terrorism, and immigration—including front line coverage of foreign conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Her impactful work along the U.S.- Mexico border has featured investigative pieces uncovering narcotics trafficking routes in Mexico, involving Mexican federal officials. Among multiple recognitions in the field of journalism, Carter is also a recipient of the SPJ Award and the National Headliner Award.
Carter’s journalistic efforts grant her with an expansive network of trusted and high-level sources across many of Project DYNAMO’s focus areas. She is often sought as a speaker at conferences, panels, and seminars to share insights on matters of security and journalism. She is the host of the Sara Carter Show podcast, and also writes for SaraACarter.com.
Advisor
Mark Geist, often referred to as “Oz,” is a former United States Marine and private security contractor best known for his heroic actions during the 2012 Benghazi attack. Geist served 12 years in the Marine Corps before transitioning into Law Enforcement where his expertise was in Investigation’s in Crimes against Children, rising to the position of Chief of Police. After leaving Law Enforcement he transitioned to private security work, where he was involved in protecting U.S. diplomatic personnel in conflict zones.
Geist gained national attention for his role as a member of the CIA annex security team in Benghazi, Libya, on September 11, 2012. During the attack on the U.S. consulate and CIA annex, Geist and his team fought to protect the American personnel under siege. Despite being severely injured, Geist continued to fight and help his comrades. His bravery and dedication were later depicted in the book and film “13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi.”
Beyond his military and security career, Geist is also a motivational speaker and co-founder of the Shadow Warriors Project, a non-profit organization that supports private security contractors and other veterans. He continues to advocate for veterans’ issues and shares his experiences to inspire and educate others.
Advisor
Ms. Paláu-Hernández is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hernández Ventures, a privately held enterprise involved in Spanish media, business and real estate ventures. Ms. Paláu-Hernández is currently a director of Herbalife Nutrition, Ltd., an NYSE traded company operating a global nutrition organization in over 90 countries (2018-present). She is also a director of Conduent Incorporated, an NASDAQ traded company operating a global technology-led business processing services company in over 40 countries (2019-present). In addition, Ms. Paláu-Hernández is a director of Occidental Petroleum, an NYSE traded company operating a global oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the United States, Middle East, Latin America and Africa (2020-present), and served as a director of ALJ Regional Holdings, Inc., a NASDAQ traded company engaged in the ownership and operation of diversified consumer product companies from 2015 to 2019. In September of 2018, Ms. Paláu-Hernández was nominated to serve as a Representative of the United States of America to the Seventy-third Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Prior to founding Hernandez Ventures, Ms. Paláu-Hernández was an attorney with the law firm of McCutcheon, Black, Verleger & Shea where she focused on domestic and international business and real estate transactions (September 1985-1988). In addition to her professional responsibilities, Ms. Paláu-Hernández serves as Chair of the Yale School of Management Council of Global Advisors and ex-officio Board Member of the Yale School of Management Board of Advisors. Ms. Paláu-Hernández also serves as Vice Chair, and Chair of the Advancement Committee, of the Smithsonian National Latino Board, and serves on the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Board of Advisors and is a founding Board Member of UCLA Law Women L.E.A.D. She previously served as a Board Member and is now an Emeritus Trustee of UCLA School of Law Board of Advisors and the University of San Diego Board of Trustees.
Ms. Paláu-Hernández was born in Mexico where she received her early education.
She completed her education in the United States, earning a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from the University of San Diego and a Juris Doctor degree from UCLA School of Law.
Advisor
Advisor/Team Leader
James Judge is a devoted Christian, husband, decorated U.S. Coast Guard veteran, and award-winning public relations executive. He is the founder of Judge Public Relations, a Tampa-based marketing and communications firm serving clients across defense, security, finance, hospitality, and technology sectors.
A key volunteer and mission leader with Project DYNAMO, James has led and supported high-risk operations across multiple theaters. His work includes disaster response and rescue missions in Florida following Hurricanes Ian and Milton, post-Helene search-and-rescue in North Carolina, early evacuation operations in Ukraine during the Russian invasion, helicopter extractions of American missionaries in Haiti, relief and evacuation missions in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, and civilian evacuations from Israel amid ongoing conflict.
Prior to his involvement with Project DYNAMO, James served in the United States Coast Guard from 2003 to 2007, deploying aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Adak during Operation Iraqi Freedom and later serving as a public affairs specialist in Miami. Following his military service, he held public affairs roles with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Defense, including a deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan, at the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command under General David Petraeus.
James earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is also one of the original six organizers of the Skyway 10K, a popular charitable event that has raised more than $3 million for families of America’s armed forces.
Advisor
David Fernandez is the President and CEO of DFNDR Armor, a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in advanced lightweight body armor for military and law enforcement professionals operating in high-risk environments worldwide.
With more than 20 years of experience in composite materials engineering and defense manufacturing, his work has focused on improving survivability, mobility, and injury reduction for personnel deployed in austere and hostile conditions.
Earlier in his career, David served as Vice President and Director of Research and Development at Armacel Armor, where he supported multi-year U.S. Department of Defense production contracts and helped guide the company through its successful acquisition. He later served as a government-appointed industry representative to the National Research Council’s Body Armor Testing and Evaluation Committee, advising senior defense officials and briefing members of Congress on force protection and equipment modernization.
In 2013, David founded DFNDR Armor to address emerging operational gaps in personal protection. Under his leadership, the company has supported multiple Department of Defense research and development programs, with protective systems currently fielded by the U.S. Army and U.S. Special Operations Forces.
President & CEO
Mario “MAD” Duarte is President and CEO of Project DYNAMO.
Duarte is an internationally recognized intelligence officer with more than 20 years of experience in intelligence, national security, consulting, and strategic initiatives worldwide. He is a thought leader and change agent for some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian issues. His experience includes service in the US Army and US Army Reserves, private sector work in the technology industry, Risk and Security Manager for the Houston Airport Authority, as well as an Intelligence and Security Consultant for a U.S. Defense contractor.
Duarte earned his MBA from Rice University, postgraduate degree from Ortega Gasset Institute-Spain, postgraduate studies in intelligence and national security in Taiwan, and Israel, and completed his PhD studies in National Security at San Carlos University Guatemala. He is a dual national with US and Guatemalan citizenship.
Prior to his formal appointment as President and CEO of Project DYNAMO, he was a long-time contributor to the organization’s efforts, including as an active participant in on-the-ground rescue operations.
CO-Founder & Corporate Secretary
As both Co-Founder and Corporate Secretary, Stanley A. Bunner, Jr. not only ensures top organizational efficiency for Project DYNAMO, but he plays an integral role in managing its life-saving rescue operations—often on the ground alongside volunteers.
Bunner became a Navy Reserve Officer in 1994 and was recently promoted to Captain. He brings his extensive experience as a military interrogator and human intelligence collector to his work with Project DYNAMO driving the organization’s focus on intelligence, strategic remediation, and dynamic rescue operations—saving vulnerable people from the world’s most dangerous conditions – from conflict zones to natural disasters.
Bunner is also a Naples lawyer practicing in the area of civil litigation. He received his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School, Magna Cum Laude, in 2000. Bunner was admitted to practice law in Florida in 2000. Prior to opening the Law Office of Stanley A. Bunner, Jr., PLLC, he was a litigation partner at the law firm of Goede, Adamczyk, DeBoest & Cross, PLLC. He is a member of the Collier County Bar Association and has been admitted to practice in the United States District Court in the Southern District, Middle District and Northern District of Florida.
Operations Director and Chief Planning Officer
Mike Dinesman is not someone new within the Project DYNAMO team. Dinesman, with a small group of likeminded professionals, began evacuating people out of Afghanistan on 15 August 2021. He worked with many unnamed groups, planning, facilitating, assembling packets of people for extraction, including the people who began Project DYNAMO. All tolled, Dinesman helped, directly and indirectly, evacuate between 1200 and 1300 people. As situations arose throughout the globe, Dinesman continued to plan and facilitate the evacuations of Americans and other people anywhere they needed help, including continued support to Project DYNAMO as recently as during the Haiti rescues.
Dinesman served 26 years in the U.S. Army and twelve years after that as a contractor. During his military career, he served in a variety of enlisted and officer assignments, as well as other jobs, in Special Forces, Infantry, and Intelligence fields, including tactical, operational, and strategic positions in 28 countries. Dinesman’s service includes prior enlisted time in the U.S. Army Special Forces as a Special Forces Communications Sergeant (18E) and a Special Forces Medical Sergeant (18D). As an officer, Dinesman served in the Infantry, and after being injured and unable to complete the 18A Course, he transitioned into Military Intelligence as an All Source Intelligence Officer, serving in leadership and staff roles at every level, from the Platoon to the Army Service Component Command.
Dinesman’s military experiences include combat operations; conventional, unconventional, and asymmetric warfare activities; insurgency and counterinsurgency; training; embedding and advising partner nations; security and stability operations; counter-drug activities; direct action; and peacekeeping operations, including various Joint Task Force-6 missions within the USA; the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia; Intrinsic Action Task Force-98; the Multinational Force & Observers; Operation Iraqi Freedom; Operation Enduring Freedom; Military Advisor Team Leader in Colombia; and Security Cooperation missions in Mexico.
After his military service, Dinesman worked as a contractor on classified Airborne ISR programs in Afghanistan; developed training and curriculum for partner nations in the Arabian Peninsula; and successfully owns and operates a security company providing ultra-low profile protection to people of ultra-high net worth throughout Latin America.
Dinesman holds a Master’s Degree in The Art of War from the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Dinesman’s military education includes: CGSC – Intermediate Level Education; Intelligence Officers Transition Course; Special Operations Functional Language Course – Modern Standard Arabic; Infantry Officers Advanced Course; Bradley Leaders Course; Infantry Officers Basic Course; Special Forces Functional Language Course – Arabic; Special Forces Medical Sergeants Course (18D); Special Operations Medical Sergeants Course (300-F1); and Special Forces Communications Sergeants Course (18E).
Dinesman’s awards include: Soldier’s Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Joint Commendation Medal; the Army Commendation Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster; the Army Achievement Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; the National Defense Service Medal with 1 Service Star; the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; the Iraq Campaign Medal with 1 Campaign Star; the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 Campaign Star; the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal; the Global War on Terror Service Medal; the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with 2 Device; the Army Service Ribbon; the Army Overseas Ribbon 3rd Award; the Army Reserve Component Overseas Award; and the Multinational Force and Observers Medal 2nd Award.
Assistant Operations Officer and Planner
Joshua Logan McKee served 25+ years in the United States Army Special Forces, serving with distinction as a Green Beret among America’s most elite warriors and strategic operators. His service took him to 56 countries across multiple continents, where he executed the complex, sensitive missions that define Special Forces operations.
U.S. Army Special Forces, the Green Berets, are not simply elite soldiers. They are strategic operators trained to think like diplomats, fight like warriors, and build like engineers. Their core mission, Foreign Internal Defense, requires them to embed with partner nations, train indigenous forces, conduct unconventional warfare, and operate in the world’s most challenging environments, often without recognition, always without fail.
McKee embodied this ethos throughout his career, beginning as a Special Forces Communications Sergeant (18E), the critical operator who maintains communications in denied areas and enables Special Forces teams to operate independently in hostile territory. He later advanced to Special Forces Operations Sergeant (18Z), the senior enlisted leader who orchestrates complex missions and commands operational detachments.
McKee’s military experience spans the full spectrum of modern warfare: combat operations in both conventional and unconventional environments, counterinsurgency operations, direct action missions, and asymmetric warfare. He deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, conducting the dangerous, precise work of training partner forces, hunting high-value targets, and bringing stability to conflict zones. Beyond kinetic operations, McKee excelled in the equally critical missions of security cooperation, counter-drug operations, and peacekeeping, the complex undertakings that require cultural intelligence, language skills, diplomatic acumen, and the ability to build trust with foreign partners.
McKee’s unique combination of Special Forces experience and technological expertise led him beyond traditional military service into groundbreaking work at the intersection of defense and innovation. As a Program Manager at DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), he developed advanced intelligent systems that directly enabled the capture of high-value targets in Iraq and Afghanistan, technology that saved American lives and accelerated mission success. His work at the Pentagon on strategic initiatives placed him at the highest levels of national defense planning, where he contributed to the systems and strategies that protect American interests globally.
After transitioning from active duty to the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), McKee applied his strategic thinking and technical mastery to the private sector with remarkable success:
Senior Solutions Architect for the Americas at HP: Leading infrastructure design across an entire hemisphere
Global Strategist at General Motors: Bringing military-grade strategic planning to one of America’s industrial giants
IT Architect and Professional Speaker: Sharing expertise on IT infrastructure at professional engagements worldwide
Entrepreneur: Building multiple successful companies from the ground up
Classified Contractor: Continuing to serve on sensitive missions across the globe
McKee’s valor and excellence earned him numerous military decorations, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal, among others, tangible recognition of his sacrifice and impact.
Joshua McKee’s 25 years as a Green Beret, combined with his technological innovation, global business acumen, and proven leadership at the highest levels of national defense, represent a unique combination of skills for public service. He has operated in 56 countries, built systems that protect American lives, and led teams through the most demanding challenges our nation faces.
He understands that real leadership isn’t about titles or talking points. It’s about mission accomplishment, accountability, and bringing everyone home. It’s about building bridges between nations, between military and civilian sectors, and between vision and execution.
From the mountains of Afghanistan to the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies, from the laboratories of DARPA to the halls of the Pentagon, Joshua McKee has served with honor, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to something larger than himself.
Chairman – Board of Directors
Bradley N. Cohen is a highly-regarded entrepreneur with a portfolio of more than 26 successful ventures in sectors like technology, healthcare, security, AI, 3D manufacturing, biofuels, international trade, distance education, and sustainability. He has a robust track record of initiating and leading ventures across diverse industries, from founding a textile business in university to AI-driven medical applications and renewable energy projects.
In 1991, while still at university, Cohen established Trident Textiles, expanding it into apparel manufacturing in India. In early 1994, he founded Real Information Systems, initially focusing on resort communities before broadening to online presence and ad sales management for regional newspapers, notably developing the first website for the Pope’s US visit in 1994-1995.
By 1995, Cohen co-founded eCollege, pioneering online distance learning for college degrees and establishing the University of Colorado’s fully online campus. The company went public in 1998. In 1996, he co-founded the world’s first online casino, RealCasino.com, later selling it in 1998.
In 1999, Cohen and his father co-founded Neural Networks LLC, leveraging a real-time neural network licensed from a prominent US university, later licensed to the US Government. He also launched Searchhound.com, a real-time search engine, which went public in 2000. Following the dot-com crash, Cohen founded MediosOne, later selling it to Brightcom Group Ltd, where he now oversees M&A and new market initiatives, playing a crucial role in raising over $100 million in private equity and acquiring 11 companies, including Lycos.com.
In 2008, Cohen co-founded Intrepid Global Security Solutions, specializing in physical and electronic security. In 2017, he co-founded Medcase Inc, applying AI/ML to medical applications. In 2019, he founded Ingress Audio, the largest Out of Home DOOH music network in North America with over 5,000 locations.
In 2022, Cohen and his son Jake co-founded Ingress Renewables, owning and operating Clarabiofuels.com, the only licensed biodiesel producer/importer/exporter in Guatemala, and are involved in water desalination and biofuel production. They also co-founded String3D.com, a large-format 3D manufacturing company, and a trading desk for renewable metals and materials.
Cohen is actively involved in his community, serving as the past President of his synagogue in Vail, Colorado. In 2021, following the collapse of Kabul, Afghanistan, Cohen was the first volunteer and now serves on the Board of Directors of Project Dynamo, assisting in 611 missions and rescuing over 7,000 people. He regularly mentors entrepreneurs and works on initiatives related to countering hate activities both online and offline. Additionally, Cohen has been an active member of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) since 2012.
Assistant Operations Officer
Carl Cringle brings more than two decades of operational leadership across military, government, and commercial environments where accountability, precision, and trust are essential. A career U.S. Navy officer, he served in senior operational and planning roles supporting sensitive missions across multiple combatant commands, working closely with U.S. and partner forces in complex, high-risk environments.
Throughout his service, Carl held leadership positions spanning nuclear propulsion operations, maritime and special operations planning, crisis response, and combat support. His experience includes advising partner forces, managing large-scale operations, and leading teams responsible for executing missions under demanding conditions.
After transitioning from military service, Carl moved into senior operations leadership roles in the private sector, serving as a Chief Operating Officer and General Manager overseeing logistics, personnel, supply chains, and enterprise execution. His work has centered on building disciplined teams, restoring operational performance, and ensuring reliable execution across distributed organizations.
Carl brings to Project Dynamo a steady operational mindset, deep respect for service, and a commitment to ensuring missions are carried out with discipline, integrity, and care for those involved. He is based in Texas.
