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Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Innovation for Defense is led by mentors with deep experience in national security, technology, and innovation. From commanding fighter squadrons to shaping U.S. strategy and driving tech ventures, they bring real-world expertise into the classroom. Alongside them, William & Mary students and alumni prove that any major can make an impact in national security.
Mark MatthewsAdjunct Lecturer Office: Chancellors 430 Office Hours: Tuesday, 10:30–12:30 p.m. Email: mtmatthews@wm.edu A career fighter pilot and graduate of the USAF F-15 Fighter Weapons School, General Matthews commanded at every level and served as Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology. He culminated his 34-year career as Director, Strategy, Plans and Assessments, U.S. Forces-Iraq, before serving as Vice President of USAF Programs at Raytheon. He now teaches at William & Mary and advises on defense innovation. |
Eileen AckleyTeaching Assistant Eileen Ackley is a senior at William & Mary majoring in Government with a minor in Management & Organizational Leadership. She participated in the Innovation for Defense (I4D) program in Spring 2024, where her team collaborated with Royal Navy industry partners in England on a project supporting the mental well-being of Navy sailors. Her academic and professional interests focus on international security and defense policy, and she has held internships with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and QinetiQ US, a defense contracting company. Eileen also represented William & Mary as the student delegate to the 2024 NATO Youth Summit and is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. |
Ben Van BusKirkMentor Ben has held diverse and challenging leadership roles in the military and industry, from nuclear strike advisor to the President of the United States to Navy squadron Commanding Officer. He also led and managed large-scale and complex programs, portfolios, and organizations, such as NavalX, where Ben oversaw the acquisition of a $500mm+ portfolio of agility and acceleration initiatives. Ben's passionate about solving challenging problems, empowering and guiding others, and building winning teams across various functions and geographies. With W&M, he continues his goal to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration that enables the development and transition of cutting-edge solutions that enhance the capabilities and readiness of our armed forces and allies. |
Todd GentryMentor Todd Gentry is president of the All-Domain Operations group in HII’s Mission Technologies division. He is responsible for leading efforts to deliver cutting-edge intelligence and C5ISRT (command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting) solutions, supporting the critical missions of the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. Gentry’s distinguished career spans more than three decades of dedicated service in the U.S. Army, holding progressive roles as an enlisted soldier, officer, and civil servant. He holds a bachelor’s degree in rhetoric and communications from Kent State University, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Wisconsin system, and an MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School of Business and Public Policy. |
Mike Van WykMentor Mike spent 15 years in the Marine Corps as an officer and KC-130 pilot, in addition to several years at Headquarters Marine Corps innovating amphibious communications and weapon systems. While at Stanford Business School, Mike led Marine requirements for Counter-Drone systems at the Defense Innovation Unit and completed Stanford's own Innovation for Defense program under Steve Blank and Pete Newell. Mike has been heavily involved in the venture and tech ecosystems over the past several years as a corporate/strategic advisor, investment advisor, and consultant. |