Our team
The SGA team is built from decades of experience and diverse talent.
Our organization works with top-notch resources with a proud history of success.
John Cook
CEO
John is a highly skilled, results-oriented executive with 25+ years of experience in high tempo, demanding environments both CONUS and Overseas. Experienced in mergers and acquisitions, the development of startups, joint ventures, divisions and business units within companies ranging between a few million in annual revenue to companies exceeding several hundred million in revenue.
Kurt Walters
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
With an impressive track record and wealth of knowledge in navigating the complexities of the 8(a) Business Development Program for tribal entities, Kurt is an invaluable asset. His vast experience and deep understanding of the unique needs of tribal communities will guide our organization further to facilitate economic growth and development for our tribal partners. We are excited to have Kurt’s innovative and inclusive approach on our squad!
Former Virginia Governor, US Senator George Allen
STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Having been labeled by the Washington Post as “one of the most influential governors in recent Virginia history,” Governor Allen listened, learned & was a leader in finding solutions to provide Native Americans better opportunities & fair treatment in Virginia & nationally. His extensive experience & success provides companies & individuals with insightful & effective counsel, consulting & strategic advice on a range of issues including energy, technology, and business development.
Melissa Palmer
VP of Proposals
Melissa has been providing federal, state, local, commercial, and foreign tender proposal support services to companies across the US for more than 14 years, and her experience has spans a variety of industries. Working in many, vastly different proposal environments, she has been a major contributor to developing compliant and compelling proposals resulting in billions of dollars in contract wins.
Samantha Griego
VP of Marketing & Brand
Sam brings SGA over a decade of experience in developing company brands and overall visual presence, while assisting businesses in putting their brands & identities to work through their marketing collateral and channels. From digital to print design & marketing, she possesses a diverse skillset that elevates our clients to a higher professional level.
Rick Grams
STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Accomplished executive leader adept at executing strategic plans; effectively and transparently transitioning multimillion dollar budgets and contracts; and employing strategies to accelerate growth and profits. Skilled at advancing joint ventures, stakeholder relationships, and contractual arrangements targeting high quality deliverables and outcomes. Rick comes to SGA with significant tribal 8(a)/HUBZone/ISBEE experience in the government contracting space.
Desiere Genet
PROPOSAL COORDINATOR
Desiere is a skilled communications professional with experience in client communication, project planning and oversight, and proposal management. As a proposal coordinator for SGA, Desiere is serves many functions in the proposal planning, execution and post analysis processes. She is a vital component in maintaining our proposal support organization and success. When she’s not working, Desiere enjoys hiking, traveling, and almost any outdoor activity. Her positive energy and willingness to assist with any task is contagious, both personally and professionally.
Tyler Olson
VISUAL DESIGNER
Tyler is an experienced visual designer who has a deep passion for creating captivating experiences. With a background in UX, Graphic Design, and Strategic Communication, he brings a unique perspective to each project. Tyler has honed a talent for delivering creative and effective design solutions while working with clients ranging from small agencies to multinational corporations. Additionally, he’s a skilled communicator and collaborator, dedicated to bringing clients’ visions to life.
Keith Weber
GRANT WRITING
Keith brings research, consulting and strategic resource development services to companies, nonprofits, municipal and tribal governments. His experience covers publicly traded corporations, sovereign Indian Nations, state government agencies, universities & local, national and international nonprofits. Keith’s clients have received almost $27 million of grant funding, which has been used to support more than $100 million worth of projects & about $130 million in contracts with all levels of government that have been crucial to the growth of their businesses.
Joe Jessop
FSO SUPPORT
Recognized by Congress as a Subject Matter Expert within Personnel Security, Joe is deeply experienced in providing FSO Support. He brings 30+ years of experience and recipient of Secretary of Defense & James S. Cogswell Awards. He is also a former FSO for the largest Personnel Security Facility under the NISP with over 80 Thousand Security Clearances at one location as well as former FSO for the largest AA Facility under the NISP holding over a million documents, over a thousand systems and over a hundred closed areas.
Ed Rattie
STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Ed serves as our interface to Department of Defense and Intelligence Agencies facilitating business development opportunities with 15+ years of federal government experience. Ed is also a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, and we thank him for his service.
