CEOs You Should Know - Washington DC

Steve Schwab is an experienced national leader in health, public policy, communications and philanthropy, and a passionate champion for military and veteran caregivers, their veterans, and families. As a widely sought after expert on these issues, Steve has closely advised the White House and policymakers, leaders, and organizations in every sector, testified before Congress, addressed audiences across the globe, and represented the concerns of caregivers and military families in national media appearances, including on NBC's TODAY, 60 Minutes, Fox & Friends, and NPR. As CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Steve spearheads the country's preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring military caregivers, their veterans, and families. Since 2014, he has grown and developed the Foundation from its start-up phase into an established national nonprofit responsible for some of the most impactful reforms, programs, and legislative and regulatory solutions to the challenges facing military families. Under Steve's leadership, the Foundation launched the Hidden Heroes Campaign, established the Hidden Heroes Cities and Counties program, successfully championed the expansion of the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, and created Heroes & History Makers, a signature fundraising event that has raised millions of dollars for caregiver resources. In 2024, Steve led the movement to pass the largest bipartisan VA reform legislation, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (Dole Act), which was signed into law on January 2, 2025. Steve led the launch of the Hidden Helpers Coalition in 2021, bringing together the White House and more than a hundred public and private organizations to support the children in military and veteran caregiving families. In 2021, Steve was named by the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough to serve on the Veterans' Family, Caregiver, and Survivor Federal Advisory Committee. Under Steve's leadership, the Foundation has taken on a critical role leading the coalition for Face the Fight, a USAA-led initiative to significantly reduce veteran suicide. Steve is also an Executive Producer of two films documenting the lives and service of young people stepping up as caregivers, the Academy Award qualifying Sky Blossom and Unconditional: Healing Hidden Wounds. Steve is a member of the Board of Visitors of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, member of the RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute Advisory Board, and member of the Reach Resilience Board of Directors. Steve is also a member of the Board and chairs the Fundraising and Engagement Committee for Whitman-Walker Health, whose mission is to offer community-based health and wellness services to vulnerable citizens of the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia communities. He served as Chairman of the Board for PsychArmor, the nation's premier nonprofit for providing free education and support for all Americans to engage effectively with the military community, for a decade until he transitioned to a member of the Board in 2024.

Previously, Steve was head of external affairs for the National Cathedral, overseeing fundraising, marketing, and communications for the nation's spiritual home. He has raised hundreds of millions of dollars from individuals, foundations, and corporations across his career and is an expert on nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, campaigns, and coalition building. Steve came to Washington, D.C. after serving in three senior leadership roles in his hometown of Rochester, N.Y. He was Vice President for Development at the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra after serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to Rochester Mayor Robert J. Duffy and as head of corporate development and relations for Rochester Institute of Technology. Steve started his career in...

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Travis Mack is a distinguished entrepreneur, business leader, and the Chairman & CEO of Saalex Corporation, a federal aerospace
and defense engineering and information technology services company providing support to battlefield environments. Saalex is
focused on information technology, cybersecurity support, test range operations and management services, training and training
support, Software Development and engineering logistics services for various federal agencies, primarily for the Department of
Defense.
With over 25 years of dedication to Saalex, he has played a pivotal role in driving success and growth. With Mr. Mack as Chairman
& CEO, Saalex has completed 11+ company acquisitions growing the Saalex Corporation family of companies to include Saalex
Solutions, Netsimco and Spalding Consulting. Saalex has flourished into a thriving organization, generating over $175 million in
annual revenue and employing over 1,200 people nationwide.
Mr. Mack provides leadership and direction, developing strategies to ensure Saalex’s continued success while earning admiration
among the company’s stakeholders and communities. Notably, Saalex Corporation was awarded the prestigious Small Business
of the Year award by the SBA Los Angeles in 2015. He has in-depth expertise in software applications services and defense
acquisition contracting. Under his leadership, Saalex has also prioritized a strong workplace culture, implementing an Employee
Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) that makes 40% of the company employee-owned, fostering shared success and long-term
commitment.
Prior to his remarkable entrepreneurial journey, Travis Mack served in the U.S. Navy for over 7 years, demonstrating his
unwavering dedication and earning recognition as a decorated service-disabled Veteran. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree
in Business Management and has been honored with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business from Webber International
University. To further enhance his business acumen and leadership skills, Travis has completed prestigious executive programs
such as the Senior Executive Management Program at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, the Junior Executive
Management Program at Clark Atlanta University, and graduated from the USC Marshall School of Business Executive Leadership
program as well as the UCLA Anderson School of Business Executive Leadership program. Travis Mack is a certified Asset Manager
by the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC).
Committed to making a positive impact in society, Travis Mack is the founder of "The Mack Foundation," a philanthropic nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, scholarships, and educational opportunities to underserved communities,
particularly children and families. Through this foundation, Mr. Mack aims to empower and uplift those in need.
Under his leadership, Saalex continues to drive innovation in defense contracting, cybersecurity, and federal technology solutions,
delivering high-impact advancements while remaining committed to its employees, customers, and the communities it serves.

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Major General James W. Lukeman retired from active duty on July 1, 2020 after 40 years of continuous active service.  He was born in Beaufort, South Carolina and was raised in a Marine Corps family.  He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and was commissioned through the NROTC program in 1980.    Major General Lukeman’s assignments in the operating forces included Rifle and Weapons Platoon Commander in Alpha Company and 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines; Assistant Operations Officer and Company Commander of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines;  Executive Officer of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines; and Operations Officer, 1st Marine Division.  He commanded 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines and served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-7 and G-3 for the 1st Marine Division in Iraq during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Picture Other assignments include Director of the Career Course at the Staff NCO academy at Quantico, Virginia; Operations Officer, Alpha Company, Marine Security Guard Battalion in Frankfurt, Germany; Marine Officer Instructor at the NROTC Unit at the University of Texas at Austin; Assistant for Strategy and Force Planning in the Office of the Secretary of Defense; Commanding Officer, Security Battalion and Chief of Staff for Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia; Chief of Staff for Training and Education Command; and Military Assistant to the Assistant Commandant.   As a General Officer, he served as Deputy Director for Strategy and Plans, J5, US Africa Command; Commanding General of the Second Marine Division; Commanding General, Training and Education Command; Assistant Chief of Staff, U/C/J-5, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces Korea and Commanding General, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea; and Inspector General of the Marine Corps.    Major General Lukeman is a graduate of the Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the National War College.

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As the Chief Executive Officer, Greg Fitzgerald (Fitz) works alongside his executive management team, providing leadership, corporate governance, and strategic direction for the company to expand ITC’s business footprint into new public and private sector markets.

He brings 20 years of experience leading executive oversight, program management, business development, capture management, and solution development across the federal sector. Personally, Fitz has managed the pursuit of over $500M in contract awards at ITC since its founding. He is the architect of ITC’s business development and service delivery strategy and serves as ITC’s lead executive overseeing strategic accounts at ITC.

Previously, Fitz served in leadership positions with the Computer Science Corporation (CSC), where he led the pursuit and capture of strategic opportunities securing over $1B in new single-award contract wins. He has a B.A. from Penn State University and an M.S. in Technology Management from George Mason University. He is PMP® certified and holds a Federal CIO certification. He also is a member of the YPO US Capital Chapter and on the board of directors at GovForce.

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Jordan Justus, CEO of Automotus, Inc. - CEOs You Should Know: Washington, DC

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WASHINGTON, DC - (October 13, 2022) - The board of directors of Events DC today named Angie M. Gates president and chief executive officer of the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, following a comprehensive national search. Gates, who most recently served as DC’s Director of the Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), will guide the organization tasked with generating economic and community benefits for DC residents and businesses through premier events beginning on November 14, 2022. “On behalf of Events DC’s board of directors, I am thrilled to welcome Angie M. Gates as our new president and CEO,” Max Brown, chairman, Events DC board of directors. “Following a rigorous selection process by our search committee and search firm, we are confident in our decision to name Angie as Events DC’s newest leader. With decades of experience in the venue management and entertainment industries and a deep understanding of DC, Angie will work tirelessly with staff, our customers, and other stakeholders to guide our organization through an extraordinary time in the District.” A 20-year veteran in the fields of event management, entertainment, film and public service, Gates’ expertise ranges from tourism and hospitality to film and venue operations. Notably, Gates was named the first African American General Manager of the iconic Warner Theatre and earned Washington, DC its first Emmy at the 60th Annual National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Award show. Gates also recently received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph R. Biden. In 2020, Gates was appointed to serve on the Washington, DC ReOpen DC Advisory Group, the COVID-19 task force charged with delivering recommendations and a plan to reopen DC safely and sustainably. Added Brown, “Angie’s demonstrated leadership throughout her career, her expertise in venue management, large scale event oversight and management, and work to establish DC as a world-class film and entertainment location made her the ideal candidate to guide Events DC into the future.” Under Gates’ leadership, Events DC will further its mission of building community connections through impactful events and programming as the city continues to flourish following the COVID-19 pandemic. As the conventions, meetings, sports and entertainment industries continue to evolve, Gates will be tasked with driving sustainability, innovation and a thriving tourism economy in DC that will serve as a national model. “As a Ward 6 resident, Washington, DC has been my home for many years, and the opportunity to lead this organization is an incredible honor,” said Gates. “When I look toward the future, I’m inspired by the work of my predecessors and the commitment of the Events DC team to foster community across all eight Wards and continue to bring in conventions and meetings from across the country and indeed, the world. I will continue to further Events DC’s initiatives such as our 9th Street retail project, booking events at the ESA in Ward 8, and importantly, supporting our customers and partners who rely on us every day at the Convention Center.” Gates succeeds Samuel R. Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, who served as interim president and CEO following the resignation of Gregory A. O’Dell in March 2022. “We are grateful for Samuel’s leadership as interim president and CEO for the last five months, and for his commitment to the organization throughout his time as Chief Operating Officer,” said Events DC Board Member Jay Haddock-Ortiz. “Under the leadership of Angie, Samuel, the entire executive team and our board members, I am confident that Events DC will continue to flourish.”

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With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Matt is deeply committed to partnering with the global higher education community to redefine student and institutional success by leveraging Symplicity’s smart, innovative technology. Since becoming President & CEO of Symplicity, he has expanded the company globally with products and acquisitions in Latin America, Canada, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. Matt has a deep understanding of the EdTech market and an appreciation for how important the issue of employability has become domestically and abroad, along with the role technology can have to address the challenge.

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Reuben D. Rotman is the founding President and CEO of the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies. The Network was established in 2017 following the merger of two predecessor associations, as an international membership association, with the mission of strengthening and advancing the Jewish human service sector.  

Today, The Network serves as the leading voice for the sector; the go-to for best practice research, innovation, and partnerships.  Supporting its 180+ member organizations, The Network’s goal is to strengthen the capacities of its member agencies and to advance the scope and impact of the Jewish human service sector.

Reuben came to the Network having served as the CEO of Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey, where he held several increasingly responsible positions for 21 years.  Previously, Reuben held positions with UJA Federation of New York, Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit and Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.

Reuben currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of SourceAmerica, which connects the non-profit sector to the US Federal government and commercial sectors to secure employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, and also serves as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Social Current, a national organization which seeks to activate the power of the social sector by bringing together a dynamic network of human service organizations and partners.  In 2021, Reuben was included among the listing of the international listing of the 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life, as published by the Algemeiner Publication.

Reuben earned a double Master of Arts from Brandeis University; in the Management of Human Services from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management and in Jewish Communal Service from the Hornstein Program for Jewish Professional Leadership.  Reuben also earned his Bachelor of Arts in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and in Sociology also from Brandeis University.

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Sam Malhotra is a seasoned entrepreneur, executive, and public servant with a proven track record of building and scaling organizations at the intersection of technology, infrastructure, and government. He is the Founder and CEO of ezVOLTz, a fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) charging managed services company that is helping governments, businesses, and communities accelerate the transition to clean transportation. Under his leadership, ezVOLTz has emerged as a nationally recognized integrator and operator of EV charging ecosystems, winning competitive contracts across the country, including a landmark nationwide NASPO award.

Prior to launching ezVOLTz, Sam founded and led multiple successful companies, including Subsystem Technologies, a federal contractor providing advanced engineering and professional services in defense and aerospace. His entrepreneurial expertise is complemented by high-level public sector leadership: in 2014 he was appointed by Governor Larry Hogan as Maryland’s Secretary of Human Services, and later served as Chief of Staff to the Governor, overseeing statewide policy, operations, and strategic initiatives.

Beyond the boardroom and public office, Sam is deeply committed to community and education. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Catholic Charities of Baltimore and on the Board of Visitors for the University of Maryland’s College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, where he helps guide the next generation of innovators.

Sam holds degrees from the University of Maryland, the Harvard Business School, and the Georgetown McDonough School of Business. His specialties include strategic growth, execution discipline, financial governance, and innovation strategy. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his ability to see around corners, anticipate market shifts, and build enduring organizations that drive meaningful impact.

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A dynamic and seasoned executive, Jim Hamel assumed leadership of Swanson Health Products, a global vitamin and supplement company in November 2021. As CEO, he has led the company to achieve double digit revenue growth internationally in his first fiscal year and has overseen expansion into 170+ international markets totaling over US $80M in revenue.  

Under Jim’s leadership, Swanson Health Products has continued its commitment to industry-leading service, quality and excellence with award-winning customer care and ongoing UL, NSF and Halal certification for achieving Good Manufacturing Practices and standards. Earlier in his executive career, Jim was the CFO with multi-national consumer products companies such as Diageo and Newell Rubbermaid and with other industry leading companies in ecommerce, agriculture, mining and explosives. Throughout his career he has been building his expertise in finance, international business, commercial operations, and risk management.

Jim earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from North Dakota State University in 1989 and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He also holds Six Sigma certifications and brings strong global finance acumen—with proficiency in Spanish—and board- and investor-level relationship building to every role he fulfills. Jim thrives on transformational leadership—with deep financial expertise, a global outlook, and a passion for wellness—to steer Swanson Health through its next phase of growth and innovation.

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