Board of Directors

Jim is a retired Naval Commander with 23 years of experience as a logistics officer, developing expertise in planning and strategy in the most demanding environments. His empowering leadership approach continues through mentoring and training leaders today.

After serving as Sales Manager at ADS Inc. and Director of Operations at IMS Inc., Jim spent five years developing his own business growth strategies before founding Leader's Edge Consulting LLC. He now serves as the founder and Executive Director of Veteran Parent Project.

Mark brings a breadth of experience spanning military service, corporate leadership, and advisory work focused on organizational execution and growth. As a U.S. military officer, he built a strong foundation in leadership, risk management, and decision-making under pressure.

Following his service, Mark held leadership roles at General Electric and Ingersoll Rand / Trane Technologies across strategy, operations, and cross-functional initiatives. He currently serves as a fractional leader to growth-stage companies and volunteers at LaunchCLT, supporting early-stage founders in the Charlotte area.

At VPP, Mark contributes to board governance and supports the organization as it builds programs to serve single-parent veterans pursuing entrepreneurship.

Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Emerald State Environmental, LLC, with over 40 years of experience as a U.S. Navy Master Explosive Ordnance Technician (EOD), Limited Duty Officer, and business executive. He is a highly respected military and civilian Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) professional, recognized for excellence in both communities and for strong project management leadership. He consistently demonstrates the ability to assess the "big picture" while effectively coordinating multiple complex tasks..