Joe Ford is a seasoned technical professional with over 30 years of experience in selling information technology and security solutions to both US Government entities and Fortune 500 companies. His expertise encompasses the evaluation, design, and deployment of high-availability infrastructure, security, backup/recovery, remote access, virtualization, wireless, storage, and business system solutions for organizations across both public and private sectors. Throughout his career, Joe has demonstrated a strong ability to partner with clients, business leaders, and cross-functional teams to identify needs, mitigate risks, and successfully guide technology rollouts.

Joe’s focus on driving high ROI has helped organizations reduce costs while enabling sustainable growth. He excels in forming strategic alliances, establishing best practices, and leading teams to deliver complex solutions. A proven top performer, Joe possesses a deep understanding of the technology and security landscapes, including cutting-edge approaches and technologies. He is skilled in navigating complex enterprise sales cycles with multiple stakeholders and has strong communication and presentation abilities that resonate with Board members, CxOs, and VPs.

Joe’s consistent success in exceeding sales targets, combined with his experience in public speaking, social media, and thought leadership, has enabled him to build lasting relationships and influence key decision-makers across various industries.

Rear Adm. Hines is a native of Columbus, Ohio. She received her commission through the Limited Duty Officer Program in 1996, graduated from American InterContinental University with a degree in Business Management in 2004, and laterally transferred into the Information Warfare community in 2007. She received a Master’s in Information Technology Cyber Forensics from Trident University in 2009.

Her operational assignments include assistant chief of staff for U.S. Seventh Fleet's Information Systems and Networks (N6) directorate aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19); USS Constellation (CV 64), where she completed two deployments to the Western Pacific and the Arabian Gulf; USS Cleveland (LPD 7), where she participated in Operation Enduring Freedom; Naval Special Warfare Group One, as the officer in charge of the Mobile Communications Team; Explosive Ordnance Group One; and Expeditionary Strike Group Three, where she supported Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group deployments to the Western Pacific.

Her ashore assignments include Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (PEO C4I) in San Diego, Calif.; deputy executive assistant for the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare (OPNAV N2N6) at the Pentagon, and officer community manager for the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS-3) in Millington, Tenn. 

Rear Adm. Hines completed an individual augmentee tour in Baghdad, Iraq, from May 2006 to June 2007. While assigned to the Multi-National Forces Iraq, she led the International Zone Fiber Optic Network Program.

From January 2014 to March 2016, Rear Adm. Hines served as the commanding officer for Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station San Diego. After this tour, she was the commanding officer of Hopper Information Services in Suitland, MD, followed by an assignment from April 2021 to April 2022 as the executive assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations.

As a flag officer, Rear Adm. Hines has served as the Director of Enterprise Networks and Cybersecurity, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare (OPNAV N2N6) at the Pentagon from May 2022-July 2023. In August 2023, she assumed her current position as the Deputy Director of Global Space Operations (J3) at United States Space Command at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. 

Her qualifications include information warfare officer, surface warfare officer, tactical action officer, officer of the deck underway, conning alongside officer, junior officer of the deck and surface warfare information center officer.

Rear Adm. Hines’ personal awards include the Legion of Merit (3), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (5), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4).

Mr. Jeff Sanders graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno, in December 1990 and commissioned an Ensign from Officer Candidate School in July 1991. He reported to his first submarine, USS Georgia (SSBN 729) in January 1993 where he served as Chemical Radiological Controls Assistant and Main Propulsion Assistant (MPA). He completed three strategic nuclear deterrent patrols and qualified Nuclear Propulsion Engineer before transferring to the PCU Wyoming (SSN 742) in December 1994.

In July 1996, he transferred to the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, where he completed a Master of Science in Applied Physics. In December 1999 he assumed duties as Officer in Charge of a detachment of Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center.

In January 2002, Mr. Sanders transferred to U.S. Space Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado and worked as the Executive Officer for Operations (J3). In June 2003, he transferred to U.S. Strategic Command in Omaha, Nebraska working Special Technical Operations (STO), writing space missions into Theater War Plans.

Mr. Sanders then reported to Carrier Strike Group Eleven in June 2004 and served as the Deputy N6, deploying to C7F and C5F. In June of 2007, he transferred to Commander THIRD Fleet (C3F) as the Deputy N6.

Mr. Sanders reported to PEO C4I/PMW 160 as the CANES Application Integration Assistant Program Manager in October of 2009. In January 2014, he transitioned to civilian government service and was promoted to PMW 160 CANES and Legacy Networks Principal Assistant Program Manager. He led CANES through Milestone C and its Full Fielding Decision.

In June 2016, he assumed duties as the PMW 160 Tactical Networks Acting Deputy Program Manager. In June 2017 he was selected Deputy Program Manager, then in June 2020 Program Manager for the PMW 760 Ship Integration Program Office.

In June 2022, Mr. Sanders assumed his current role as the Program Manager for the PMW 130 Cybersecurity Program Office.

Mr. Sanders’ personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), Vice Admiral Mayo Award for 2005, and the Civilian Meritorious Service Medal.
 

Sean Applegate currently serves as Chief Technology Officer for SwishData, a customer-centric technology and engineering services provider. In this role, Sean leads innovation strategy, solutions, and services. Sean is passionate about delivering life cycle services to ensure clients realize maximum value for technology investments.
 
Sean is life-long student of culture, specifically the creation of innovative, high-velocity organizations that empower employees to experiment, learn quickly, and push themselves to new levels.
 
Prior to joining Swish, Sean spent nine years with Riverbed Technology helping large enterprises understand, optimize and control performance of global IT architectures. He filled several technical leadership roles at Riverbed, including Senior Director of the Portfolio Solutions Group and Public Sector Technology Strategist.
 
Before Riverbed, Sean worked with several OEMs doing business in the Public Sector. He has also worked as a technology consultant, and served as an active duty United States Marine.