By Chaplain Tom Solhjem, Major General USA Ret./Chair, LUKE Advisory Board If anyone should feel a deep sense of mission, it’s those in the military. The word itself —mission — is ingrained in military culture, whose sole purpose is to protect and defend an entire nation. Yet, beneath the surface of duty, discipline, and sacrifice;…
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Ryan is the Director of DHS Programs at LUKE, overseeing the organization’s work in support of the Department of Homeland Security and ensuring programs are executed with excellence, integrity, and care. With 30 years of distinguished service in federal government operations, Ryan is deeply driven by a commitment to serve those who serve. He began his career in 1994 as a Border Patrol Agent at the Nogales Border Patrol Station and rose through the ranks of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Most notably, he served as Executive Assistant Commissioner for Enterprise Services, leading more than 4,000 personnel across 200+ locations. Ryan’s experience and values align seamlessly with LUKE’s commitment to compassionate care, accountability, and high performance. He is dedicated to ensuring LUKE is a trusted, mission-ready partner for DHS and the federal government, continuing his lifelong service in a new and meaningful way.
Ron is the Chief Growth Officer of LUKE, driving the company’s expansion in the federal marketplace and championing operational excellence. His career, rooted in government contracting and strategic leadership, is dedicated to enhancing efficiency and delivering impactful results. Notably, Ron has held senior roles at the Transportation Security Administration, where he managed multi-billion-dollar budgets and led transformative programs, and at Digital Trusted Identity Services, overseeing the nation’s largest civilian biometric clearinghouse. His leadership aligns with LUKE’s mission, building high-performing teams and fostering innovation to support critical federal operations and make a meaningful difference.
Norma, serving as the Vice President of Human Resources at LUKE, brings over 25 years of HR expertise and operational experience to her position. Her vast knowledge spans diverse industries, including healthcare, professional services, retail, manufacturing, and construction. Norma plays a strategic HR role across 33 states, overseeing a workforce of more than 1,300 employees. Her motivation to pursue a career in Human Resources stems from her genuine passion for aiding people and nurturing their growth. Norma actively fosters an environment built on trust and authenticity, which encourages the exchange of diverse perspectives, promotes innovation, and facilitates effective collaboration. This approach supports the creation of an inclusive workplace where each team member's contributions are recognized and valued.
Kris is the Vice President of Government Affairs, concentrated on pursuing opportunities to drive revenue growth and increase market share, as well as advocating for LUKE with the U.S. Federal Government. A dedicated and accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience on Capitol Hill, Kris has a proven track record in navigating complex legislative processes, developing budgetary strategies, and delivering impactful and transformational results. She is a strategic thinker with exceptional communication and leadership skills focused on fiscal analysis, stakeholder management, coalition building, and policy implementation. Kris is devoted to ensuring LUKE is well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of government procurement while also delivering exceptional value to our clients.
As the Vice President of Compliance and IT at LUKE, Scott has oversight and responsibility for compliance, information technology, and training for the corporation. His depth and breadth of leadership experience are solidly based on serving over 33 years as a federal law enforcement officer, stretching through the ranks as a line Border Patrol Agent, trainer, manager, and senior executive. Scott is committed to ensuring that all contract compliance requirements are met and exceeded while providing job-related training to the LUKE workforce. Additionally, he manages the IT service contract which includes driving cybersecurity awareness and compliance. Throughout his career, Scott has led by example and is strongly drawn to emulating the LUKE core values of humility, integrity, and accountability.
Cynthia serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at LUKE, collaborating across departments to foster connections and build community with key stakeholders in alignment with the organization's mission. With a wealth of experience exceeding 30 years, she has demonstrated her passion for marketing across diverse industries, including roles in advertising and public relations agencies. Recognized as a skilled team builder, Cynthia is esteemed as a leader who prioritizes people, cultivating a legacy grounded in integrity, compassion, and mentorship. Her commitment to transparent communication underscores her dedication to fostering a culture of trust and well-being, exemplified through proactive and open dialogue.
Marines serves as Vice President of Talent Initiatives at LUKE and adeptly leads a team of healthcare talent acquisition specialists. In this capacity, she formulates and executes comprehensive strategies for the proactive identification, evaluation, sourcing, and recruitment of healthcare professionals, including physicians and advanced practice providers. Across her distinguished 20-year career, Marines has consistently demonstrated a profound passion for healthcare recruiting, skillfully bridging the gap between industry needs and top-tier talent. Marines' unwavering commitment extends beyond her professional duties, emphasizing her dedication to healthcare and military communities. This commitment underscores her leadership style, fostering a collaborative culture that not only motivates and inspires but also cultivates innovation in the ever-changing landscape of healthcare.
As the Chief Operating Officer at LUKE, Nick drives organizational success through strategic initiatives and operational oversight. With a successful career spanning public, private, and non-profit sectors globally, Nick excels in leading teams through transformative changes and delivering tangible results. Experienced in diverse industries, including technology, public transportation, sustainability, and international development, he is committed to cultivating a high-performance, growth-oriented team. Nick's focus on fostering a culture of continuous improvement reflects his dedication to making a significant positive impact on people's lives, driving meaningful change within the organization and beyond.
Jon guides the financial systems that empower LUKE as our Chief Financial Officer. He puts over 20 years of accounting and finance experience into play driving cash management, budgeting, and financial reporting to ensure a well-controlled organization that can sustain fast growth and the unique financial workflows required to support government contacts. Jon has led organizations through rapid build-ups successfully scaling operations including securing the capital, facilities, and personnel required. He has a relentless commitment to excellence and operational integrity and ensures his team reflects these same values. Jon is dedicated to deploying a sound financial strategy, understanding it is vital to delivering on our mission of care.
John is the Chief Executive Officer of LUKE, steering the company on its mission of care and championing its culture. His career, marked by technological expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, is dedicated to advancing safety and well-being. Notably, John has held leadership roles in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, showcasing his commitment to national security. In addition to his corporate work, he actively engages with nonprofits supporting veterans and their families, addressing issues like mental illness, disabilities, and homelessness. John also contributes to initiatives aiding migrant children affected by violence. His leadership not only mirrors LUKE’s core values but also amplifies our collective drive to make a positive impact on the world.