Rear Adm. Matt Pottenburgh, of Galena, Ohio graduated from The Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and received Distinguished Naval Graduate honors from Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. He holds a Master of Science in Operations Management and Finance from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University Dwight D. Eisenhower School.

Mr. Bruce Nolan, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, found his passion to serve and learned to lead as an NJROTC cadet at Brother Martin High School. He earned a Navy ROTC scholarship while at the University of Mississippi and commissioned into the Navy as an Ensign in 1994. He designated as a Naval Aviator in 1997. He holds a Master of Science in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego.