About Us
Chief Executive Officer Mr. Greg Washington
Greg Washington is a combat veteran, an influencer, a motivator, an innovator, a strategic leader, and a
family man. Greg obtained a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management with a concentration in
Mechanical Engineering from the United States Military Academy. He also earned an Executive Master
of Business Administration at Tulane University with a concentration in Finance. Greg is a 2005 graduate
of the United States Military Academy at West Point. As a 4-year letter winner and Football Team
Captain at West Point, he had the honor to play in the East-West Shrine Game. He served seven years on
Active Duty and deployed out of Germany to Afghanistan and Iraq in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His exceptional leadership skills in hostile situations were
recognized by his leaders as he was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
Greg worked as a Senior Consultant for Booz Allen & Hamilton and then in Inventory Management for
Shell Oil Company. Formerly an Executive Manager of Materials Management in Shell’s Contract and
Procurement Division, Greg is a dynamic, high-energy professional with experience in fast-paced and
challenging environments. Following his time at Shell, Greg led teams as a Department Manager for
Unitec Elevators, a leading NYC-based elevator company.
Greg intensely focuses on maximizing the financial performance of joint ventures and partnerships. He
has built a growing network of influential experts and venture capitalists in the cannabis industry,
resulting in the successful launch of cannabis operations across the country. Greg uses his
multidimensional experiences, ability to lead from a distance, strategic background, and uncanny
resourcefulness to deliver results.
A serial innovator, Greg has consulted on cannabis cultivation projects in Michigan and California and
examines the performance of asset managers in the multifamily housing space. While simultaneously
working in multiple sectors, Greg co-founded and continues to serve as CEO of TFP Financial Services
where he provides corporate and individual tax services and consulting. Greg has six years of experience
assessing and validating property taxes for the oil industry and eight years of experience completing
individual and business tax returns.
In 2019, Greg left the corporate sector and launched the Iron Sharpens Iron Project and the Guards
Down podcast. Greg leverages personal experience and a passion for healing by leading a team of
mental health influencers who address the uncharted landscapes of grief and PTSD. The project will
provide retreat-style training for mental health professionals, culturally sensitive interventions,
culturally engaging research, and alternative healing spaces. Greg was selected for the Bunker Labs 2020
Dallas-Fort Worth Veterans in Residence cohort.
Greg is originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, and currently resides in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Executive Director Meloni K. Boatswain
Meloni Boatswain is a highly accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in the Construction and Technology Industries. Her vast achievements can be witnessed nationwide, as she has managed large-scale projects in various sectors such as hospitality, data centers, commercial, industrial, and aviation. These projects have involved working with the federal government, Fortune 500 companies, and private company holdings.
Meloni's hands-on work experience has not only contributed to her success but also her ability to share her knowledge with others. She is a technical writer, author, and speaker, with several articles published in leading Construction and Engineering Industry journals.
In the construction field, Meloni holds a master’s in business administration with a concentration in Construction Technology. She is also a LEED AP BD+C (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction), which demonstrates her commitment to sustainable building practices. Additionally, she is an OSHA 500 Safety Trainer, showcasing her dedication to workplace safety.
In the technology sector, Meloni is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a credential that validates her expertise in managing projects efficiently and effectively. She is also a Six Sigma Green Belt, which highlights her skills in process improvement and quality management. Furthermore, Meloni is a Certified Cybersecurity Professional with an emphasis on Physical Security, proving her competence in safeguarding vital information and infrastructure.
Meloni Boatswain's extensive experience and numerous certifications make her an invaluable resource in the Construction and Technology Industries. Her passion for sharing her knowledge through writing and speaking engagements further solidifies her status as a respected expert in her field.
Chief Operations Officer De’Andre B. Wells Sgt. US Army Ret.
SGT. Wells US Army (Ret.) served as an NCO in the US Army, 5th Special Forces Group, where he completed three tours of combat duty during the global war on terrorism and served as an ODA team member during the heated 2004 "Battle of An Najaf."
He remains very active in national programs and smart technologies across all sectors including Quantum Literacy as an emerging field of study, Affordable housing, Infrastructure, healthcare, energy, telecommunications, and logistics.
He is the Founder and CEO of AGXLLC, an SDVOSB and MBE consulting firm that partners with local and underserved communities to help them design, implement, and fund data-driven and economically sustainable technology solutions by upgrading and connecting their infrastructure, making essential technologies and services accessible to all citizens.
As CEO His focus is on the responsibilities of day-to-day management. Such as Financing, Budgets, Networking/Marketing, Business Development, and Contract Bidding/Signing. His work focuses on links between policy, technology, socioeconomics, DEI, and decision-making. Wells is best known for championing the Acceleration of Affordable Housing, STEM and Career Technical Education, Jobs creation, and specifically Infrastructure enhancements that include resilient and sustainable energy solutions, telecommunications, and smart city technologies to promote connectedness.
Nationally, he volunteers and advises, and develops strategies for emerging companies to position them and assure their economic stability and future. De’Andre holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Leadership and Organization Development. Wells volunteers and sits on several Advisory Boards bringing the power of entrepreneurship to low-income communities.
Chief Finance Officer Elkhair Balla
Elkhair is a business strategist who specializes in technology and creative arts in the international business arena. He is the managing partner at 3K Strategy, a boutique advisory firm that specializes in strategy consulting in the arts and entertainment sector. Elkhair has worked in Wall Street, Silicon Valley and now is based in Qatar. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College, with a major in business administration, concentration in finance; and a master’s in business analytics from New York University’s Stern School of Business.”
Announcement
Optimizing our Historically Black Colleges and Universities
From Policy to Execution