Elite Leadership Training: STAFF

Lona Spisso

Founder & President

Lona is a dedicated professional with a myriad of civilian and military experience. A combat veteran and former United States Army Officer she recently served as a Captain in support of Operation Enduring Freedom stationed in Kabul Afghanistan. Lona has over 12 years of experience in the Military Intelligence, Personnel, Operations and Logistics arenas.

Serving with Task Force Phoenix VII she supervised, trained, evaluated, counseled and coordinated the work for a 500 plus person Logistical Task Force Battalion. She was responsible for personnel and database management, medical support coordination, unit support, policies, records management, legal assistance, quality assurance, technical administrative operations and coordinating, resourcing, planning, and executing all formal military functions and ceremonies.

After the military, Lona served as the Senior Operations Officer and Executive Officer for the Distributed Common Ground Systems - Army (DCGS-A). She served as the technical expert in the areas relevant to the Product Manager in the areas of operations, programs and projects. Lona maintained the management of the day to day activities such as planning, coordination's and logistics. As the Executive Officer, Lona supervised and coordinated the staff; including maintaining, tracking and status of key actions, monitored and reported all daily, weekly and monthly actions for the organization.

Lona also has an extensive background in the mental health field and is proficient at identifying factors and/or life stressors leading to crisis situations, which hamper performances in today's mangers and athletes. Lona has years of experience in both individual and group therapy settings, having worked with all developmental ages ranging from toddler years to adulthood. She also has extensive field performance in crisis management, identifying potential factors and coaching how to adapt and overcome an unstable living environment. Lona uses her unique ability to focus on delivery services using an integrative model that stresses a strength-based, empowering, teamwork approach to personal and leadership development, which allows for one to improve their quality of life in order to successfully manage daily life stressors.

Lona holds a Master's Degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology. She also holds a Top Secret Security Clearance.

As Founder & President of Elite Leadership Training LLC, Lona has set the standard for both Veterans and Women serving in the Corporate community.

J.B. Spisso

Performance Coach & Lead Consultant

J.B. retired from the U.S. Army with over 26 years of military, leadership and management experience, including 10 years in Special Operations where he led U.S. Army Rangers in combat (Panama - 1989 & Haiti - 1994). He has achieved the prominent rank of Sergeant Major, the highest and most respected Non-Commissioned Officer position in the military. He has extensive experience as a leader, trainer and educator, including experience as: a Drill Sergeant, Special Operations Instructor, U.S. Army Officer Candidate School Instructor, Company Tactical NCO and Senior Enlisted Advisor - Department of Military Instruction at West Point, First Sergeant and Head Baseball Coach of the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School, First Sergeant of the New York Army National Guard Officer Candidate School and Sergeant Major of the Advanced Combat Training Team, Task Force Phoenix VII.

J.B.’s career included serving as a Rifle Team Leader, Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant in the elite 75^th Ranger Regiment. As a Tactical NCO and First Sergeant, J.B. was the Senior Enlisted Trainer for potential Army Officers both at West Point and through Officer Candidate School. As part of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2008, J.B. served as a Sergeant Major in the Training Advisory Group at Camp Alamo, Afghanistan where he conducted countless numbers of military operations including training and mentoring the senior military staff of the Afghan National Army Advanced Combat Training Team. J.B. earned the Joint Meritorious Service Medal for his work with coalition forces while deployed (British, French, Romanian and Polish Military).

J.B. continued to serve the United States Military Academy as a General Manager of the Army Athletics Sports Complex at West Point, where J.B. supervised and managed Division I Collegiate Athletic events involving groups from 2,500 to 38,000. He was responsible for the planning and security operations at these locations as well as emergency preparation.

J.B. has attended numerous leadership and special operations courses throughout his military career including Ranger School, Airborne, HALO, Static Line and HALO Jumpmaster, SERE, Pathfinder, Drill Instructor and is a certified Advanced Scuba Diving Instructor. JB’s military and civilian education includes the Primary Leadership Development Course, the Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer’s Course, the First Sergeants Academy, the Sergeants Major Academy, and holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Organizational Management & Leadership from Nyack College.

J.B. is well known throughout the military, sports world and civilian community for his ability to inspire and motivate with a passion that speaks louder than words. His dedication to duty and commitment to excellence has forged a foundation for character building in youth groups, military and civilian professionals, and professional athletes.

William Grizzly

Senior Consultant and Primary Trainer

William is a Police Officer currently assigned to the New York City Police Department’s elite Emergency Services Unit. As part of his training, he underwent rigorous instruction that involved his obtaining Emergency Medical Technician certification, SCUBA certification, Hazardous Materials Technician certification, and ROCO Rescue ropes technician certification. He received extensive training in urban tactics and other components of emergency services, as well.

William is a retired United States Army Officer with over 20 years of dedicated service as an Enlisted Soldier and as an Officer in the United States Army and the Army National Guard. He graduated from Army Ranger School and the Officer Candidate School. A veteran of foreign combat, William volunteered to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge for that service. William has served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Scout Platoon Leader and Executive Officer. During Operation Enduring Freedom, William served as a Captain training the Afghan National Police in remote and dangerous areas of that country. He is no stranger to gun-fights and combat operations, engaging the enemy in close-combat on several instances. William is a graduate of Iona College where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in History.

William has been personally commended from both professional sports teams and Fortune 500 companies for his ability to communicate and assist their organizations in problem solving and conflict resolution.

Scott Smilinich

Senior Consultant and Task Team Leader

Scott is a High School Teacher and a 20 year veteran of the Army National Guard, rapidly moving through the enlisted ranks and earning the coveted rank of Sergeant Major. Scott graduated from the Army Primary Leadership Development Course as the Distinguished Honor Graduate. He has completed numerous other military courses, including: Air Assault School, the Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officers Course, the Battle Staff Course, Mortar Leader's Course and the Army Instructor Training Course. Scott is also a graduate of the Sergeant's Major Academy, finishing in the top 1% of his class.

Scott was one of only 50 Non-Commissioned Officers, nationwide, selected to participate in an exchange program to train in Scotland with the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. Scott was deployed for over a year fighting the war on terrorism in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While deployed he served in multiple leadership positions to include Senior Operations Non-Commissioned Officer. Scott was also recently selected to serve as the Battalion Command Sergeant Major for a Military Police Battalion in New York, the highest Non-Commissioned Officer billet in the unit.

Scott holds a Secret Security Clearance and his civilian education includes a Bachelor's Degree in Physics from Alfred University.

Robert L. Dana

Academic Consultant and Task Team Leader

Rob is a veteran of leadership serving for more than 25 years in multiple critical US Air Force roles. He is currently a New York Air National Guard Plans and Integration Superintendent who holds the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Rob is credited for planning and executing the deployment of hundreds of war fighters and thousands of tons of tasked equipment in support of critical wartime operations. His experience in deliberate and crisis action planning is hands-on as well as academic. Rob served in-place as the personnel and logistics supervisor at Ground Zero in New York City following the attacks on the World Trade Center. He received his education, specializing in Organizational Management through SUNY Orange and Nyack College in New York.

In addition to his logistics accomplishments, Rob has more than a decade of experience in sales, marketing and human resources processes and has facilitated self-inspection and continuous improvement processes at Air Force installations across the nation. In addition to many others, his Air Force awards and decorations include: five Air Force Achievement Medals; three Air Force Commendation Medals and three Air Force Meritorious Service Medals.

Kevin Corrinet

Primary Trainer and Task Team Leader

Kevin is currently an 8^th Grade Algebra-1 Teacher, Math Department Chair, and Department Teacher Leader for R.H. Dana Middle School in Hawthorne, CA. Prior to this position, Kevin taught for three years in the Los Angeles inner-city as a corps member and alum of the organization Teach for America.

Before transitioning into education, Kevin graduated as an Army Officer from the United States Military Academy, West Point. He served over 5 years as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army. He held the positions of Stryker Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and Support Platoon Leader. He has graduated from Airborne School, Sapper Leader Course, Infantry Officer Basic Course, and Ranger School.

Kevin is a decorated Combat Veteran serving a year in Iraq against the war of terrorism during Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II. He conducted countless numbers of successful combat operations with the Elite Special Operations units Task Force 121 and Task Force 626. His unit was instrumental in the capture of Saddam Hussein.

Kevin also served at Arlington National Cemetery, and conducted hundreds of highly visible military funerals and ceremonies within the National Capital Region.

Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Management from the United States Military Academy, West Point, as well as a Masters Degree in Education from Loyola Marymount University.

Jim Ader

Primary Trainer and Task Team Leader

Jim is a Non-Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army with a career dating from 1991. He served with the NYARNG's 2nd BN, 108th Infantry in Operation Iraqi Freedom II. It was during this time that he was actively involved in quashing the Maahdi Army uprising in the Spring of 2004. During his 10 months in the Sunni Triangle, Jim ran in excess of 400 Combat Patrols, keeping the "26 clicks of Paradise" free from bombs, bullets and bad guys! It was during this deployment that Jim first came face to face with enemy combatants and engaged them with his truck mounted machine-gun and assault rifle.

After redeploying from Iraq, Jim began work as Close-Personal Security for a member of Congress. For the next two years, Jim planned and coordinated the movement and security of the Congressman, his staff, as well as visiting V.I.P.'s and dignitaries which included former Presidential Candidate, Senator John McCain. Though the Congressional assignment was rewarding, Jim could not ignore the call of duty any longer. He was fortunate enough to link up with Lona and J.B. at their unit, the 106th Regiment. It was in this duty assignment that saw Jim deploy to combat again in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as part of Task Force Phoenix VII. Immediately recognizing the real life experience Jim had, J.B. ensured he was assigned to the Convoy Operations Section of their camp. For the next 10 months, Jim was directly responsible for the movement and safety of the Camp Commander throughout the greater Kabul Metropolitan Area as well as anywhere in the region the Commander would travel.

Jim's awards and decorations include the coveted Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Ribbon just to highlight a few. Jim's education includes an Associate Degree in Business Administration from HVCC and a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Siena College. Jim is also a local lodge volunteer and National supporter of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars.

Lou Delli-Pizzi

Primary Trainer and Task Team Leader

Lou is an experienced investigator with 20 years of law enforcement experience. He is currently a 2nd Grade Detective with the NYPD. His experience includes conducting investigations at all levels from street crimes to homicides and organized crime. He has worked with and been assigned to various multi-Agency task forces including the INS, ATF, and DEA. He currently works in the Organized Crime Control Bureau, Firearms Investigation Unit. Lou has extensive experience with long term and short term undercover operations, as well as tactical apprehension and high risk search warrant executions. He has received the Medal of Valor twice, several other commendations, and the NYPD Commissioners Certificate of Excellence.

Lou is also an Army Infantry Officer and has deployed to Afghanistan as US Army Combat Advisor. In Afghanistan Lou was embedded with an Afghanistan National Army Infantry Company as the Company Commander Mentor. Lou was also simultaneously the Battalion Operations Officer and Battalion Intelligence Officer. Lou’s Infantry Company was stationed in Southern Afghanistan, one of the most austere, difficult, and challenging environments on earth. While stationed in Southern Afghanistan Lou and his soldiers repeatedly came under close enemy fire. He has conducted numerous operations in full spectrum combat environments and is experienced in Combined Arms and Counter Insurgency Operations. His Army awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the coveted Airborne Badge.

Lou holds a secret security clearance and a degree in Sociology from Clark University.

Jerry Steckmeister

Primary Trainer and Task Team Leader

Jerry is a Police Sergeant with over 10 years of Law Enforcement Experience. His current duties include supervising Police Officers engaged in law enforcement and protective services at Government office buildings and transportation facilities including an International Airport.

Jerry has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, and is currently working towards his Master's Degree. He is also a New York State certified Police Instructor.

Jerry has supervised security operations at various types of facilities including: universities, corporate offices of Fortune 500 companies, and research and development sites.

Jerry also has 16 years of military experience, including combat service in Operation Desert Storm. Jerry has completed the Army Primary Leadership Development Course and Officer Candidate School. He is currently a Company Commander and Battalion Anti-Terrorism Officer.

Tara Dawe

Primary Trainer and Task Team Leader

Tara is veteran NYPD Detective Sergeant with over 12 years of law enforcement experience setting the standard on many occasions for officers. She has served in some of the most demanding and dangerous assignments to include the NYPD Warrants Division.

Tara is also a Military Police Captain with over 10 years of military experience, recently returning from combat while serving as a Company Commander in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She graduated the Army Officer Candidate School at the top of her class, finishing with some of the highest marks in leadership and character in recent years. Tara has served in Combat Operations in Bosnia and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where she was known for her courage in the face of conflict.

Tara’s ability to lead by example has set the standard in every military and civilian course she has attended. Tara has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and holds a Secret Security Clearance.

Joseph Galizia

Primary Trainer and Task Team Leader; Lead Medic

Joe is a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer with the New York Guard and an experienced 68W Army Medic. Additionally Joe is a New York State A-EMT Intermediate and works for an Advanced Life Support agency in New York’s Hudson Valley. He is also a volunteer with his local ambulance corps and is a member of a Wilderness Search and Rescue Team, skilled in high-angle rescue.

Joe has been commended on many occasions for his care and concern of clients and his professionalism in evaluating the risks of individuals to prevent accidents.

Joe is a graduate of the Army's BNCOC course, Total Army Instructor Training course, Small Group Leader course and the Combat Medic Advanced Skills course. Joe is a life-long resident of the Hudson Valley and is a Certified New York State School Teacher who has been teaching for over 10 years.

Joe's education includes two Masters Degree's, one from the State University of New York at Albany and one from Mount Saint Mary's College.