The KECS Team
World Class Talent
A powerhouse team that we’re proud to introduce!
Donald E.J. “Joe” Jacobson Jr.
Donald E.J. “Joe” Jacobson Jr. is a decorated veteran, visionary strategist, and purpose-driven consultant with over four decades of leadership spanning military operations, nonprofit innovation, and private-sector transformation. As Founder and CEO of Knight Eagle Consulting Services (KECS), Joe is far more than a title—he’s a hands-on partner who delivers results that elevate people, systems, and missions.
Joe’s journey began in the military, where he honed the discipline, resilience, and mission clarity that remain central to his leadership today. From the front lines to the boardroom, Joe leads with integrity, purpose, and presence—embedding with teams, executing alongside them, and staying until the job is done right. He is widely respected for turning challenges into long-term, measurable success.
Joe’s impact is evident across the country. He has launched behavioral health facilities, scaled multi-million-dollar veteran programs, increased private-sector revenues, and designed cultural and operational frameworks that stand the test of time. His work centers on empowering veterans, Native American communities, justice-involved individuals, and other underserved populations. His latest project, Renewal Ridge, is a transformative initiative focused on recovery, housing, and health systems for vulnerable populations—bringing holistic care to regions that need it most.
As part of his enduring commitment to veterans, Joe is building a national pro bono legal network through his leadership with Warrior Rescue, connecting veterans to legal services, advocacy resources, and structured transition plans across the United States. In addition, he is leading the initiative to establish Warrior Rescue VSO Claims Offices—dedicated facilities where veterans can receive hands-on assistance with filing, appealing, and managing VA claims. His frameworks have helped shape national-level strategies for veteran support and are actively expanding access to critical resources for those who have served.
Joe’s expertise is backed by formal education in Public Service and Community Solutions, a degree that compliments his on-the-ground leadership and reinforces his understanding of public systems, governance, and strategic development. His blend of academic insight and operational grit makes him a rare asset across the sectors he serves.
He is also the author of MISSION RETAIN: A Step-by-Step Guide to Veteran Retention in Business, a tactical guide for employers seeking to recruit, retain, and uplift veteran talent with clarity and purpose.
Joe leads from the front, not behind a desk. Whether advising public agencies, healthcare networks, mission-aligned nonprofits, or private companies, he brings a rare combination of strategic vision and boots-on-the-ground experience.
A proud Native American and Gourd Dancer, Joe remains deeply connected to tradition, family, and faith. When he’s not mentoring teams or driving change, he enjoys fishing, music, traveling, and ceremonial life—always grounded in service, legacy, and opportunity for all.
- Deeply rooted in tradition, family, and faith.
Troy Friedman
With over 15 years of dedicated service to veterans, Native Americans, and formerly incarcerated populations, Troy Friedman has been a driving force in mental health advocacy, housing initiatives, and holistic case management. His career spans leadership roles across nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, and governmental commissions, where he has championed policies and programs that improve lives and strengthen communities.
Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Knight Eagle Consulting Services, Troy plays a pivotal role in organizational strategy, service delivery excellence, and leadership continuity. His previous tenure as Director of Operations for The Reveille Foundation saw him spearheading mental health services, housing programs, and community outreach efforts tailored to veterans.
As Executive Director of Joint Healing Operations LLC, Troy oversaw strategic and operational functions for Behavioral Health Residential Facilities, managing budgets, marketing, staffing, and patient case management. His deep involvement in veteran affairs also includes serving as Commissioner for the City of Tempe Veterans Commission, where he influenced policy and program development for military families.
Beyond organizational leadership, Troy has contributed to veteran support and higher education initiatives, including managing the Military & Veterans Success Center at Maricopa County Community Colleges, serving as adjunct faculty at Rio Salado College, and working as an academic advisor at the University of Phoenix. His extensive background is built on a foundation of service, having served in the United States Air Force as a Forward Air Controller and Visual Information Specialist.
Holding an MBA in Energy Management from the University of Phoenix, Troy combines strategic vision with operational expertise to drive meaningful change in the lives of those he serves. His commitment to advocacy, leadership, and community development continues to make a lasting impact on veterans and underserved populations nationwide.
- A driving force in mental health advocacy, housing initiatives, and holistic case management.
Sandip Guha
Sandip Guha is a seasoned business and strategy development professional with over 15 years of global experience across finance, consulting, international development, and the public sector—with additional exposure to the IT and manufacturing sectors. Known for his ability to drive growth and secure high-value contracts, Sandip has led successful initiatives in infrastructure, energy, transport, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and financial services.
He brings deep expertise in business analysis, corporate strategy, and growth planning, having consistently delivered multi-million-dollar projects through strategic partnerships, in-depth market research, and compelling proposal development. Throughout his career, he has supported cross-functional teams in crafting innovative solutions to address complex challenges and advance nation-building efforts.
His global footprint includes significant work across North and Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, where he has enabled organizations to expand market presence, build high-impact alliances, and navigate complex, cross-cultural business environments. He has collaborated with prestigious international institutions such as the World Bank, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), United Nations (UN), and Agence Française de Développement (AFD). He also successfully managed major global accounts, including the UNOPS Long-Term Agreement (LTA).
Over the course of his career, he has held senior roles with top-tier consulting and professional services firms, including Deloitte and CRISIL (an S&P Global company), where he led strategic initiatives, drove international revenue growth, and optimized business development operations across diverse sectors. His diverse background also includes experience working in startup and family business environments, highlighting his adaptability and entrepreneurial mindset.
He holds a Master’s in Global Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, a Master’s in Environmental Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, and a Bachelor’s degree in Science.
As a former Business Mentor with SCORE, a nonprofit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), he provided guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. In this role, he was responsible for offering strategic advice, mentoring early-stage ventures, and helping clients refine business models and growth strategies. He continues to contribute to purpose-driven causes as a Development Advisor with the Veteran Project Management Mentor Alliance.
- Deep expertise in business analysis, corporate strategy, and growth planning
Dr. Davis McAlister
Dr. Davis McAlister is a senior executive consultant with more than two decades of experience supporting organizations across healthcare, education, corporate, and military environments. His background spans leadership development, organizational strategy, training systems, and performance optimization, giving him a comprehensive perspective on how leaders, teams, and institutions operate under pressure.
Dr. McAlister’s experience includes clinical operations, institutional training, executive advisory, and large-scale leadership program design. With a foundation that includes military intelligence and leadership environments, he brings a disciplined, mission-focused approach to every engagement—emphasizing clarity, accountability, and execution.
At Knight Eagle Consulting Services, Dr. McAlister serves as a Senior Executive Consultant, working across multiple client engagements and KECS packages. His role focuses on strengthening leadership effectiveness, building resilient organizational structures, and aligning people, systems, and strategy to support sustained performance and scale.
His areas of expertise include:
Executive decision-making and leadership effectiveness
Organizational development and performance systems
Training and learning architecture for leaders and teams
Talent acquisition strategy, pipeline development, and succession planning
Workforce resilience, accountability, and execution alignment
Dr. McAlister works directly with senior leaders and leadership teams to identify gaps, clarify priorities, and implement practical frameworks that translate strategy into measurable results. His work emphasizes real-world application—ensuring leadership development and training initiatives are embedded into daily operations rather than existing as stand-alone programs.
Across healthcare systems, corporate organizations, educational institutions, and mission-driven environments, Dr. McAlister is known for his ability to integrate high-level strategy with actionable systems that support growth, scalability, and long-term organizational health.
At KECS, he is a key contributor to leadership, performance, and workforce development initiatives—reinforcing the firm’s commitment to boots-on-the-ground execution, not abstract theory.
- Committed to empowering organizations to operate with clarity, purpose, and resilience.
Justin Schultz
Justin Schultz is a dynamic digital strategist, web designer, and consultant who brings creativity, technical expertise, and a results-driven mindset to every project. As the founder of Bearnedheart Web Services and a key contractor for Knight Eagle Consulting Services (KECS), Justin spearheads digital initiatives that elevate brands and empower organizations. With three years of specialized experience in website design and digital marketing, coupled with over a decade of leadership across diverse sectors, he delivers tailored solutions that blend innovation with strategic impact.
At Bearnedheart Web Services, a company he launched in 2024, Justin partners with clients to craft user-focused websites, optimize digital presence, and drive measurable growth. His work with KECS focuses on delivering comprehensive web services, from responsive design to SEO and digital strategy, ensuring clients achieve both visibility and functionality. His approach is rooted in collaboration, delivering digital audits, growth plans, and hands-on execution that have helped clients—from startups to established organizations—scale their online reach and achieve business goals.
Justin’s leadership is deeply rooted in his faith, which serves as the cornerstone of his personal and professional life. This guiding principle shapes his commitment to integrity, service, and purposeful impact, seamlessly woven into his public and business endeavors. His ability to lead with empathy, foster collaboration, and deliver results reflects a values-driven approach that inspires teams and clients alike, creating lasting change in the communities and organizations he serves.
Over the last 12 years, Justin built a robust foundation in operational and community-focused leadership. As Department Manager at Sport Chek, he led Hardgoods and Tech Shop teams across two locations, streamlining shop services, enhancing customer experiences, and boosting operational efficiency over a period of three years. As Program Coordinator for Peace Hills Youth for Christ in Wetaskiwin, AB, he directed youth programs, managed a drop-in center, and led a large volunteer team over a span of seven years, fostering community engagement through events, fundraisers, and mission-driven initiatives. Later, as Executive Director of Bailey’s Lodge, he oversaw youth programming, seasonal initiatives, and volunteer training for four years, delivering impactful community outreach and organizational growth.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Justin is devoted to his family, he’s married to the love of his life, and the two of them are raising four remarkable children. His passion for mentoring young adults remains a driving force in his life, reflecting his commitment to nurturing growth and connection. Justin also finds inspiration in community service, faith-based initiatives, and exploring the mountains from the top of a snowboard!
- Justin’s leadership is deeply rooted in his faith, which serves as the cornerstone of his personal and professional life.
Dr. Curtis Luke
Dr. Curtis Luke is a senior executive consultant and operator with more than two decades of experience helping organizations stabilize operations, improve execution, and scale with discipline. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Curtis brings a rare combination of academic rigor, hands-on leadership, and real-world delivery across private sector, nonprofit, and public-facing organizations.
Curtis holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Master’s in Public Administration, grounding his advisory work in both operational execution and governance awareness. Since founding his first firm in 2001, he has worked alongside founders, executives, and leadership teams to move organizations out of stagnation and into sustained performance.
At Knight Eagle Consulting Services, Curtis serves as a Senior Executive Consultant, working across multiple client engagements and KECS packages. His work focuses on turning strategy into execution—helping leaders clarify priorities, align teams, and build operating structures that support growth, accountability, and financial discipline.
Curtis’s areas of expertise include:
Organizational and operational turnaround
Executive decision-making and performance optimization
Financial discipline, cash-flow awareness, and execution alignment
Scaling structures for small to mid-market organizations
Leadership effectiveness within complex operating environments
Curtis has supported organizations ranging from early-stage ventures to established enterprises, including work with community-based institutions and national organizations. His approach is direct, structured, and execution-focused—designed to eliminate noise, reduce hesitation, and drive measurable outcomes.
In addition to his consulting work, Curtis is a published author of five books on business execution, leadership performance, and financial empowerment. He is also a recognized thought leader, named a LinkedIn Top Voice in Entrepreneurship and Business Development, where he shares practical insight on leadership, operations, and growth.
At KECS, Curtis is known for bringing clarity where organizations are stalled, discipline where execution has drifted, and momentum where leadership needs decisive forward movement.
- It's not about waiting for the perfect moment—it's about making the most of the moment you have.
John Hawkins
John Hawkins is an experienced AI systems consultant and senior operator with more than 25 years of experience working with organizations on data-driven systems, automation, and applied technology execution.
At Knight Eagle Consulting Services, John supports AI360™ initiatives in a defined, technical capacity, focusing on AI systems architecture, feasibility, and implementation. His work helps organizations move beyond experimentation and into operational AI systems that integrate directly into real workflows and decision environments.
John’s background includes leading a $100M+ operating division, serving as Chief Strategy Officer through an acquisition, and supporting more than 250 organizations ranging from emerging firms to large enterprises. His experience spans business intelligence, systems design, workflow optimization, and technology-enabled transformation.
His areas of focus with KECS include:
AI systems architecture and implementation
Feasibility assessment and applied AI use cases
AI copilots, agents, and personas integrated into operating workflows
Automation frameworks aligned to execution and scale
System design grounded in real-world operational constraints
Advisor Clinic Participation
John also participates in KECS Advisor Clinic 1:1 sessions, providing structured, time-bound strategic advising on AI strategy, architecture, feasibility, and systems decisions. These engagements are delivered as single sessions or short, defined series and are designed to provide clarity, informed judgment, and decision support—not open-ended or ongoing advisory authority.
John is known for a direct, practical approach grounded in operator experience and systems thinking, helping organizations make disciplined, execution-ready decisions around AI adoption.
- AI only matters when it works in the real world. That is the standard we build to.
Ephraim “Eph” Enoveso
Ephraim “Eph” Enoveso is an experienced cybersecurity and network architecture specialist with a global career spanning the United States, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. He brings deep expertise in designing, securing, and scaling mission-critical infrastructure for organizations operating in high-risk, high-compliance environments, including finance, data centers, enterprise IT, and regulated industries.
With a foundation in electronics engineering and extensive hands-on experience, Eph has architected resilient network and security environments for organizations ranging from small and mid-market firms to multinational enterprises. His work consistently emphasizes uptime, risk mitigation, regulatory alignment, and operational continuity—ensuring organizations can grow securely without compromising trust or performance.
Eph’s background includes supporting Security Operations Center (SOC) and Network Operations Center (NOC) environments delivering managed security services, incident response, and threat mitigation for critical systems. He is particularly skilled in implementing cybersecurity frameworks, governance models, and compliance programs that strengthen organizational readiness for audits, enterprise partnerships, and regulated operating environments.
A distinguishing strength of Eph’s work is his ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insight. He helps leadership teams understand cybersecurity risk in practical terms and align security architecture with operational priorities and business objectives.
At Knight Eagle Consulting Services, Eph supports Cyber360™ initiatives in a defined, technical capacity, focusing on cybersecurity architecture, infrastructure security, risk management, and compliance readiness.
Advisor Clinic Participation
Eph also participates in KECS Advisor Clinic 1:1 sessions, providing structured, time-bound cybersecurity advisory to support informed decision-making. These engagements are delivered as single sessions or short, defined series and are designed to provide clarity and decision support—not open-ended or ongoing advisory authority.
Education & Credentials
Bachelor of Science, Electronics Engineering
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Foundations of Cybersecurity – Google
Business Continuity Management System Awareness
- Skilled in implementing cybersecurity frameworks, governance models, and compliance programs
