ABOUT TONY

My journey into the professional world began at 18 when I started at the Nevada Small Business Development Center (NSBDC). There, I was involved in creating business plans for minority and veteran small businesses, aiming to help them succeed in a competitive market. This experience was incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to contribute positively to the community and learn the intricacies of business development early in my career.

While attending the University of Nevada Las Vegas, I joined UBS Financial Services as a Client Service Associate and Client Technical Liaison. Balancing work and study, I earned Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Communications. My academic and professional experiences during this time laid a solid foundation for my future endeavors.

Upon graduation, I was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and selected as a Behavioral Scientist. This role marked the beginning of a significant phase in my career, where I embraced the challenges and responsibilities of serving in the military with dedication and a commitment to excellence.

In May 2021, my career took a pivotal turn when I joined Meta, formerly known as Facebook, as a Global Risk Operations Safety Investigator. In this role, I was tasked with investigating threats and harmful activities across various Meta platforms. My work focused on protecting users from misinformation, influence operations, child exploitation, and other risks. It was a role that required a deep understanding of the digital landscape and the ability to act decisively to mitigate threats. My efforts contributed to the successful implementation of strategies that protected global election integrity and led to significant policy and product changes across the company.

Before my time at Meta, I served as a Captain in the United States Air Force, where I held multiple roles and achieved numerous accomplishments. As the Flight Commander to the Information Aggressors, I led a team focused on cyber threats and information operations against the United States. My leadership in this role was instrumental in developing solutions to counter adversary tactics and enhance our defensive capabilities.

During my deployment as the Installation Control Center Director in Kuwait, I led a team responsible for conducting 24/7 mobility and combat operations. My role as the Information Operation subject matter expert involved identifying potential vulnerabilities related to operational security and creating strategies to protect critical assets.

As the Deputy Chief of Information Operations, I worked on conveying selected information to influence the behavior of target audiences. This role led to significant accomplishments, including the protection of a $270M military program and the establishment of a contract to counter anti-US propaganda.

Throughout my career, I have always strived to maintain a balance between professional achievements and personal growth. I've earned three master's degrees, each in a distinct field that has enriched my understanding and capabilities in unique ways. My journey began with a Master's in International Security and Intelligence Studies from Bellevue University, focusing on Cyberwarfare Deterrence, followed by a Master's in Strategic Public Relations from George Washington University, and culminated in a Master's in Business Administration with a STEM emphasis from the University of California, Davis. These academic pursuits have not only broadened my perspective but have also equipped me with a diverse skill set, enabling me to navigate the complexities of my roles with a more informed and holistic approach.

My published works, including articles on information warfare and its global implications, reflect my deep interest in and understanding of the field. These publications are a testament to my commitment to contributing to the broader discourse on cybersecurity and information operations.

From my early days at the NSBDC to my current role as the founder of SOFTII consulting, my journey has been driven by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership. My diverse experiences have shaped me into a well-rounded professional, passionate about making a positive impact in the fields of intelligence, child safety, and information operations.

Outside of work, I love staying active through running, swimming, and interval training. Traveling has also been a significant part of my life, with over 72 countries explored. Each journey has been an adventure, offering new perspectives and enriching my understanding of the world.