Board Members
Dr. Jacob Cox (President)
Jacob Cox is a Solutions Architect and Site Lead at Trideum Corporation, with over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, electronic warfare (EW), data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML), spanning both military and civilian sectors. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he developed advanced frameworks for network and security applications using Software-defined Networks (SDN). His publications have been cited over 600 times.
In his current role, Dr. Cox leads the development of innovative strategies and solutions in multi-domain operations, cyberspace electromagnetic activities, AI/ML, and developmental and operational test and evaluation. His notable achievements in this role include serving as the principal investigator and lead researcher for an automated data labeling, analysis, and semantic search project and co-authoring a best paper nomination for I/ITSEC 2023.
Dr. Cox is also an Adjunct Professor at Augusta University, where he teaches Python scripting and automation, as well as cybersecurity, and he has co-developed a comprehensive network programming course for Army Cyber Developers. His 22 years of experience in the military, including roles such as Chief of Enterprise Operations at the Southwest Asia Cyber Center, Assistant Professor at the United States Military Academy, and Instructor/Writer at the United States Army Cyber School, underscores his blend of leadership and technical expertise.
In addition to his Ph.D., Dr. Cox holds a master’s degree in ECE from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Clemson University. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and has been honored with the William Lane Award for Teaching Excellence and the Albert J. Myer Leadership Award.
Dr. Cox, a native of Milton, Florida, now resides in the Augusta, GA, area with his wife, Laura. They are both active members at Abilene Baptist Church in Martinez, GA and enjoy doing life together. Dr. Cox's personal interests include continuous learning, listening to audiobooks, real estate investing, and training in his garage gym. He is also passionate about helping others succeed, volunteering his time in the Building Up Students (BUS) program.
Christelle Ward (Vice President)
Christelle Ward is a highly accomplished Program Manager and Scrum Master at E&M Technologies, leveraging her decade-long experience in the Electronic Warfare (EW) community. Her expertise spans Electronic Warfare (EW), Information Operations (IO), and contributions to Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). She has served as an Electronic Warfare Analyst, SIGINT Instructor, and Course Developer, demonstrating a deep understanding of the field.
Her commitment to the EW community is further exemplified by her five-year membership in the Association of Old Crows (AOC). She is actively involved as a committee member for the Future Leaders and holds the esteemed position of Chairman for the new Women's Initiative EW in EW. Her dedication to fostering inclusivity and growth within the community is evident.
Prior to her current role, she served in the US Navy as a Cryptologic Technician, providing essential technical and tactical guidance for military operations. This experience solidified her foundation in EW and IO. She also has a strong connection to the schoolhouse on Eisenhower.
She holds Bachelor's Degrees in Cyber and Data Security Technologies and Business Administration. Her dedication to excellence is reinforced by her relevant certifications in program management and agile methodologies.
Based in Grovetown, United States, she is a dynamic leader passionate about advancing the EW field and empowering future generations.
Vacant (Secretary)
Matthew Sherburne (Membership Chair)
Lieutenant Colonel Matthew G. Sherburne, P.E., currently serves as the Military Deputy of Army Capability Manager Electronic Warfare (ACM EW) with the Cyber-CDID at Fort Eisenhower, GA since January 2025.
Sherburne is a native of Burke, VA, and received his commission into the Signal Corps from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY in 2007. As a company grade officer, he served as the Assault Command Post Platoon Leader supporting airborne enroute communications in the 82nd Division Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Liberty, NC. He then served as the Traffic Terminal Platoon Leader in the same unit supporting very small aperture satellite terminals while deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom X. He served as the Battalion S6 for 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division and deployed to Al Asad Airbase and Camp Taji, Iraq during Operation New Dawn.
Sherburne then served as an Assistant Professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at the United States Military Academy. After transitioning to Cyber, he served as the Mission Team Lead for 156 Cyber Protection Team, 1st Cyber Battalion, United States Army Cyber Protection Brigade at Fort Eisenhower, GA and then served as the Technical Director for the United States Army Cyber Protection Brigade within the Support Division. He most recently served as the Defensive Cyberspace Operations (DCO) Division Chief within the Technical Warfare Center at the United States Army Cyber Command from August 2022 to December 2024.
Sherburne's civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the United States Military Academy (2007) and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech (2015). He holds an extra class ham radio license. He is a graduate of the USMA Master Teacher Program. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC); Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC); Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC); Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC); Air Assault Badge; Army Parachutist Badge; German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge; and the Norwegian Foot March Badge.
Vacant (Secretary)
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Jason LaClaire, MPA (Awards & Events Chair)
Jason LaClair is a seasoned program manager and retired U.S. Army veteran with over 28 years of experience in intelligence, cyber operations, and defense leadership. Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Jason relocated to the greater Augusta area in 2015 upon retiring from military service.
Currently, Jason serves as a Program Manager at Peraton Corporation, a leading government contractor specializing in national security solutions. In this role, he leverages his extensive military background to manage complex programs that support defense and intelligence missions.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Jason is deeply committed to supporting the military community. He holds the position of President of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Greater Augusta – Fort Eisenhower Chapter, where he leads initiatives to support soldiers and their families . Additionally, he contributes to the cybersecurity education landscape as an Officer at Large for the Greater Augusta Chapter of AFCEA International, promoting collaboration between government, industry, and academia.
Jason's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama and a Master of Public Administration from Penn State University.
Residing in North Augusta, South Carolina, Jason and his wife, Becky, are proud parents to one daughter and two stepdaughters. His dedication to service, both in uniform and as a civilian, underscores his commitment to national security and community engagement.
William (Bill) Platte (Outreach Chair)
William "Bill" Platte is a seasoned defense and cybersecurity professional with a distinguished career in national security and advanced technology programs. Based in North Augusta, South Carolina, Bill serves in a senior leadership role at Parsons Corporation, a global leader in defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure solutions.
With a robust background in military and civilian sectors, Bill brings extensive experience in program management, systems engineering, and cyber operations. His academic credentials include studies at the Naval Postgraduate School, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and excellence in defense-related disciplines .
Throughout his career, Bill has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to advancing national security initiatives and fostering innovation in cybersecurity. His leadership at Parsons Corporation reflects a deep understanding of the complexities of modern defense challenges and a commitment to delivering impactful solutions.
Daniela Davies (Technology & Communications Chair
Daniela Davies is a seasoned cybersecurity and operations planner and military veteran, bringing extensive experience in national security and cyber operations. She currently serves at Peraton, a leading government contractor specializing in defense and intelligence solutions. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Augusta Technical College.
Daniela holds degrees from University of Maryland Global Campus and Regis University. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Cyber Defense at Dakota State University, an institution renowned for its focus on cybersecurity and information assurance.
With a strong background in military service and cyber operations, Daniela continues to contribute to national defense initiatives through her role in the Green Jacket Roost.
