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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

At the heart of The Davis Focus Project, we are guided by a passionate and diverse group of individuals who bring their unique expertise and unwavering commitment to our mission. Our Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in steering our organization toward its goals and ensuring that we continue to make a positive impact on the community we serve.

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Comprising leaders from various backgrounds and industries, our board members bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a shared vision for a better future. Together, they provide strategic guidance, oversight, and unwavering support to our initiatives.

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BRANDON DAVIS
CEO/FOUNDER

Brandon D. Davis is the founder of The Davis Focus Project, a Non-Profit for Human Performance. While serving in the Army, Brandon was the Distinguished Honor Graduate of his flight school class and went on to become a Black Hawk instructor pilot in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Retiring from the military this year, Brandon is the owner of Adrenaline Luxury Rentals, the largest luxury and exotic rental car company in Tennessee, and prior owner and creator of Freedom Flyers Academy in Hopkinsville, KY. Brandon formed The Davis Focus Project after surviving a 3-year deep depression. During this time of hardship, he studied psychology and human performance to devise a plan to recover and regain his resiliency. Realizing how powerful these scientifically proven modalities were in aiding his own recovery, Brandon was inspired to create a Non-Profit to help others in their path to recovery and maximizing human performance. Brandon is a man of faith and dedicated to serving the community. He prides himself in being direct, honest, efficient and a man of his word. Brandon lives in Nashville, TN with his wife, Chelsea, and his two daughters, Carson and Brittany.

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PETER OLEKSIAK
TREASURER

Peter Oleksiak is a financial executive with over thirty years of experience, fifteen of those years at the corporate officer level. Mr. Oleksiak previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer & Senior Vice President of DTE Energy Co, a Fortune 500 diversified energy company based in Michigan involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. He currently acts as an independent financial consultant to multiple for profit and non-profit organizations and sits on the board of multiple non-profit organizations. Mr. Oleksiak has extensive experience with traditional electric/gas utilities, oil exploration and processing, natural gas storage and pipelines and renewable energy businesses such as solar and wind and biomass. Mr. Oleksiak received an undergraduate degree from Wayne State University (Michigan) and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

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SCOTT MACTAVISH, BOARD MEMBER
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

Scott Mactavish is an American filmmaker, author, and veteran. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he attended film school at New York University and began his career in New York City. Mactavish is best known for directing MURPH: The Protector, a critically acclaimed documentary about Navy SEAL LT Michael Patrick Murphy, a Medal of Honor recipient. The film was a contender for the Academy Award in four categories, including Best Feature Documentary. In addition to MURPH, Mactavish wrote, produced, and directed Ride for Lance, a tribute to Navy SEAL Lance Vaccaro, and Family Mission: The TJ Labraico Story, both of which highlight the bravery and sacrifice of American service members. His work often focuses on the untold stories of American military heroes and humanitarian efforts by the U.S. military. Scott is also the author of The New Dad's Survival Guide, a bestselling book that has resonated with fathers worldwide. He continues to write and direct, with recent projects including Shattered Lives, a documentary exploring domestic terrorism, and Under the Trestle, a true crime documentary based on a national bestseller.

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CHELSEA DAVIS
SECRETARY

Chelsea Davis is a Salesforce Senior Consultant, currently focused on optimizing Salesforce platforms for Government and Public Sector clients. With ten years of management experience, Chelsea is skilled in building high-performance teams, strategic problem solving, and project management. As a technology consultant, she excels at visualizing and communicating relationships between data, business processes, and technology to optimize user and customer experiences and improve overall operating performance. Prior to working in the technology field, Chelsea served for ten years in the United States Army, with seven years in the Special Operations Community. As a Senior Human Resources Officer, Chelsea managed multiple HR Departments that supported thousands of Soldiers executing Secretary of Defense-Directed operations. The talent management process she created for United States Army Special Operations Command was adopted by the entire United States Army as a standard operating procedure and is still used to this day. Chelsea possesses a Masters in Human Resources Management from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from University of Southern Maine, with minors in Military Science and Russian. She is a Salesforce Certified Administrator, SPHR Certified Human Resources Professional, and Certified Scrum Master with an active TS-SCI Security Clearance. Chelsea lives in Nashville, TN with her husband, Brandon, two kids, Carson and Brittany, and two dogs, Harley and Groot.

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JERRY CARLETON
ATTORNEY

Jerry Carleton, founder and principal of Immix Law Group, is a corporate and securities attorney who counsels private emerging and growth-stage companies on corporate, finance, and securities issues. He focuses on pre-formation planning, entity formation, raising capital, securities compliance, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, leasing and contractual issues, and general day-to-day business advice. Jerry also has experience with non-profit structuring strategies, estate planning and intellectual property matters. Jerry represents clients across a wide range of industries, including technology, SaaS, cryptocurrency, VR/MR/XR, professional services, medical services, wellness services, medical device companies, non-profit, manufacturing, automotive, wineries, retail, art services, creative agencies, marketing and print, graphic design, certified public accounting services, realty and real estate acquisition, mortgage planning, fashion, apparel, upholstery, and recreation. He adds value as a strategic business partner to entrepreneurs and is able to provide clients not only counseling on legal issues, but also advice from a business perspective. Jerry and his wife Heather have founded or co-founded fourteen companies in different industries to date, spanning durable medical equipment, SaaS, cryptocurrency mining, non-profit, private foundation, revenue capital, legal services and commercial real estate.

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COLONEL EMMITT FURNER II
SPIRITUAL ADVISOR

Chaplain (COL) Emmitt Maxwell Furner II, a native of Parkersburg, West Virginia, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1990 and served four years as a Military Policeman. After completing his service obligation, Chaplain Furner attended West Virginia University and graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate of the U.S. Army ROTC. Chaplain Furner was commissioned Infantry and assigned to 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, as a Rifle Platoon Leader, and Rifle Company Executive Officer. After completing his assignment as an Infantry Officer, Chaplain Furner answered his call to military ministry and earned a Masters of Arts in Religion and Master of Divinity from Liberty Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia and was subsequently assessed into the US Army Chaplain Corps. Chaplain Furner has also earned a Masters of Arts in Education from West Virginia University, a Masters of Military Art and Science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, a Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, and PhD from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Chaplain Furner is endorsed by the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Chaplain Furner’s first chaplain duty assignment was with the 6th Battalion, 101st Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. His follow-on include 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Lewis Washington, a Special Mission Unit in Virginia, the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment and the Deputy Division Chaplain of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Chaplain Furner also served as the Task Force All American Chaplain, 82nd Airborne Division ISO Operation Inherent Resolve. Chaplain Furner also served as the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Chaplain, United States Special Operations Command Chaplain Office Plans and Operations Officer, and a SMU command chaplain and the executive officer for the US Army Deputy Chief of Chaplains. He currently serves as the Chief of Staff / Deputy Commandant of the United States Institute for Religious Leadership. Chaplain Furner is a graduate of the U.S. Army Air Assault School, Airborne School, Ranger School, the Infantry and Chaplain Officers Basic Courses, the Joint Special Operations Command SERE School, the Master Resiliency Trainer Course, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Chaplain Furner’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (four oak leaf cluster), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (six oak leaf clusters), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (eight oak leaf clusters), and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. He is authorized to wear the Dutch and Canadian foreign jump wings and the Staff Identification badge. For God & Country … Living The Call!

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BRANDON SHEA
BOARD MEMBER

Brandon Shea grew up in Nashville, TN, and attended Miami University in OH where he received his BA in Political Science in 1998 with minors in Economics and Management Information Systems. Following graduation, he worked with Habitat for Humanity International in GA helping coordinate volunteers with work sites across the country and serving as an international trip leader. In 2000, Brandon began his career in financial services in Denver, CO where he also served as volunteer ski patrol at Copper Mountain. Over the past 23 years, he’s served in roles ranging from outside sales to senior management for asset management firms such as Transamerica, Citigroup and T. Rowe Price (where he’s worked since 2017). As a Defined Contribution Investment Consultant, Brandon’s worked with thousands of financial advisors across the country helping them build retirement investment line-ups to serve their clients’ long-term financial goals. Brandon and his wife (a gifted singer, songwriter, teacher and mom) live just north of Nashville, TN on Old Hickory Lake with their three children and are active volunteers in their community. They enjoy traveling and supporting their kids’ hockey & lacrosse games, jiu-jitsu classes and dance recitals. You can often find Brandon on the golf course, on the lake, out of the country on a mission trip to places like Haiti and Nepal or staying on top of his investment portfolio that includes real estate, private equity ventures and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gyms throughout Middle Tennessee.

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NICK O'KELLY
BOARD MEMBER

Nick O’Kelly is originally from Western Washington, and now lives in Charlotte, NC. He attended Whitworth University in Spokane, WA prior to enlisting in the Army. Nick is married and has two beautiful children who are a daily blessing in his life. In his free time, he enjoys sports, being outdoors, working out, spending time with friends and family, and traveling. Nick retired from the Army in 2023 as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. He initially entered the Army with a Special Forces enlisted contract and served as a Green Beret in 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). He went on to attend flight school and became a Warrant Officer. After a short time flying in 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, he assessed and was selected to become a Special Operations Blackhawk Pilot in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). He has multiple combat and non-combat deployments worldwide. In his later years of service, Nick O'Kelly confronted personal challenges with mental health. Facing the widespread stigmas associated with seeking help, he experienced trepidation at the thought of jeopardizing his flight status and the esteem of his career. This concern kept him silent, attempting to navigate his difficulties in solitude, a path that proved to be strenuous and unfruitful. It wasn’t until a knee surgery necessitated a pause in his aviation duties that Nick had the opportunity to reevaluate his priorities. This interlude became a pivotal moment for introspection and acceptance of support, fundamentally altering his life’s direction. Empowered by his recovery, Nick is now fervently dedicated to guiding both military and civilian members to recognize the strength in vulnerability. His mission is to foster a culture where reaching out for help is not only accepted but encouraged, illuminating the path of hope in the face of adversity. Nick advocates for the message that no individual should navigate the complexities of life's storms in solitude.

BOARD OF ADVISORS

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DR. DAVID RUDD
PSYCHOLOGIST

David Rudd, PH.D., ABPP is Distinguished Professor of Psychology and President Emeritus at the University of Memphis. He has an undergraduate degree from Princeton and an MA and Ph.D. from University of Texas-Austin. He previously served as provost and president at the University of Memphis from 2013-2022. He’s also served in various administrative and faculty roles at the University of Utah, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and Baylor. He’s received over $30M in funding for his research addressing suicide risk assessment and treatment. He has over 250 publications and his work has been cited more than 18,000 times. A Gulf War era veteran, his work has focused on the unique aspects of risk in military service members and Veterans. He’s held leadership positions in a range of professional associations, including president of the American Association of Suicidology and the Texas Psychological Association, along with chairing the Texas Board of Examiners of Psychologists. His recent work has focused on digital therapeutics, with his work helping drive the development of a new company, Oui Therapeutics.

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DAVID L. BLACK PH.D.
TOXICOLOGIST

David L. Black, Ph.D. – Dr. David L. Black earned his undergraduate degree from Loyola College/University in Baltimore and doctorate degree in Forensic Toxicology from the University of Maryland at Baltimore (1982). He is a retired Fellow of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (F-ABFT) and American Institute of Chemists (FAIC). He joined Vanderbilt University in 1986 as Assistant Professor in Pathology and Pharmacology and is currently holds appointments in Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology. In 1990 he founded Aegis Sciences Corporation where he served as Chairman and CEO until October of 2016. He has served as Program Administrator for substance abuse programs for NASCAR, IndyCar, WWE and as a consultant to MLBPA and NFL/NFLPA. He has also served as a consultant to major corporations for development of substance abuse prevention programs. He has testified in local, state, national and international courts as an expert witness regarding substance abuse, performance enhancing drug use, civil/product fraud, and forensic medical-legal cases. He is author of many peer reviewed published scientific papers. He is also President of Ebon-Falcon, LLC a commercial real estate firm. Dr. Black served in the U.S. Marine Corps (1966-70) and in combat in Vietnam (1968-69) and is a Disabled American Veteran. Personal interests include church, Rotary International, Guatemala Medical/Dental/Vision Mission Trips. He lives in Gallatin, TN with his wife former US Congressman Diane Black (TN 6 th District) and they have three children and six grandchildren.

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GREG SAHENE JR., BOARD MEMBER
HUMAN PERFORMANCE PROFESSIONAL

Originally from Pittsburgh, Greg worked at the White House as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist from 2006-2011. He’s worked with United States Secret Service elements, Executive office of the President personnel, White House Military Office, as well as former Presidents. As of 2011, Greg has worked for other government elements as Chief of Human Performance for tactical groups specializing in operator longevity. His work has brought him around the globe to numerous countries. Greg attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a degree in Exercise Physiology. While there, he played 4 years of ice hockey and was a member of the 2004 College Hockey East Championship team.   Greg is also an active board member for K9 Hurricanes Heroes, a federally recognized, non-profit organization that provides retired law enforcement and military dogs with subsidized veterinary care so they can live a long and healthy life.

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