Tony Martin, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO and Founder of SSU, Dr. Tony Martin works diligently to develop lasting relationships with intelligence and defense industry players. He is a demonstrated expert in the areas of intelligence analysis, counter-terrorism, strategic planning, and organizational development and is continually focused on creating excellent outcomes in all endeavors. As a retired Green Beret with 22 years of active duty service, Tony spent the majority of his career in 7th Special Forces Group on Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha (SFODA) and later served as a Military Intelligence Officer at Special Forces Command at Fort Bragg, NC. He was also assigned to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Sciences and taught courses in International Relations, Comparative Politics, Latin American Politics, and Game Theory. Prior to founding SSU in 2008, Tony served as Chief of Security and Intelligence Division. Under his leadership, the anti-terrorism and force protection programs at Fort Bragg – the largest U.S. Army installation – thrived. Tony is passionate about giving back to the Special Forces community of active-duty soldiers, veterans, and their families. He founded the Special Forces Scholarship Fund and serves on the Board of the Special Forces Charitable Trust. He holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Political Science from Duke University, as well as a B.A. in History from Campbell University. Click 
to see how Dr. Martin is connected.
Bruce Holmes
Vice President
Joining SSU in 2022 following a 28-year military career, Bruce Holmes served with distinction as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army Special Forces for over two decades. He demonstrated his remarkable leadership abilities and crisis management skills in the face of the most challenging circumstances. Bruce’s strategic acumen has enabled him to develop innovative and effective solutions for complex situations. Throughout his military tenure, Bruce has operated in 42 countries and engaged in 50 months of combat, showcasing his expertise in executing full spectrum special operations across various echelons alongside joint, interagency, and allied partners. Achieving the position of Command Sergeant Major in 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Bruce assumed significant follow-on strategic leadership roles, including serving as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for Special Operations Command Europe and Deputy Sergeant Major for United States Army Special Operations Command. These positions allowed him to contribute his vast experience and insights to further enhance the effectiveness of special operations forces. Bruce maintains an active involvement within the Special Forces community, passionately advocating for “SOF-for-Life.” Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors for the SFA Legacy Initiatives, Inc., playing a pivotal role in supporting and empowering veterans. Moreover, as a founding member, he has made substantial contributions to the 3rd Special Forces Group Warrior Fund, established in 2017. Bruce is a graduate of the Joint Special Operations University Senior Enlisted Academy and The George Washington University for Health Science Laboratory Technology. Click to see how Bruce is connected.
Todd Burns
Director of Business Development
Todd Burns served over 21 years in the U.S. Army, serving the last 17 years specifically as a Military Intelligence Officer. His intelligence assignments range from Battalion to Corps, including postings at a Combined/Joint Task Force, a Geographic Combatant Command, and the Joint Special Operations Command. Todd’s comprehensive military experience has allowed him to hone skills in a wide range of intelligence arenas. In 2010, he culminated his military career as the G2 of the 82nd Airborne Division with one year as the J2 of Regional Command East in Afghanistan. Todd holds an M.S. in Administration from Central Michigan University and a B.A. in Business Administration from Eastern New Mexico University. He also attended the Army Command and General Staff College. Click to see how Mr. Burns is connected.
April Brown
Corporate Controller
With over twenty years of experience managing and overseeing corporate transactions and financial data, April brings a wealth of expertise to our organization. Since 2010, April has been an integral part of the financial world, demonstrating her exceptional skills and knowledge in various roles. Her dedication and commitment have earned her a CPA license in 2008, further solidifying her reputation as a trusted financial professional. April’s extensive experience extends beyond financial management. She has successfully provided proposal pricing support as both a Prime and Subcontractor for USSOCOM, DoD, and other federal government clients, including the SCS IDIQ. Her track record of delivering results in this area showcases her ability to navigate complex government requirements and deliver competitive pricing solutions. Not only is April a seasoned professional, but she is also a proven leader. Her previous experience includes finance training and correspondence with high-level DoD clients, demonstrating her ability to establish strong relationships and effectively communicate with key stakeholders. Click to see how April is connected.