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Elisah McGee | 
CEO Elisah McGee is a dynamic leader, carving her own path in business and life. A visionary, she founded Freedom Defense Group in 2019 alongside her husband to raise the standard of innovation of mission-ready solutions for the Department of Defense, and state, local, and federal agencies. Elisah understands firsthand the demands and sacrifices freely given by our warfighters as a daughter to a retired Senior Chief and Command Master Chief in the United States Navy and is passionate about getting our warfighters home safely. A University of Virginia graduate and history enthusiast, she is a big-picture thinker with a consistent history of building organizational infrastructures throughout her earlier career experience in public and DoD education, sales, and executive banking. From the conception of FDG to today, Elisah strategically aligns her company to exceed mission objectives by building infrastructure, guiding philosophy, positioning growth, and empowering leaders. Securing certification as a woman-owned small business in a majority-male industry, Elisah persistently strives to lead with honor and integrity, encouraging her team and peers to do the same.
She faithfully pursues challenges to catapult personal growth and shift paradigm thinking. Moving their beach family to a barren 95-acre farm in rural Brookneal, VA in 2020, Elisah and her husband rapidly renovated and built structures, adopted a growing variety of livestock, and founded a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Mission Freedom Farm. She enjoys introducing her children to the balance of hard work ethic and time for simple joys. Elisah is an avid philanthropist and community advocate and serves as Mrs. Virginia USA Earth and an election official with the Virginia Department of Elections.
John McGee | As a record-setting and Division I athlete, John’s drive and passion for excellence and teamwork were evident early in life. His ability to knit a team together to accomplish remarkable things still exists today, and his gift for relationship building has translated to lifelong connections and friendships. Early in his professional career, he learned the importance of expansive networking and delivering better-than-expected customer service to drive and solidify business growth. For the ten years prior to forming FDG, John established, grew and led sales for two of the largest U.S. government procurement contractors. During that time, John gained a broad and thorough understanding of the government procurement process and how to navigate its associated pitfalls, hiccups, and headaches. Today, he uses these insights and relationships built to offer expanded market opportunities and integrative procurement solutions for FDG’s customers.
When not wearing his entrepreneurial hat, developing land, and performing livestock management at Freedom Farm with his wife, John loves the chance to play hard - be it skydiving, snowboarding, mountain biking, or climbing - while also instilling the same love for the outdoors in his children.
John "Shaggy" Sims | John “Shaggy” Sims joins our team as a 26-year veteran of Army Special Operations Forces, with several combat deployments throughout Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as former Yugoslavia. John was also a combat developer, member of the DoD Combat Casualty Care Committee (Joint Planning Course 6), USSOCOM Biomedical Research Advisory Group, and multiple programmatic review panels under Defense Health Agency for Combat Casualty Care. Additionally, experience as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant, Assault Medic, and Special Forces Communications Sergeant has allowed him to create valuable relationships within the Special Forces and medical research and development communities.
As a civilian and family guy, Shaggy has not slowed down a bit! When he’s not wearing his FDG hat, he runs a successful fishing charter business and leads a semi-pro deep sea fishing team out of North Carolina.
Nick Lafferty | For over 2 decades, Nick has worked with some of the biggest breakthroughs in consumer and military technologies and helped deliver those crucial solutions to a global sales market. He first started his career in the USAF as a tactical communicator, but an untimely injury opened a new opportunity to pursue his love of math and science. He jumped into the civilian communications market at the cutting edge of cell phone and mobile technology. Nick has worked with the industry's largest technology leaders and brings deep expertise in growth phase operations, product development, global supply chain, business development, marketing, and large program level sales. With a mantra of “Lead by Example,” he can push new tech and capabilities to their limits and deliver industry-leading results.
When he’s not getting after it at FDG, he’s tearing up the landscape on his mountain bike, off-road UTV’s or enjoying some BBQ with his family and friends in Texas.
Will McGee | Pennsylvania-based Will comes to FDG with degrees in Park & Resource Management and Forestry, with early experience as a Wilderness Ranger, whitewater rafting guide, canoeing instructor, forest technician, and horse logger (even worked with Amish crews in Maine and Pennsylvania!). Additionally, he has managed multiple organic vegetable, dairy, orchard, and grass-fed livestock operations. He was previously employed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, working as a Custom and Border Protection Officer at the Port of Houlton, Maine. Additionally, he trained at the Customs and Border Protection Field Operations Academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.
During these last ten years, Will has served as a utility line clearance arborist trainer and team lead and runs a farm business producing and direct marketing grass-fed beef and pastured pork while also managing his 50-acre farm. When he’s not farming or letting us help him name his new calves, Will enjoys the shooting arts, hunting whitetail deer, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and amateur radio.
Jenny Holmes | Born and bred Virginia girl, Jenny has lived a small-town life with big world experiences. She joins FDG to be a part of the solution for a rapidly growing company with multi-faceted demands. As the Executive Assistant to the CEO and President, Jenny will execute a plethora of tasks from operations to community relations. She brings a portfolio of life experiences to the table, including graduating Summa Cum Laude with degrees in English and Math, a K-8 teaching specialization, homeschooling her children, providing construction-based mission work in Central America and Africa with her husband of 23 years, practicing real estate, and bookkeeping.
Jenny dives into her multi-faceted passions full-heartedly, whether restoring homes and properties with her husband, like the century-old general store they own in Lexington, VA, or owning a small boutique in Ashwood Manor Designs in Forest, VA, showcasing her decorating and design talents. You can also find Jenny cheering on her children in sports, with her son on Liberty University’s baseball team and her three girls in basketball and volleyball. She finds her relaxation creating in the kitchen, hosting friends and family, working out, reading, and spending time on the water and in the sun.
Brittany Bradley | Brittany has been steadfast over the last 4 years with her expertise, loyalty, and passion in helping support the incredible growth of Freedom Defense Group. With her 14 years of experience in private and public accounting, she brings a wealth of experience to the table and it shows with not only her fresh perspective and attention to detail but her big-picture fiscal vision. She double majored in Accounting and Finance as an undergraduate at Radford University and continued her graduate studies in Accounting at Liberty University. She has been a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Virginia since 2019. In addition, she is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), serves on the board of a non-profit, Mission Freedom Farm, as the Treasurer, and is a Notary for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Born and raised in the Lynchburg, Virginia area, Brittany works in Central Virginia from our home base. She and her husband have two beautiful children, 6 dogs, and 1 cat. When she is not busy with her little ones or animals (or trying to rescue other animals), she enjoys spending time with her girlfriends and family by their pool or fishing in the summer or with bonfires in the cooler months.
Heidi Arndorfer | Heidi has extensive knowledge in serving the defense industry with over two decades of fire and rescue experience on both sides of the operation – having served as a firefighter and fire inspector, and leading contracting sales and solutions for fire. Focused on solutions and relationships, Heidi works tirelessly to produce impactful results for her customers. She readily serves mission sets, shifting quickly to overcome obstacles and provide the best value.
As an avid adventurer, when she’s not searching for a customer solution, Heidi is in search of the next trail to hike, river to kayak, and mountain ridge to camp. She also has a knack for creating space for others to enjoy these simple things of life in her quaint Tennessee town through her and her husband’s Airbnb, where you can find her showcasing another talent in repurposing furniture into works of art.
Brenda Cornwell | Brenda brings passion, experience, and connectivity to Freedom Defense Group as Sales and Operations Support with over four decades of experience owning and operating multiple successful businesses. Her expertise runs from managing teams, purchasing, sales, marketing, financial management, vendor relations, customer retention, government compliance, and more. As an entrepreneur, her dedication to fostering meaningful connections has remained a central focus. Brenda carries a vested interest in FDG’s mission as a past military wife of 36 years.
Born a southern peach, raised in Myrtle Beach, SC, and later settling in Virginia Beach, she considers herself a beach girl with 40 years of sand between her toes. Her proudest accomplishments are her three adult children, each an entrepreneur, and nine spoiled-rotten grandchildren with the oldest a freshman in college and youngest in kindergarten. She enjoys adventures of all kinds, navigating unfamiliar territories like the time she went coon hunting in alligator marshland, and implementing new life strategies from lessons learned.
Anisia Cornwell | Anisia Cornwell is a seasoned and results-oriented professional with over ten years of experience leading various aspects of business operations within the Real Estate industry. In her previous position, Anisia played a pivotal role in the management and expansion of the enterprise. Her expertise spans in system analysis, improvement, and implementation, financial management, employee supervision, and overall business oversight. Anisia's versatility is evident as she efficiently managed multiple roles concurrently, including handling general IT tasks, acting as a bookkeeper, serving as an office manager for multiple locations, managing phone operations, and overseeing the HR department. Additionally, she has contributed to the startup phase of a Virtual Staffing venture in Nicaragua, she provided consulting services to real estate owners and offered valuable insights to integrate virtual staff for improved business efficiency and success. Anisia found great satisfaction in educating other business owners on the benefits of incorporating virtual assistants into their business operations.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Radford University, Anisia brings a solid educational foundation to complement her extensive hands-on experience.
Anisia holds a deep commitment to the well-being of military personnel, being the sister of three siblings who have retired and are currently serving in the United States Military.
In her personal life, Anisia Cornwell takes joy in spending time with her husband, Robert, and their three children. Previously residing in Virginia Beach, they have a strong passion for surfing, maintaining an active lifestyle, and embracing a healthy and fulfilling life
Jon Puckett | Defined by hard work and a never wavering sense of curiosity, Jon (known as Puckett) retired as a Police Lieutenant from the Norfolk Police Department after 21 years. The NPD was kind enough to allow Puckett to explore every aspect of police work that interested him and included SWAT, Range Master, K-9, Training Division, the Intelligence Unit, and Leadership Training with a concentration in resilience. Puckett grew his experience by leading the National Account for the State and Local Team for ADS in Virginia Beach, where he still lives. Puckett has the experience of being both a government customer and a seller in markets that are very difficult to navigate without proven experience and success. He is a husband, a father of two girls (5 and almost 2), and is an avid seeker of growth and positivity.
Chris Cruse | With dynamic experience in logistics, sales, marketing, and operations, Chris naturally fosters relationships and creates organized systems for company growth. He is also an encouraging leader with over ten years as a teaching tennis professional and coach at the prestigious Trinity High School in Louisville, Kentucky, where his team won the 2019 Kentucky State Championship. He helped 30+ students achieve Division 1 teams, and countless others realize life and career goals.
Chris enjoys time with his family and all things outdoors — hiking, kayaking/fishing, and campfires. He also has a deep-rooted passion for sports, having grown up in Southern Indiana, and as the son of a coach.
Kevin Williams |
Robby McCanna | Robby is first and foremost a believer and follower of Christ. Second, a husband of four years. He serves as a Deacon and Sunday school instructor. Many of his hobbies involve the outdoors and friends, such as hiking, kayaking, and various sporting or music events. He was born and raised in Virginia and attended Liberty Christian Academy, where he earned my high school diploma. During his youth, he was heavily involved with the Boy Scouts of America and sports. Those activities shaped his social and personal growth through dynamic and challenging situations. Robby has experience in a multitude of fields, shaping his adaptability and knowledge. He has worked in residential carpentry, the food service industry, interstate transportation, commercial electrical work, and custom automation systems.
Robby believes FDG provides an excellent opportunity to continue developing himself personally, while using his current abilities to serve those who serve and protect our great country. Robby welcomes participating in an efficient and competent team, mutually striving to provide the best possible product and process to customers, establishing an experience unmatched in this field.
Loren Williams | Loren values hard work, growth, and building meaningful connections with others. She pursues work and personal life with dedication, responsibility, and a willingness to learn. She credits past work experiences for shaping her work ethic and learning the importance of teamwork, communication, and tenacity. Loren takes challenges as opportunities to improve and takes pride in being someone others can depend on. What inspires Loren most is working within a meaningful mission and contributing to a team with shared goals. She was drawn to FDG for its culture, values, and the opportunity to grow while making a positive impact.
Loren comes from a family of eight and was raised on her family farm, where her parents homeschooled for most of her life. Her passions include caring for her little family, becoming a better person, and being the best mama she can to her son.
Taylor Smith | Taylor is a sales and acquisition professional with experience supporting the Department of Defense operations, specifically across the Air Force, EOD, and SOCOM communities. With a background spanning both prime vendor and third-party logistics (3PL) environments.
Before working in the defense industry, she gained experience in medical device sales and business development within the operating room, where precision, responsiveness, and effective communication are essential. This diverse background allows her to operate confidently in high-pressure environments while delivering tailored solutions to complex challenges.
Taylor's experience in the DOD and medical space taught her the importance of adaptability, reliability, and a client-focused approach centered on building relationships.
Outside of work, she is a proud military spouse and mother, as well as a former collegiate soccer player. Taylor enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors, and exploring with her husband and two crazy Golden Retrievers.
Chris Rickstrew | Chris Rickstrew is a Creative Director who leads design, branding, and marketing initiatives that drive brand expression and growth. He is passionate about thinking outside the box and helping organizations clearly communicate their vision in a unique and compelling way. Chris began his career by launching one of the first social media marketing agencies in the country, where he served as Creative Director and successfully built and exited the company. He went on to launch a second agency and has since worked with businesses ranging from startups to established organizations, helping them express their brand with clarity and impact. He has also led and developed teams of designers to execute high-level creative work. He is known for his creativity, energy, and commitment to doing things differently—with a strong focus on excellence.
Outside of work, Chris loves traveling the world, spending time with family, being outdoors, and pursuing personal growth.