Leadership Built for Impact

Founder | Board Chair | U.S. Army Veteran

John is a third-generation U.S. Army Infantryman and the founder of 98 Octane. He built the organization from lived experience, recognizing the long-term health challenges many veterans and first responders face after service. As a recovering sugar addict, he developed the 98 Octane Operator Manual to simplify nutrition, health, and performance into actionable guidance. His mission is to help one million Military, Veteran, and First Responders take back control of their health and lives.

Board Member | U.S. Air Force Veteran | Healthcare & Strategy Leader

Adler is a U.S. Air Force veteran with a career spanning healthcare, technology, and organizational strategy. He has worked across aerospace engineering, federal consulting, and digital health initiatives, focusing on improving systems and outcomes at scale. He is affiliated with Johns Hopkins University and leads initiatives supporting community health and innovation. At 98 Octane, Adler provides insight on strategy, healthcare alignment, and measurable impact.

Board Member | Veteran Advocate | Community Leader

Ken is a former U.S. Army officer and the founder of Our Community Salutes, a national nonprofit honoring high school seniors who choose to enlist in the Armed Forces. Since 2009, he has built a scalable model that supports enlistees and their families from the very start of service. His leadership has earned national recognition, including honors from the Department of Defense and the Fox News Patriot Awards. At 98 Octane, Ken helps strengthen early engagement, reinforcing resilience and healthy habits before long-term challenges take hold.

Board Member | Education Leader | Executive Director, Readiness Institute at Penn State

Justin is an education leader focused on innovation, workforce readiness, and emerging technologies. He serves as Associate Vice President and Executive Director of the Readiness Institute at Penn State, where he works to expand pathways between education and career readiness. His work includes advancing AI literacy and future-focused learning models. At 98 Octane, Justin contributes to education strategy and helps expand how the organization delivers scalable learning experiences.

Board Member | U.S. Army Veteran | Physician

Dr. Cha is a U.S. Army veteran and physician with experience spanning both military and civilian healthcare environments. She served 13 years in the Army, beginning as an enlisted Soldier and later commissioning as an officer. She is currently an Executive MBA candidate at Cornell University. At 98 Octane, she advises on evidence-based health principles and helps ensure the organization’s guidance aligns with current medical understanding.

Board Member | U.S. Army Veteran | President & COO, JDog Brands

Thom is a U.S. Army combat veteran and President & Chief Operating Officer of JDog Brands, a national franchise system focused on veteran employment and entrepreneurship. Over nearly a decade with JDog, he advanced through leadership roles by driving operational performance and mentorship. Thom also supports veteran-focused initiatives beyond business, including nonprofit and community engagement efforts. At 98 Octane, he contributes operational expertise and growth strategy.

Board Member | U.S. Navy Veteran | Healthcare Professional, Jefferson Health

Rob is a U.S. Navy veteran and former flight nurse with experience in high-acuity medical environments. He currently works within Jefferson Health and MossRehab, supporting rehabilitation and recovery for individuals with complex injuries. His background provides a practical understanding of both acute care and long-term recovery. At 98 Octane, Rob contributes clinical perspective and supports the development of recovery-focused approaches.

Board Member | U.S. Navy SEAL (Ret.) | VP, WorkMerk

Tim is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL with over 20 years of service in high-performance operational environments. Following his military career, he transitioned into the private sector, where he focuses on operational strategy and execution. As Vice President at WorkMerk, he supports organizations in improving visibility and performance. At 98 Octane, Tim brings leadership, accountability, and a deep commitment to resilience within the MFR community.

Board Member | U.S. Navy Veteran | Vistage Chair

Chris is a U.S. Navy veteran, entrepreneur, and executive advisor. After building and exiting his own business, he now serves as a Vistage Chair, facilitating peer advisory groups for CEOs and business leaders. He also leads a consulting practice focused on leadership and transition. At 98 Octane, Chris brings strategic insight, leadership development experience, and a focus on sustainable organizational growth.