Leadership Built for Impact

98 Octane is led by veterans, operators, and industry leaders committed to helping Military, Veterans, and First Responders take back control of their health, performance, and future.

  • John R. New Jr.

    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.

  • Maureen Weigl

    Board Member | Brigadier General (Ret.) | PA Department of Military & Veterans Affairs

    Brig Gen (Ret.) Maureen Weigl brings decades of senior military leadership and public service supporting veterans and their families. She most recently served as Deputy Adjutant General for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, where she helped oversee statewide veteran programs and military operations. At 98 Octane, she provides strategic guidance on government alignment, policy awareness, and long-term impact.

  • Adler Archer, JD, MS

    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.

  • Dr. Kenneth Hartman

    Board Member | Veteran Advocate | Community Leader

    Ken brings experience in community engagement and veteran advocacy, with a focus on building relationships at the local level. He has supported initiatives that connect veterans with resources, support systems, and opportunities for growth. At 98 Octane, he helps ensure the organization remains grounded in the needs of the community it serves.

  • Justin Aglio, Ed.D.

    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.

  • Dr. Mary Cha, mD

    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.

  • Thom Starke

    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.

  • Rob Guillory

    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.

  • Timothy Wood

    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.

  • Chris Donnelly

    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.