WRITERS
Dr Vallerand is the new Director of S&T Public Security of the Center of Security Science, a program that supports 21 Departments and Agencies with Homeland Security Research, Technology and Analysis (RT&A). With a career spanning 20 years in RT&A, Andrew specializes in research, design and implementation. He has established investment guidance and directions for Human Factors, Modeling & Simulation and Capability Assessment domains, led major S&T initiatives, mentored staffs and graduate students, and spearheaded several major S&T programs nationally and Internationally. He is now leading Homeland Security “S&T Communities of Practice” across the Whole-of-Government of Canada to address Capability gaps.
Gordan E. Van Hook serves as Senior Director for Innovation and Concept Development with Maersk Line, Limited in Arlington, Virginia. Retired from the U.S. Navy after 29 years, Gordan is now tasked to facilitate and strengthen MLL’s role as a valued business partner to the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy. Gordan assists in maintaining an active dialog with DoD on maritime security issues and piracy, APMM/MLL commercial best practices, innovation in energy efficiency, sustainment, sea-basing, sealift, modularity and commercial ship conversions. In April 2009, he led the Maersk crisis response team in Mombasa, Kenya dealing with the Maersk Alabama incident.
Joseph Varner has extensive experience in the fields of intelligence, international security, and diplomacy as a trusted advisor to the highest levels of the Canadian government. He holds certificates in Emergency Program Management, Hazardous Materials, and Disaster Recovery. Joe Varner is an Adjunct Scholar at West Point’s Modern War Institute and is author of “Canada’s Asia-Pacific Security Dilemma.”
Serge E. Vidalis is a former municipal police officer and retired Clearance Diving Officer who served in the Royal Canadian Navy. His career in naval special operations included work in explosive ordnance disposal, mine warfare and maritime counterterrorism. Serge is the President of Blue Force Global Special Services Group Ltd (Canada) and Blue Force Global LLC (USA), strategic security and emergency management firms. Serge holds a Masters degree in Conflict Analysis and Management, and is currently a Doctoral candidate at the University of British Columbia researching the impact of culture on western security strategies.
