Smith became the Executive Director of the ISS in October 2006—at the same time the Institute became an official entity of UNLV. Prior to coming to the ISS, Smith served for seven years as CEO of Western Research Institute in Laramie, Wyoming, a technical research non-profit, specializing in energy, environmental, and highway materials RD&D for clients in government, business and industry. From 1989 to 1999, Smith managed all aspects of the involvement and contingent liability of the Coors Brewing Company in several Superfund sites. In 1989, Smith retired, after a 32-year career, as a combat-experienced, highly decorated Major General. His last assignment was as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense during the second Reagan administration (where he specialized in nuclear safety and security exercises and training). Smith is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and received an M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois and an M.P.A. from Penn State University.

Brune has a strong background in policy analysis and has written on topics of globalization, energy security, public sector reforms, international financial institutions, and government in post-conflict countries. She has consulted for many organizations, including the World Bank, JP Morgan Chase, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Brune has taught courses on globalization, international relations, and international institutions. Brune is currently working on a manuscript assessing the impact of increasing state activity in markets on national security and energy security issues. Brune received her Ph.D. from Yale University and a M.P.P and B.A from Harvard University. Prior to coming to UNLV, she held research fellowships at Princeton University’s Niehaus Center for Globalization and Governance and the University of Pennsylvania.

Bryant has more than 20 years of experience in project management, logistics coordination, curriculum development and training delivery. As Director of Training, Bryant has coordinated and delivered numerous quality training programs in medical disaster preparedness, terrorism awareness for soft target security and the production of a terrorism awareness DVD for the State of Nevada. In 2005, Bryant retired from the United States Army as the professor of military science of the re-established Army ROTC program at UNLV.  Bryant is a graduate of Old Dominion University in Virginia and received a M.A in National Security Studies from California State University San Bernardino.  Bryant is currently working towards credentials as a Certified Associate in Project Management.

An accountant by profession, Ocampo possesses more than 15 years of financial accounting experience working in various fields of the business world. He began his career as an investment analyst with the largest bank in the Philippines and then ventured into stockbrokerage and financial management. Since his arrival in Nevada, Ocampo has held various positions of increasing responsibility in the hotel and gaming industry, manufacturing, hospital administration, employment services, and banking services. In his current position at the ISS, he is responsible for tracking all funds, project expenditures, and updating all issues regarding our quarterly, monthly, and annual budgets.

With more than 19 years administrative and technical-staff experience in the management and operating contract sector, King-Savage has experience in project coordination; strategic, contingency, and logistics planning; auditing company and departmental performance documents; and customer service. She has held various positions with three DOE/NNSA contractors.

Cho maintains the information systems and web presence for the ISS. Further, with nearly a decade of of experience in hospitality and customer service, Cho provides a key perspective to the ISS as it works continuously with the local business community and its security related needs. He is a candidate in UNLV’s Dual M.B.A/M.S. in Hotel Administration program and is pursuing a career in hotel development.

With recent experience in hospitality marketing and project management, coupled with strong research and writing skills, Meczka looks forward to assisting ISS in all facets of the organization, particularly in grant coordination. As a current graduate student in UNLV’s joint M.B.A and M.S. in Hotel Administration program, Meczka hopes to further connect ISS with the local hospitality industry, bridging common security goals.