• LEADERSHIP

Nelson Balido | Chairman & CEO

As Chairman and founder of the Border Council, Nelson delivers strategic management expertise and cross-sector consulting to public and private entities on matters of U.S. Border trade and security relations, communications, international public relations, marketing, Fortune 500 business leadership, politics, art and cultural affairs, entertainment, media, and government relations.

His sought-after, multicultural expertise is also frequently called upon by domestic and International media outlets, and Nelson has been featured as a commentator for Univision, TheHill.com, Fox News, and many others.

BORDER, TRADE & ENERGY:

  • Nelson also chairs the Border Commerce and Security Council and is the founder of the Energy Council of the Americas, which has a mission to improve North American competitiveness by supporting public policies which increase cross-border cooperation among businesses and governments. He has led both of these councils along with their  American, Canadian, and Mexican public and private sector members to become the nation’s two premier organizations for fostering cross—border relations that enhance North America’s economic health, cultural understanding, and security.
  • Nelson has also been a key catalyst in improving border security and trade issues in North America by establishing effective relationships among U.S., Mexican, and Canadian diplomats and government officials.
  • Nelson has also testified before Congress and is a frequent speaker at border security and trade symposiums educating the public on new trade policy and security initiatives.
  • His efforts in part have enabled the passage of various legislative rule-change initiatives and major appropriations at the state and federal levels.
  • Furthermore, since 2010, the United States Trade Representative and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce have appointed Nelson to the U.S. Department of Commerce Industry Trade Advisory Council every four years based on his expertise and success. In this capacity, he currently advises the secretaries on issues concerning trade agreements such as the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA, Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and various others.

GOVERNMENTAL & EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP:

  • In 2007, the secretary of Homeland Security, with a recommendation from the Whitehouse, appointed Nelson to the Department of Homeland Security Senior Advisory Council. Based on his strategic and actionable advice, Nelson received the department’s highest civilian award, the Outstanding Public Service Medal.
  • Nelson later founded the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s private sector division. His efforts in creating this division, alongside his ongoing work to build strong public-private relationships, resulted in Nelson earning the Secretary’s Award for Excellence.
  • In 2020, Nelson was appointed as a Special Government Employee/Consultant to the Undersecretary of Intelligence and Analysis for the Department of Homeland Security, focused on trade, travel, and security issues for U.S. land and maritime borders.
  • The Governor of Texas appointed Nelson as Commissioner of the Texas Commission of the Arts and later the Texas Historical Records Advisory Board, where he developed a receptive climate for six artistic disciplines, driving an increase in grants and international cultural exchange programs while establishing Cultural Arts districts and landmark grant programs for Texas and arts industries.
  • As the Chairperson of the Cultural Arts Board for the City of San Antonio, Nelson increased the number of grants by more than 60% by creating a solid marketing and execution plan.
  • As a past National Alumni Board Member and Campaign Cabinet member for Texas Tech University, Nelson helped to generate more than $500 million in funding for the University. Texas Tech recognized Nelson as the first Hispanic to be awarded the Texas Tech Silver Medallion and invited Nelson to deliver the keynote address for the 2006  Commencement Ceremony.
  • As a recognized political leader, Nelson has made critical contributions to bridging the gap with Hispanic voters, leading to successful Presidential and gubernatorial elections. Based on his success, Nelson has served as a Texas delegate at three national conventions.
  • In addition to these roles, Nelson is currently serving his country as an active U.S. Navy Reserve Public Affairs and language officer at U.S. Strategic Command in Omaha, NE.

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP:

Nelson has built a remarkable record in the private sector by leveraging his public sector experience to help companies succeed.

  • After his appointment to the position of Director of Multicultural Marketing for SBC Communications / AT&T by the company’s former Chairman and CEO, Nelson built and managed a new division targeting multicultural Hispanic and international market segments. He grew the division’s revenue from $3 billion to $6 billion in one year through direct mail campaigns, introducing new wireless plans, long-distance programs, and media subscriptions services while improving Hispanic-market advertising, developing Spanish-language websites, expanding operations to more than 150 languages, and increasing brand awareness with event-driven grassroots initiatives.
  • Before his work for SBC Communications, Nelson received several Small Business Administration awards, including Small Business of the Year and a Hispanic Business 500 listing as the General Manager of Southwest Entertainment, a privately held Latin American music, video, and music producer and distributor with worldwide sales.
  • He also served as President and Managing Partner for two successful music production companies.
  • He remains a Lifetime Voting Member for the Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards for his numerous commercially released productions.

EDUCATION:

  • Nelson, born in California to Cuban immigrants, learned the value of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and education early in his life.
  • His degrees and certificates include a Masters-Level Graduate Certificate in Advanced International Affairs from the Bush School of Government at Texas A&M University; a Certificate in Petroleum Land Management from the University of Houston; a Certificate in Public Affairs from Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo in Spain; a Certificate in Governmental Relations from Instituto Universitario De Investigación Ortega Y Gasset in Spain; a Certificate in Community Minority Business Advancement from McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin; and a Bachelor of Science in International Economics and Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Texas Tech University.


Benji Hutchinson | Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Benji Hutchinson brings over 20 years of experience in the identity, biometrics, AI, and computer vision industries supporting commercial and public sector customers globally. He has served in various leadership roles scaling revenue for technology start-ups and multinational firms. He has been an advisor and consultant in biometrics and identity intelligence technology for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, U.S. Army, NATO, and national and international standards bodies. He currently serves as an appointee to the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee, Law Enforcement Subcommittee, created by federal statute to advise the President and the White House National AI Initiative Office. Benji holds a BA in International Economics and French, an MA in French Language and Literature, and an MA in International Affairs from the University of Kentucky.

Claude Hutton | Board Member

Claude “Odge” Hutton serves as Vice President for Elder Research’s Homeland business unit, where he focuses on applying cutting-edge AI and data science technologies to mission-critical areas. Odge’s team currently supports the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade, with strategic solutions that safeguard our national security. His leadership is marked by a deep respect for those he serves. Odge is a retired Marine who rose from Private to Lieutenant Colonel over a distinguished 24+ year career, serving in multiple theaters of operation. From the Marines to the boardroom, he’s learned that empowering people is the cornerstone of success.

Odge considers it a blessing to serve others and is humbled by the opportunity to lead. He has consistently delivered transformative outcomes by connecting people, processes, and technology. With over two decades of experience working with data in complex, rapidly changing environments, he’s fostered collaboration across diverse, cross-functional teams.

Navigating highly regulated environments and shifting priorities, Odge has led the successful execution of several multi-million-dollar programs. Known for his ability to implement innovative strategies, he’s championed process improvements and policy changes that manage risk, enable growth, and increase agility.

Odge previously served as Chief Operations Officer for a rapidly growing company, where he provided the leadership, management, and vision needed to drive organizational growth and operational efficiency. He led enterprise-level process improvements—streamlining onboarding, enhancing financial systems, and strengthening corporate communications.

At Virginia Tech’s National Security Research Center, he drove strategic initiatives supporting a large and expanding portfolio of programs, secured dozens of new contracts through strong leadership and coordination, and managed the execution of several key programs.

Odge earned his BS from Old Dominion University and an MS in Computer Science from Naval Postgraduate School. Outside of work, he enjoys fly fishing, woodworking, and spending time with family.

Maclovio Yáñez Villagrán | Board Member

Since taking over the leadership of NUCLEO SEPEC in 2009, Yanez Villagran has driven a model of sustained growth based on operational diversification, cutting-edge technology, and specialized training. Today, the company has a portfolio that covers the entire life cycle of an oil well: from thermal cleanings, stimulation, to reconditioning with artificial production systems.

Its Technical Center in Villahermosa and the use of state-of-the-art simulators demonstrate a focus on continuous improvement, while its patents-such as ZOOK additives or the BLUE ZL WRAP sealing polymer-are evidence of a commitment to national intellectual property. Thanks to this strategy, NUCLEO SEPEC not only consolidated its leadership in Mexico working alongside PEMEX, but also extended its international presence, operating in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with active contracts and ongoing expansion.

Sandy Brooks | Board Member

Sandy is widely acclaimed for her achievements as an inspirational leader, and organizational and technological innovator that has positively advanced our national security posture and interests. She is widely recognized and respected for developing highly effective partnerships within DOD, Interagency, coalitions, partner nations, industry, academia and private consortiums.  Ms. Brooks has a long and successful history of leading highly dynamic and innovative technological change and providing the motivational and inspirational leadership that fosters a sense of urgency and passion at every level she engages. She is actively sought out by senior DOD, Intelligence and Interagency leaders for her advice and counsel.

Ms. Brooks has extensive experience in leadership positions to include almost a decade as a DOD senior civilian leader in Intelligence and a 28 year military career as a Naval Cryptologist/Information Warfare Officer that included command at senior levels. She accumulated a record of successes in progressively challenging assignments at the National, strategic, operational, and tactical levels and more recently as a private sector consultant.

Ms. Brooks was recognized nationally for her remarkable achievements as the 2010 recipient of the Service to America “Samuel J Heyman” Homeland Defense Medal. “By providing technical and intelligence support to the military, law enforcement agencies, and partner nations. She was selected from a field of 30 highly qualified candidates for her unprecedented work in enabling National authorities to better combat threats to our National security interests”  In 2016, Ms. Brooks was awarded the Office Director National Intelligence coveted National Intelligence Superior Service Medal for “contributions to the National Intelligence Community; distinguishing herself through meritorious actions to the betterment of national security in the United States of America, through sustained and selfless service of the highest order.”

Her military and civilian accomplishments illustrate highly effective motivational leadership and innovative “thinking” that serve this Nation well in countering the greatest challenges facing our national and global security interests.

Colin Myers | Board Member

Colin Myers is a US Navy veteran and a Manager at Comtech Systems Inc.  In his role at Comtech, Colin advises and supports the US military, allied nations, and US government agencies with risk mitigation strategies to overcome communication challenges for military operations and border security.

Colin served for nine years in the US Navy.   Colin first entered the Navy as a midshipman at the US Naval Academy in 2002, where he graduated and earned his commission as a naval officer in 2006.  Following the academy, Colin was accepted into the submarine service where he managed operations and maintenance of nuclear reactors on the USS WEST VIRGINIA and USS RHODE ISLAND and was certified by the Naval Nuclear Security Administration as a Naval Nuclear Engineer.  After serving as a nuclear supervisor, Colin assumed the role of communications officer and ship driver for his submarine.  As “COMMO” aboard the USS RHODE ISLAND, Colin supervised the receipt, transmission, and decoding of all submarine related messages, led the team of officers responsible for command and control of all nuclear missile launch orders and exercises, and was responsible for all submarine nuclear launch codes and cryptography.  As COMMO, Colin’s crew earned the USSTRATCOM 2010 Omaha Trophy Award as the #1 Strategic Communications Submarine in the US Navy.

Colin resigned from the US Navy in 2011 and settled in Central Florida to spend more time with his family—his wife Merrick, and daughters Peyton and Piper.  In 2013, Colin graduated with his MBA from Rollins College and worked in finance, marketing, and leadership roles at Darden Restaurants, Anthem Wealth Management, and Comtech Systems.  Colin additionally serves as General Manager and Wealth Advisor for a boutique financial firm, Thorium Wealth Management, headquartered in North Carolina.  In his downtime, Colin enjoys adventures with his wife and children, training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and playing table tennis.

Eletha Beckford-Smith | Board Member

Eletha is currently a National Client Partner of federal telecommunications at Verizon based out of the Washington, DC area. She is responsible for managing 4GLTE, 5G, IOT and M2M mobile communications for The Department of Homeland Security HQ and US Custom & Border Protection. Eletha along with her dedicated team of Solutions Architects, Client Executives and Critical Response teams focus on building strong relationships. Her team provides insight to what is possible, thought leadership and supporting the mission by delivering change through digital transformations. Eletha found her passion by interacting with companies and government agencies to provide solutions to obstacles that affected their mission. She has held multiple positions over her career with an increasing level of responsibility. Eletha takes pride in sharing a wide range of
support for critical communications and combining efforts to ensure federal agencies stay
connected across the country. In addition to her telecommunications background, Eletha has 10
years of experience in Business and Finance. Eletha is a WOW Alumni (Women of The World)
member that provides networking opportunities and sharing experiences with other members
pursuing career progression. She also serves as a current board member of one of Verizon
employee resource groups, Wireless Association of Verizon Employees (WAVE). Eletha takes an
active role allocating time for mentoring and volunteering at work and in her community to help
others explore new ideas for continued growth.

Eletha has earned a certification in Project Management, Bachelors degree in Business Management and Masters degree in Business Administration with a concentration in government acquisition. As both a proficient communicator and long term learner she has a great work life balance with a tenacity that both demonstrates a passion for continued education, creativity, leadership and teamwork. In her free time Eletha enjoys traveling with her husband on annual cruises to the Caribbean, spending time with her family and always being open to try new things.

Jonathan Ray | Board Member

Jonathan has worked in the Aerospace and Defense industry as a Software Developer, Systems Engineer, and Systems Architect designing / developing / delivering tactical airborne and ground ISR systems for the US Air Force. Jonathan has also designed ISR systems for the DOD Intelligence Community supporting strategic national security globally for over a decade. Jonathan is currently the Director of Commercial Products/Sensor Systems at Innovative Signal Analysis, Inc. in Richardson, TX managing the WAV technology family of products specializing in imagery surveillance and processing. Jonathan holds a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science and Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a Masters of Science and Engineering in Security Engineering from Southern Methodist University.

Randall V. Simmons | Board Member

After a storied and decorated military career, Major General (Retired) Randall V. Simmons, Jr. now leads Mantis Logistics, bringing his unparalleled leadership experience, discipline, and commitment to service excellence into the private sector. As a prominent figure in the United States Army, amassing over 30 years of service—including his tenure in the Georgia Army National Guard as their Commanding General—Simmons has become a trusted asset in both military and civilian spheres. His results-driven approach and attention to detail make him an ideal leader at Mantis Logistics, where precision and reliability are paramount. Simmons began his United States Army career in 1989, quickly rising through the ranks, amassing broad levels of experience in logistics and personnel management, intelligence, and operations. Throughout his career he was known to be an adept problem solver when navigating challenges, innovating solutions, and driving operational excellence to accomplish the most arduous missions. More recently, Simmons served as the 10th Commander of Joint Task Force – North in Fort Bliss, Texas, an inter-agency organization that closely collaborates with America’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies to secure North America and protect the Homeland. In his role, he was responsible for the leadership of 4,000-plus military service members supporting the Department of Homeland Security. His military service is decorated with numerous awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit on three different occasions, the Joint Service Commendation Medal (Afghanistan), Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Medals, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Simmons recently completed a six year term of service as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Guard Association of the United States where he served as the Chairman of the Membership Committee. He is currently a member of the Border Commerce and Security Council. Beyond his military and professional achievements, Simmons is highly educated, holding a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College, a Bachelor of Science in Education from Georgia Southern University, and specialized training in security studies, strategic planning, and executive leadership from Harvard University, Syracuse University, and the National Defense University. A proud and dedicated father, Simmons currently resides in Georgia with his wife and their two children. Find Randall V. Simmons, Jr. on LinkedIn to learn more.

Arif A. Mamedov | Board Member

Arif Mamedov is an executive officer at Regula who landed the company in the U.S. He is working to develop the company’s presence in the Americas, including North, Central, and LatAm regions. Arif has a solid history directing sales, and spearheads the go-to-market strategy design and implementation to deliver bottom-line results and accelerate Regula’s growth. He personally runs large-scale projects, cultivating partnerships with enterprise-level companies and government authorities, such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of State.

He is a customer-facing person and an innovation champion at the same time, so he brings customers’ requirements directly to the Regula R&D team. This helps the company introduce new technologies that meet and exceed the needs of organizations.

Arif graduated from Oklahoma State University where he got a Ph.D. in chemistry and the Research Excellence Award.

Michael Still | BOARD MEMBER

Michael Still engages in a wide range of ventures, including overseeing land development projects for truck plazas, shopping centers, and apartment complexes, as well as managing underground utility work and farm operations as a General Contractor. He also holds a partial ownership stake in a high-complexity molecular and non-molecular lab that is accredited by A2LA and certified by CLIA. In addition, Michael is active in fuel sales and the propane business sector.

Furthermore, He is an experienced private pilot with commercial ratings, specializing in agricultural aviation for numerous years. Michael enjoys boating activities and prioritizes spending quality time with his family. He is married to Tina Still, and they are the proud parents of five children and grandparents to 14 grandchildren. His commitment to excellence in both his professional endeavors and personal life exemplifies his strong work ethic and unwavering dedication to success.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Joe earned a Bachelor of Arts in InternationalStudies from Miami University and possesses a Master of Sciences degree inCybersecurity. At home in Washington, D.C., Joe volunteers as a mentor withBig Brothers Big Sisters National Capital Area.

Martin Petriccione | BOARD MEMBER

A Leader in Biometrics

With two decades of experience in the biometrics industry, Martin Petriccione is a highly respected business development executive. Serving as the Vice President for North America at Integrated Biometrics for over ten years, Martin has been instrumental in driving substantial growth and innovation. His market insight and expertise have been pivotal in the development of new products and technologies, including Integrated Biometrics’ light emitting sensor (LES) technology and cutting-edge high-resolution, touchless fingerprint technology.

Martin is known for his strategic vision, commitment to excellence, and deep understanding of technological advancements in identity verification and security. He is recognized for his knowledge, integrity, passion, work ethic, and collaborative style. Martin’s customer-centric approach ensures that client needs and feedback are at the forefront of every project, fostering strong, long-term relationships and delivering exceptional solutions.

Martin has led major projects with the US Department of Defense, Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Prior to joining Integrated Biometrics, Martin held executive roles with Idemia and Crossmatch Technologies.

Integrated Biometrics (IB), a pioneer in biometrics technology, designs and manufactures advanced, high-resolution touchless identification software and the world’s most mobile, durable, and reliable FBI-certified fingerprint sensors.

Jon Lerette | BOARD MEMBER

Jon Lerette is a Marine Corps veteran and expert in border security technologies, operations, and domain awareness.  As the chief executive officer and co-owner of Elevated Technologies, Jon leads a team of technology professionals and operations experts to innovate solutions that enhance and optimize mission capabilities across the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security.

Todd M. Croteau | BOARDER COMMERCE AND SECURITY COUNCIL

Todd Croteau is an accomplished executive with over two decades of leadership experience in business development, program management, and operations across the defense, aerospace, and high-tech sectors. Known for his strategic vision, operational rigor, and exceptional ability to build client relationships, Todd has consistently driven growth and innovation in complex, mission-critical environments. Currently serving as Senior Director of Business Development – Defense & Aerospace at LightPath Technologies, Todd leads all aspects of sales and strategic growth within the defense and aerospace vertical, managing high-level engagements with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) primes and subcontractors on next-generation (cooled and un-cooled) Infrared camera technology. Prior to these roles, Todd held senior operational and program management positions at Luminar Technologies, where he spearheaded strategic initiatives and customer engagements for advanced LiDAR technologies supporting autonomous defense platforms. He also held key positions at Metters Incorporated and L-3 Communications, where he delivered major defense programs on time and under budget while ensuring alignment with complex customer requirements. An accomplished educator and mentor, Todd has also contributed to academia as an adjunct professor at institutions including DeVry University, Valencia College, and Rasmussen University, where he developed and taught Business and Program Management curricula. Todd holds both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Program Management (MPM) from Keller Graduate School of Management, along with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of New England and an Associate of Science in Computer Technology from Florida Technical College. He is respected for his collaborative leadership style, analytical mindset, and unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of business and program execution.