The Team
Major General (retired)Â USAF, Mark Matthews
Adjunct Lecturer, W&M
General Matthews is an Aerospace Defense consultant and Senior Research Advisor to George Mason University's Rapid Prototyping Research Center.
He received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy and later a Master's in Operations Research from Princeton University. A career fighter pilot and a distinguished graduate of the USAF F-15 Fighter Weapons School, General Matthews commanded at the squadron, group, and wing level. He also served as Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology.
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General Matthews developed Air Force operational concepts and requirements for all manned and remotely piloted fighters, bombers, tactical reconnaissance, and rescue aircraft, both rotary and fixed-wing; along with their weapons, systems, sensors and supporting C2 structures. Culminating his military career as the Director, Strategy, Plans, and Assessments, U.S. Forces-Iraq in Baghdad, General Matthews led civil-military planning for all US government Iraq activities including the withdrawal of military forces and mission transition to the American Embassy.
After retiring Gen Matthews served as the Raytheon Company’s Vice President for Air Force Programs from 2011 to 2018, where he led a team of eight field offices and a Washington DC cadre teaming with the US Air Force in developing mission solutions to Air Force needs; as well as partnering with Raytheon’s four business sectors in developing win-strategies for competitive pursuits.
Ben Van BusKirk
Mentor
Ben has held diverse and challenging leadership roles in the military and industry, from nuclear strike advisor to the President of the United States to Navy squadron Commanding Officer. He also led and managed large-scale and complex programs, portfolios, and organizations, such as NavalX, where Ben oversaw the acquisition of a $500mm+ portfolio of agility and acceleration initiatives. Ben's passionate about solving challenging problems, empowering and guiding others, and building winning teams across various functions and geographies. With W&M, he continues his goal to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration that enables the development and transition of cutting-edge solutions that enhance the capabilities and readiness of our armed forces and allies.
Mike Van Wyk
Mentor
Mike spent 15 years in the Marine Corps as an officer and KC-130 pilot, in addition to several years at Headquarters Marine Corps innovating amphibious communications and weapon systems. While at Stanford Business School, Mike led Marine requirements for Counter-Drone systems at the Defense Innovation Unit and completed Stanford's own Innovation for Defense program under Steve Blank and Pete Newell. Mike has been heavily involved in the venture and tech ecosystems over the past several years as a corporate/strategic advisor, investment advisor, and consultant.​
Michael Godek
Teaching Assistant
Michael "GoGo" Godek is a Senior at William & Mary. A Government major with a minor in History, Michael is an alum of "Innovation for Defense," Cohort IV, where he and his Team developed a structure for instilling critical thinking skills in NATO military members. Michael continues his fascination with National Security through coursework and outside engagements, most recently serving as a White House Intern. In addition to "clubbing," Michael's interests include chess and hiking.