THE BOARD

LETS GO is fortunate to have an experienced Board of Directors leading our mission.

Bob Kavetsky has forty-two years of experience in RDT&E program development and management; the design and development of systems for undersea warfare; design and operation of hypersonic wind tunnel facilities; and Defense Department and Navy Department policy development. Mr. Kavetsky has both private sector and government experience in the management of large, integrated RDT&E programs that includes hands-on direction of science and technology efforts. He is also a nationally-recognized expert in science and engineering workforce issues, having written extensively on that topic. Mr. Kavetsky has co-authored 10 books on topics ranging from recent advances in energetic materials to policy recommendations regarding the future health of the DoD and Navy in-house laboratories.

Dan Gordon, Vice President

Bob Kavetsky, Board Chair

Yanni Niebuhr, Treasurer

Yanni Niebuhr is Director of Investment Operations at BFG Financial Advisors. His primary role is to collaborate with the firm’s advisory team in the development of financial planning, wealth management advice, and delivering and implementing recommendations for the firm’s clients. In addition, he currently serves on the firm’s investment committee. Mr. Niebuhr holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Towson University. He earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®) designation in 2015 and holds his FINRA Series 7 (General Securities Representative) and 66 (Uniform Combine State Law Examination) licenses through Kestra Investment Services, LLC.

Dan Gordon’s last job before retirement a few years ago was as the Senior Advisor to the Government Procurement Law Program at the George Washington University Law School. Before joining GW Law School in January 2012, he was the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy, a position to which he was nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the Senate. Before that, he worked for 17 years in the Office of General Counsel of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), where he began as a line attorney, rising through the ranks and ultimately holding the positions of Deputy General Counsel and then Acting General Counsel.

Before joining GAO, he practiced for a number of years with a private law firm in Washington, DC. Mr. Gordon frequently testified on acquisition issues before Congress. He also published law review articles and book chapters on various aspects of procurement law and policy. He worked with many U.S., foreign, and international entities in efforts to improve acquisition policies, practices, and training, including federal agencies, the World Trade Organization, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, and the World Bank.

As a retiree, Mr. Gordon works as a volunteer teacher of English as a second language to adults attending the Washington English Center in D.C.

Patrick Prout, Secretary

Patrick Prout is Managing Director within the Financial Services practice of ZRG Partners, LLC. He is also a member of the Industrial/Manufacturing and Corporate Board practices.
Previously, Patrick was a Managing Director with Diversified Search. Prior to joining Diversified Search, he had launched his own executive search organization, The Prout Group, with responsibility for developing and managing the strategic direction and the daily operations of the firm as well as providing leadership for the firm’s financial services practice. Additionally, he conducted senior-level search assignments in the Industrial/Manufacturing, Non-profit, Corporate Board, and Corporate Infrastructure practices.

Patricia Anong

Patricia Anong is the founder and principal consultant at PAR 1 Solutions. She has a wealth of experience in multiple industries as a Cloud Architect and Automation Engineer leading geographically dispersed teams in cloud and DevOps best practices. Patricia is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park and holds multiple certifications in AWS, GCP, Kubernetes, and Terraform. She advises, mentors, and advocates for early career IT professionals through many avenues including her technology blog.

Terry Bazemore

Terry Bazemore Jr., CISSP - COO of Ey3 Technologies and newly appointed Board Member of LETS GO, Terry is a BBJ 40 under 40 Awardee and CAMI Board Member with a Master’s in Information Security and Cyber Forensics from Penn State University. Known for his dedication to empowering the next generation of tech industry disruptors, Terry combines his passion for cybersecurity with his hobbies of Spartan Races and basketball. He's committed to innovation and excellence in the cybersecurity field, leveraging his extensive experience to inspire and mentor emerging tech professionals.

Kathy Benson

Ms. Benson has a cross-section of experience. She was a database software developer for 15 years, then she was an elementary school computer lab teacher for 17 years. Presently, she is combining what she learned while teaching with her expertise in software development. She advises, volunteers, advocates, and provides training for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.

David Chiles, CEO

Admiral Eccles has four degrees from MIT: a bachelors in electrical engineering, masters’ in mechanical engineering and management of technology, and a professional degree of Naval Engineer. He became the Chief Executive Officer of Trident Maritime Systems (previously US Joiner-IMECO) on January 1, 2014. He has served 32 years in the US Navy and was the Chief Engineer for ships, submarines and aircraft carriers from 2008 to 2013. He was responsible for designing and constructing the first Virginia-class submarines and the unmanned autonomous submarine Cutthroat.

David Chiles assumed the role of CEO effective October 1, 2023. Prior, he was the COO and acting Workforce Development Director. David joined the LETS GO team in November 2022, after a successful career in the Federal Government.

Thomas J. Eccles

Henry Hopkins

Henry Hopkins was, until his retirement on March 31, 2008, a Vice President of T. Rowe Price Group and Vice President of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., and Director of T. Rowe Price Trust Company. He served as the Chief Legal Counsel in the Legal Department of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. since 1987 and was a Director of T. Rowe Price Group from 1987 to 2006. Prior to 1987 and since joining the firm in January 1972, Henry was an Associate Counsel in the Legal Department. He also served as the Chair of the Firm’s Ethics Committee from 1973 until his retirement. He received his L.L.B degree in law from the University of Maryland’s School of Law in 1968. He was admitted into the Maryland Bar in November of 1968.

Dr. Raza Khan

Dr. Raza Khan is the Chair of Sciences at Carroll Community College. He also serves as the Commissioner on the Maryland Governor's Office of Community Initiatives. Dr. Khan is a member of the Faculty Advisory Council of Maryland Higher Education Commission. Dr. Khan is an educator and community leader whose passion is to inspire the next generation of workforce, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners where all foster a positive empowerment with an aura of belonging.

Jonathan Williams

Jonathan Williams is a U.S. Navy Veteran and an IT professional with over 20 years of experience. He's involved in civic activities and community service, he volunteers for organizations such as Out For Justice, Baltimore Robotics Center, LETS GO Boys and Girls, and Threads. Jonathan's current focus is on creating positive change in Baltimore City by providing his services to nonprofits that support underserved communities.