Meet Our Team

Meet the members of Promising People who are bringing our vision to life.

Leadership Team

Dave Clark is a visionary with extensive experience as a successful real estate and property development entrepreneur. His creative thinking and problem-solving are what helped make Promising People a reality. Through adversity, Dave shifted his perspective to see what was truly important in life, and now one of his pursuits is helping others find a new perspective. The other is fishing!

DAVE CLARK

CEO and Co-Founder

Promising People Enterprises, LLC

Chad McGhee, founder of Simple Management Group, is skilled in strategic planning and market expansion, driving multinational growth and innovative projects. Notably, he led a record-breaking $108M M&A deal, introduced first-to-market products across 11 countries, and helped implement new industry legislation. Chad values leadership development and fostering high-impact environments.

Chad McGhee

President

Promising People Enterprises, LLC

Dr. John Evans was appointed to the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees by the Governor and is a regular contributor to Forbes and The Orlando Sentinel. He was named "2024 Central Floridian Hero of the Year" and has authored four books. John holds a BA from the University of Florida, an MBA from the University of Miami, and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Pepperdine University.

JOHN EVANS

President and Co-Founder

Promising People, LLC

Jeff Shafer is the founder of CommonGood Capital/Securities, an impact investing investment bank and GP in Fortis Green Renewable Energy and Multi-Family Impact Fund. Formerly President and Managing Director at CNL Securities Corp, he led capital formation and compliance across REITs, private placements, and BDCs. Jeff is passionate about aligning capital with purpose to drive lasting impact.

Jeff Shafer

President

Promising People Communities

Claudia T. Pastorius, Esq. is an attorney admitted to the Florida Bar who completed international law programs in Costa Rica and Spain as part of her studies with Johns Hopkins University and Barry University School of Law. Before entering law, she worked as a business consultant, focusing on sustainable systems design, and as a case manager for high-risk youth. In her free time, she enjoys painting, surfing, and watching rocket launches on the Space Coast.

CLAUDIA PASTORIUS

General Counsel

Mike Hughes is dedicated to ensuring that Promising People reaches its business and financial goals because he is committed in faith to the mission that every person deserves the chance at a promising future. When not crunching numbers, Mike finds his peace in his family, the sound of the sea, and the occasional good read.

MIKE HUGHES

Chief Financial Officer

As a trained expert in literacy, Cristal Clark serves as an Academic Coach and Reading Intervention Specialist, helping students experience the joy of reading and learning. Cristal's skills, input, and feedback are crucial to ensuring every lesson in our virtual reality learning platform is accessible to all students, regardless of their reading level. Her dedication and passion for her craft earned her a 2018/2019 Teacher of the Year award.

CRISTAL CLARK

Director of Education and Literacy

Eric Foglesong has over 20 years of experience in government and political strategy, recognized for his innovative thinking and ability to deliver results in challenging situations. His work spans lobbying, building successful campaigns, and bridging divides for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to advocacy groups. Eric’s approach combines strategic engagement and relationship-building to achieve impactful outcomes nationwide.

Eric Foglesong

Director of Grants and External Affairs

Diana London is a seasoned strategist with expertise in government affairs, public relations, and business development. A trusted problem solver, she excels at managing corporate risk and expanding into new markets. As a Newsmax Commentator and writer of The Dispatch with Diana London, she offers sharp insights on politics and current events. Diana holds a Master’s in Ethics & Public Theology and a Bachelor’s in Opera Performance.

DIANA LONDON

Marketing and Media Director

Before joining us, Haley founded of The VERB Kind, a national nonprofit transforming the lives of incarcerated youth through mentorship, leadership, and hope. With a background in sports marketing and brand development, she brings a unique ability to bridge worlds. Haley has mobilized thousands to serve inside juvenile facilities and champions second chances through purpose-driven, restorative engagement.

HALEY HUNT

Director of Juvenile Justice Engagement

Tony Lowden serves as Chief Social Impact Officer at Promising People, advancing initiatives that expand opportunity, promote justice, and support successful reentry for justice-involved individuals. A nationally recognized leader in social impact and criminal justice reform, Tony brings more than 20 years of experience in advocacy, education, community engagement, and developing pathways to second chances.

Tony Lowden

Chief Social Impact Officer

Patrick Mahoney is a Corrections Consultant and Reentry expert. He retired from the Florida Department of Corrections after more than 30 years of service most recently servicing as the Director of the Office of Programs and Re-Entry. He received his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the State University of New York at Brockport. Patrick serves as a board member of many professional and community civic organizations.

Patrick Mahoney

Director of Corrections Outreach

Technical Team

Jim adds dimension to the production team with decades of experience in video and 3D production. His talent is vital in bringing to life footage in full 3D in the virtual reality world. Jim's passion for fully capturing this earth's natural beauty in all its glory led him into the 3D space. His obsession is our success!

JIM MCMANUS

Director of VR Experience

Jamori's expertise shines in his ability to tell stories through different mediums. Years in the military reflects in his discipline to his craft and his precision to detail. Whether it's on paper, on screen in black and white, or in color, Jamori believes life is about creating new ideas and sharing stories.

JAMORI MONTGOMERY

Director of Video Editing and Narration

With over 15 years of dedicated service in the realm of customer support and information technology, Alberto stands out because he is known for his unwavering compassion. He is a passionate advocate for our company's mission. This alignment of personal values with the company's mission not only makes him an asset to the customer service team but also a true ambassador of our brand.

Alberto Echeverri

Technology Manager

Chrissy is a dynamic professional with a multifaceted career in the realms of customer service, help desk management, training, and technical writing. Her commitment to integrity, excellence, and service, shaped by her years in the military, is evident. With a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and a knack for making technical information user-friendly, she is a cornerstone of our customer support team.

chrissy homan

Systems Administrator

Rebecca believes that every person deserves the chance at a promising future. She is thrilled to use her skills and experience in visual media arts production to contribute to this cause. In her spare time, she enjoys writing and is currently working on her first novel.

REBECCA JOSSELSON

Assistant Director of Video Editing

Hector's down-to-earth teaching and leadership skills make him the perfect choice for his role with Promising People. His creative innovation and many years as an electrical journeyman helped create the learning content for our first curriculum. Hector believes life is the best teacher, so be open to learning and experience it all!

HECTOR MAFFIA

Director of Learning Content

JAMORI MONTGOMERY

Director of Video Editing and Narration

Alberto Echeverri

IT Manager

Product Development Team

Gary is an exceptional Technical Artist specializing in 2D/3D digital art, game development, UI/UX, and asset creation. Gary’s extensive educational background, layered with his technical expertise in art, equips him to shine while collaborating in every stage of product development. His passion for pushing creative boundaries in virtual and physical realms makes him the perfect fit for our team.

Gary elder

Artistic Director

Louis is a natural-born storyteller, problem-solver, and artist. These passions, coupled with his extensive background and experience as a Unity Engine software developer, make him a perfect fit for his role with Promising People. Committed to clean and scalable code, Louis enjoys collaborating with others on new and innovative projects that turn everyday ideas into exceptional software.

Louis getz

VR Developer

Gabriel is a talented Unity developer and game designer with a passion for technical and mechanical details. With a Bachelor of Applied Science in game development and interactive media, and over 7 years of experience, Gabe has amassed a broad set of skills ideal for the dynamic needs of virtual reality development making him a perfect fit for Promising People.

Gabriel Staffen

Unity Developer

Kris has an innate knack for spotting inconsistencies, inefficiencies, and errors. These strengths and his background and experience make him the perfect Quality Assurance Engineer for our team. Kris ensures our products meet top-quality standards for public release by collaborating closely with the development team. He identifies and monitors issues, coordinates testing activities, and conducts comprehensive manual tests for new code deployment.

KRISTOPHER KOSTA

Quality Assurance Engineer

Coming soon!

Nicholas Campbell

Advocate

Cory Bassett is a retired military veteran with an ongoing mission to positively impact humanity. Cory brings a wealth of leadership experience that transcends the typical demands of the role. With a proven track record, Cory is adept at driving projects toward optimal outcomes with unparalleled efficiency and effectiveness.

CORY BASSETT

Technical Project Manager

Coming soon!

Joe Furstace

Advocate

Coming soon!

Sen. Gary Siplin

Advocate

Training & Resource Center Team

Justin Lang has over a decade of experience as an Educator, Facilitator, and Curriculum Developer. He believes in the value of education, determination, and personal relationships. Justin is an animated, passionate man who enjoys exercise and the performing arts. He is currently ranked 13th in America in Spoken Word Slam Poetry!

Justin Lang

Training & Resource Center Director

John has spent decades designing and implementing electronic security and surveillance systems. That experience, and a degree in education, equips him to bridge the gap between education and technology. John is passionate about bringing people together to harness the advantages of our new cutting-edge learning technology. Beyond professional pursuits, John is a music enthusiast who loves sharing his passion with others.

John Sinclair

Advocate

Keira Hunt has a passion for helping others believe in themselves and reach their full potential. Her positive attitude and compassion immediately put her students at ease. Keira’s background in business administration along with her many years of experience in customer service and proctoring equip her to bless our team and our students.

Keira Hunt

Administrative Support

Peter Bowlus has a strong work ethic, a great sense of humor, and a heart for serving the Lord and others. His decades of experience as an educator and trainer, along with his belief in the goodness and ability of each person as a child of God, equip him to bless each student tremendously.

peter Bowlus

Student Advocate

Santiago Borja is a driven, third-year student at Florida State University. He is majoring in Cyber Criminology with an emphasis in pre-law. Santiago has gained first-hand experience with our justice system while working as a legal assistant at an immigration law firm. His interests and experiences make him a perfect addition to our team!

Santiago Borja

Probation Educational Coordinator

Coming soon!

Nicholas Campbell

Advocate

Coming soon!

Joe Furstace

Advocate

Coming soon!

Sen. Gary Siplin

Advocate

Advocate Team

Chad brings invaluable leadership and insight to our team with expertise in recruitment, sales management, marketing, and distribution. He is committed to creating a high-performing, ethical, and well-informed sales organization. Holding degrees from the University of Chicago and the University of South Florida, Chad is dedicated to fostering success for Promising People and our clients.

Chad Walker

Strategic Development Director

Kenneth is a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran in recovery, who has dedicated his life to serving others through faith, leadership, and outreach. With a background in veteran affairs, public policy, and community health, he leads recovery groups, trains communities in Narcan use, and supports individuals facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges—helping them become housed, employable, and empowered to serve others with purpose and dignity.

Kenneth Aquiline

Director of Veteran Engagement

Chuck is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former Pennsylvania State Police detective with decades of experience in service and leadership. He brings deep expertise in addiction recovery, veteran advocacy, and tactical training. Through his work in education, entrepreneurship, and community outreach, Chuck empowers others with purpose, discipline, and a commitment to lasting transformation.

Chuck ondo

Director of Veteran Affairs

Mark is a Business Development Manager at Promising People, where he specializes in sales and marketing. With a focus on cultivating partnerships and building relationships that align with the organization's mission, Mark plays a crucial role in expanding its reach. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Auburn University, driving his passion for impactful collaboration.

Mark Philips

Business Development Manager

Brian is a seasoned construction executive with over 40 years of leadership in general contracting, project management, and business development. He has directed major projects valued up to $2 billion across private, public, and public-private sectors, leading teams on complex building programs including airports, arenas, hospitals, schools, and major civic facilities.

Brian Morris

Advocate

Coming soon!

Joe Furstace

Advocate

Former Florida State Senator, Gary Siplin, is an accomplished attorney with over 30 years of experience in law, politics, and business development. He has held significant roles, including serving in the Florida Senate and House, consulting on elections, and founding impactful programs like the Professional Opportunities Program for Students (POPS). His expertise spans legal, lobbying, and strategic planning services across the Southeast.

Sen. Gary Siplin

Advocate

SFC Gregory Henry, a decorated U.S. Army veteran with 28 years of service, brings strong leadership and mentorship experience to his advocacy work. As Founder of Mission Five Thirteen, he empowers others through education, community partnerships, and fostering collaboration between military and civilian sectors.

Greg Henry

Advocate

Cesar, a US Army and Navy veteran with a combat tour to Afghanistan, brings extensive experience in training soldiers and airmen on defense systems. Passionate about supporting veterans with PTSD, he advocates for the importance of training in fostering mental well-being and providing vital skills for success.

Cesar Saenz

Advocate

Patrick brings over 40 years of experience in entrepreneurship, executive management, and business development within the medical and biologics industries. Passionate about innovation and improving lives, he aims to position Promising People at the forefront of workforce training through immersive technology and transformative education.

Pat Pilcher

Advocate

As a vocational consultant for over a decade, Diane has helped individuals with disabilities prepare for, secure, and thrive in employment. Passionate about innovative training, she’s excited to introduce virtual reality as a powerful tool for building real-world job skills. Diane believes that the right support and immersive experiences can open doors to independence and meaningful careers.

Diane Dickson

Advocate

Raul is a former Executive Director of a multi-state prison and re-entry ministry. He retired after 20 years of service. He is also the co-founder of a statewide Latino advocacy group in Tennessee that promotes education reform and school choice. The Governor of Tennessee has appointed Raul to serve on several committees focused on enhancing education and criminal justice reform.

Raul Lopez

National Director of Community-Based Programs

Platinum

Gold

Gold

2024

2023

2022

PROMISING PEOPLE IS PROUD TO RECEIVE THE HIRE VETS MEDALLION AWARD FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW!

U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su recognized Promising People as one of the 859 recipients of the 2024 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony presented by the U.S. Department of Labor.

For more information about the program and the application process, visit HIREVets.gov.

In Loving Memory

Forever part of the Promising People Family

We honor and remember our teammates who made a lasting impact
on our mission, our team, and the lives of so many.
Their legacy of compassion, service, and dedication will continue to inspire us every day.

Patrick Mahoney

Director of Corrections Outreach

Patrick dedicated more than 30 years to creating opportunities for growth, change, and second chances. A respected leader in corrections, he devoted his career to rehabilitation, education, and reentry. After retiring from the Florida Department of Corrections, Pat continued that mission with Promising People. His humor, passion, and commitment to helping others left a lasting impact on our team and countless lives.

Peter Bowlus

Student Advocate

Peter was a man of deep faith with a true servant’s heart and a gift for making people feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether mentoring students, encouraging a friend, or leading his men’s group, Peter offered wisdom, compassion, and unwavering belief in others. His kindness, humor, faith, and dedication to serving others touched countless lives and will forever be part of the Promising People family.

Though they are no longer with us, they remain in our hearts and in the mission we continue together.

HIRE VETS MEDALLION AWARD

PROMISING PEOPLE IS PROUD TO RECEIVE THE HIRE VETS MEDALLION AWARD FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FOR FOUR YEARS IN A ROW!

For more information about the program and the application process, visit HIREVets.gov.

Platinum

2025

Platinum

2024

Gold

2023

Gold

2022

Chrissy Homan

Jamori Montgomery

Meet Our Team

Meet the members of Promising People who are bringing our vision to life.

Leadership Team

Technical Team

Product Development Team

Training & Resource Center Team

Advocate Team

In Loving Memory

Forever part of the Promising People Family

We honor and remember our teammates who made a lasting impact on our mission, our team, and the lives of so many. Their legacy of compassion, service, and dedication will continue to inspire us every day.

Patrick Mahoney

Director of Corrections Outreach

Peter Bowlus

Student Advocate

HIRE VETS MEDALLION AWARD

We honor and remember our teammates who made a lasting impact
on our mission, our team, and the lives of so many.
Their legacy of compassion, service, and dedication will continue to inspire us every day.