Veterans · Government · Business
The Service Leadership Council unites veterans, government leaders, and business executives across the National Capital Region, turning a lifetime of service into measurable opportunity for our community.
"Many networks exist. Few turn the value of service into real opportunity."
Across our region, thousands of accomplished veterans, public servants, nonprofit leaders, and business executives share the same foundation: a life built on service. What they lacked was a single place to translate that shared value into careers, partnerships, and impact.
The SLC is that place. We connect those who have served with those who lead, so hard-won experience finds new purpose, and purpose finds momentum. We are deliberately cross-sector, because the best ideas live where government, military, and business meet.
For three decades, Dr. Joe Funderburke served at the apex of American national security, from the White House Situation Room to the Pentagon to Capitol Hill. A West Point graduate and retired Army Colonel, he contributed to the 2022 National Security Strategy as Director of Strategic Planning on the National Security Council, and directed the Chairman's Action Group at the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was the first Black military officer to hold that NSC role, and only the third active-duty Army officer to do so in 75 years.
He holds a Ph.D. in Security Studies and two graduate degrees, including a Master's in Legislative Affairs. He has taught strategy, policy, and leadership at Georgetown and Syracuse, and co-founded Academy X, which guides more than 500 students annually toward service academy appointments and ROTC scholarships. Today he serves on the Board of Advisors at the Tower Club Tysons.
He founded the Service Leadership Council on a simple belief: the leadership forged in service is too valuable to retire. Through the SLC, he brings three decades of access, judgment, and relationships to bear for the veterans, public servants, and executives building what comes next.
As Strategy Director, Carlton aligns the council's programming, partnerships, and business development with its mission to bridge the government, military, and business communities. He brings three decades of strategic planning, growth, and risk mitigation to the role, helping the SLC turn service-driven leadership into measurable results for members and the community.
In his professional career, he is Director of the Energy Services Division and National Drone Operations at MRO Tech, a New York and DC Metro consulting engineering firm, and a Fractional Chief Strategic Officer at Strategic Frameworks. With over 30 years in the A/E/C industry, he has managed more than 50 million square feet of capital projects and driven revenue growth of up to 80 percent through disciplined strategy and execution.
Skills-based service projects, economic empowerment clinics for veterans and military families, and youth civic leadership that strengthen the region we call home.
Executive mentorship, board and C-suite readiness, a trusted business network, and high-trust connections that move careers and companies forward.
A stronger Tower Club, a thriving cross-sector hub, and a national model for what service-driven leadership can build together.
Moderated conversations with senior leaders on national security, economic competitiveness, and leadership.
Intimate, trust-based sessions with extraordinary leaders. Our May forum featured Ambassador Ivonne A-Baki.
Six-month, goal-driven pairings between transitioning veterans and senior executives who have been there.
Members bring real business challenges and leave with partners, referrals, and clear pathways to growth.
Member teams deliver strategy, governance, and operations support to nonprofits, veteran orgs, and small businesses.
Workshops that prepare senior leaders for their next seat at the table, from resumes to governance.
A reception honoring Medal of Honor nominee Major James Capers, USMC (Ret.), and a lifetime of extraordinary valor.
Leaders who turned battlefield judgment into boardroom advantage share what carried over.
Reception, book talk, and signing with General Kip Ward, USA (Ret.), on his new book, "Improving the Foxhole: Ward's Way."
Reception, book talk, and signing celebrating the new book from LTG Les Smith, USA (Ret.).
Full details and registration are announced ahead of each event.
Every dollar funds the forums, mentorship, and service projects that turn a lifetime of service into real opportunity. Contributions are tax-deductible through our fiscal sponsor, Veterans Collaborative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.