Leadership
Michael Ussery
Michael Ussery, former U.S. Ambassador, has driven investments and development projects across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and the Americas, founding businesses and advising globally. He is Vice Chairman of Kima Communications, Chairman of CalErin Group, and a board member of Safi Apparel and Corium Distribution UK. He has advised San Leon Energy and General Dynamics and co-founded the Romania Moldova Direct Fund, revitalizing distressed companies. His government service includes roles at the U.S. State Department, where he was Senior Advisor (2018) for conflict stabilization. Ussery has contributed to economic development, CAUA, and the Vint Hill Economic Development Authority. A Newberry College graduate, he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Morocco by President Reagan in 1988.
Birge Watkins
Birge Watkins is Senior Advisor at Landmark Atlantic Holdings and a Board Member of Virterras Materials US LLC, with leadership roles across business, government, and non-profits. He has served on the Boards of the Land Trust of Virginia, Great Meadow Foundation, and Fauquier Parks Foundation, as well as key corporate positions at Imperial Capital, CoreVest Financial, and Statgraphics LLC. A former White House Staff Assistant (Ford Administration), he held senior roles at USAID (Reagan Administration) and Deputy Assistant Secretary at the USDA (Bush I Administration). Locally, he served on the Warrenton Town Council and the Vint Hill Economic Development Authority. Watkins holds degrees from Alma College, London Business School, and Harvard University.
Robert McCollar
Robert “Bob” McCollar is the International Business Development Manager for Loudoun County's Department of Economic Development, leveraging 30 years of executive experience in law, business development, and government service. A licensed attorney and longtime Loudoun resident, he has worked with European firms and the UK government, holding key roles at Giesecke Devrient and America Online. He serves on the Board of Directors for the British American Business Association, co-founded the Dulles International Global Group, and frequently speaks at embassy events in Washington, D.C. Bob holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity University and a Juris Doctor from William Mitchell Law School.
Wonjae Lee
Wonjae Lee is a leading expert in lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems, with over three decades of experience in battery technology, R&D, and mass production. He is a technical consultant at Global Technology Co., Ltd., specializing in IT, EV, and ESS battery development, and has played a key role in advancing compact EV battery power packs and small energy storage solutions. Previously, he served as CEO and CTO of ISQUARETEC, leading R&D and production of lithium-ion batteries and BMS for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. His career includes key roles at Rocket Electric, Samsung SDI, and MPST, contributing to battery material research and EV projects. Holding a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Hanseo University and a Master’s from Hanyang University, he has participated in government research projects and holds multiple lithium-ion battery patents, solidifying his status as an industry leader.