LTC Marisol A. Chalas
Garrison Commander
U.S. Army Parks Reserve Forces Training Area
Dublin, CA
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Marisol A. Chalas was born in Bani, Dominican Republic, and moved to the United States with her family to Massachusetts at the age of nine. She began her military career as an enlisted Soldier in July 1990. In 2001 she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Aviation branch from the Georgia Military Institute Officer Candidate School.
LTC Chalas has operations and strategic experience at the United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) level. LTC Chalas’ international duties entail Battle Captain and Platoon Leader during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Aviation Liaison in the Dominican Republic under a Combined Joint Task Force. Other assignments include Lean Six Sigma advisor, Force Management and Exchange Officer serving with the Canadian Forces in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and two rotations as Company Commander.
Her military education includes the Aviation Officer Basic Course, UH-60 Aviator Qualification Course, Aviation Captain’s Career Course, Intermediate Level Education (ILE), the Army Force Management Course, the Advance Operations Course (AOC), and the Strategic Fellows Program at The Institute of World Politics in Washington, DC. LTC Chalas received her Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University, and a Master in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University. LTC Chalas is a certified Lean and Six Sigma Black Belt.
LTC Chalas has an extensive corporate career record with vast international experience. She worked for GE, where she held several senior management roles. She worked in Asia, Latin America, and Europe. LTC Chalas is a graduate of GE’s Nuclear Technical Leadership Program. LTC Chalas also worked for Booz Allen Hamilton as a Process Improvement Consultant.
Her awards and decorations include Meritorious Service Medal (4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), National Defense Service Medal (Bronze Service Star), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (Silver Hourglass/M Device), Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal, FORSCOM Ironwoman Award, GEN George J. Hearn Trophy, Senior Aviator Badge, and Army Staff Identification Badge. She is a recipient of the Propeller Club Port of Boston Academic Award. LTC Chalas was named Maritime Person of the Year by Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2016. She is a member of the Board of Trustees of Massachusetts Maritime Academy. LTC Chalas received the USCIS Outstanding American by Choice award in 2017. In March 2021, she was awarded the Medal of Merit by Dominican President Luis Abinader. LTC Chalas was also declared a Distinguished Citizen by the Dominican Senate and House of Representatives.
LTC Chalas served as Legislative Fellow for Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Minnesota District 4, in the United States House of Representatives. She later served as an Army Congressional Budget Liaison in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army Financial Management and Comptroller (ASA-FM&C). She was responsible for Aviation, Missiles, and Chemical portfolios. LTC Chalas served as the Legislative Assistant to the 37th Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Pentagon. She recently served as Reserve Schools Branch Chief at HRC, Fort Knox, KY. LTC Chalas assumed Garrison Command on 31 May 2022. LTC Chalas is a student at the U.S. Army War College (USAWC) Distance Education Program (DEP) member of the Class of 2023.
Brian J. Connor is a 38-year veteran of the Emergency Medical Service Industry.
Brian began his career as an EMT at age 19, following his graduation from the Northeastern University EMT Program in 1979. He was hired as an EMT for Armstrong Ambulance Service, one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Massachusetts. He served in many clinical and managerial positions throughout the next 26 years, ultimately serving as the Chief Executive Officer for the last ten years while employed at Armstrong.
On April 25, 2006, Brian established LifeLine Ambulance Service. LifeLine quickly became one of the largest privately-owned ambulance companies in New England; with 13 offices strategically located throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire, 400 employees and fielding a fleet of more than 160 vehicles. Collectively LifeLine transported over 350 patients each day. LifeLine was awarded the “Pacesetters” award from the Boston Business Journal in April 2013 and was featured in the Boston Business Journal on January 25, 2013. On July 1, 2015, LifeLine and its subsidiaries were sold to Kamylon Capitol, a Massachusetts based holding company. Brian remained on as a Senior Advisor and Consultant and retired on January 1, 2017.
During his 38-year career in EMS, Brian also served as President of the Massachusetts Ambulance Association for over 14 years; served on many local and state EMS committees and advisory boards; and founded the “Emergency Medical Coalition of Ambulance Providers” in 2002. EMCAP was a nationwide organization made up of ambulance providers focused on advocating on the federal level on the establishment and implementation of what’s now known as the Nationwide Medicare Fee Schedule Program.
As a frequent employer and supporter of MMA students; Brian helped establish the MA Maritime EMS System through his donation of an Ambulance, Ford Explorer first responder unit and Golf Cart in 2012. MMA-EMS is the only college-based, 100% student-run EMS club in Massachusetts, and a select few nationwide, that owns and operates their own Class I Licensed Ambulance; providing emergency and non-emergency coverage to the Academy’s entire Campus; and transporting those injured or ill persons directly to local hospitals. In recognition of his leadership and service to the Academy, Brian was awarded the Massachusetts Maritime Medal of Valor by Admiral Richard Gurnon on June 13, 2013.
In 2018, through a $100,000 grant from the Connor Family, MMA-EMS purchased a brand-new Ambulance and now provides EMS coverage beyond the Academy’s Campus. I n recognition of his continued leadership and support of MMA-EMS, Brian was named an “Honorary Member of the Regiment” by the Cadets and awarded his second Medal of Valor by Admiral Francis McDonald in 2019.
Aside from EMS, Brian serves on many Hospital Boards and Foundations, he is a former Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout and was recognized for his many years of service by the Boston Council Boy Scout Council. Brian is also an advocate for public housing, currently serving as Chairman to the Arlington Housing Authority, appointed by both Governor Romney and Governor Baker.
His hobbies are restoring antique ambulances, boating, and fishing. He also holds a 50 GRT Masters License from the United States Merchant Marine and during the summer Captains for Sea Tow, rescuing stranded boaters.
Brian is a 1984 graduate of Northeastern University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He also received a Master’s Degree in Management in 1997 from Lesley University, Master’s Degree in Emergency Management in 2018 from Massachusetts Maritime Academy; and is currently completing both his Master’s Degree in Maritime Business and a Master’s Degree in Facilities Management at MMA, due to graduate with both Masters in the spring of 2020. Following this, Brian will be the first “Triple Buc”; the first person in the Academy’s history to have earned three separate degrees.
Brian resides in Arlington with his wife, Michele and two children, Elizabeth and Patrick.
- Master’s in Education APU, Bachelor of Science in Technology Leadership and Management (Industrial Technology) from Roger Williams University.
- Senior Chief (SW/AW) Larry Jones is a native of Columbia, SC. He joined the Academy in August 2015 as Lab Assistant for the Engineering Department. He assists and instructs students in professional engineering labs such as refrigeration, auxiliary machinery, diesel engines, steam generators, and gas and steam turbines. Prior to MMA, Larry was a Credentialed Electronic Patient Information Chart (EPIC) Orders Trainer. He provided training to doctors on workflow processes and participated in South Coast Hospitals "Go Live” event.
- Senior Chief Jones enlisted in November of 1988 and attended recruit training and Machinist Mate A School at Great Lakes, Illinois. His first duty assignment was onboard USS Wainwright (CG-28) where he completed his Engine Room Messenger and Distilling Plant Operator qualifications. Following USS Wainwright, Senior Chief Jones completed two more sea duty tours onboard USS Sierra (AD-18), and USS Mt Baker (AE-34). Senior Chief Jones then was assigned to Naval Support Facility Groton, Connecticut, followed by sea duty assignments onboard USS Detroit AOE-4), and USS Seattle (AOE-3) where he attained his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) qualification. In 2003 he reported to the Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS) Command, in Newport, Rhode Island, where he served as a Steam Instructor. During his tour at SWOS Senior Chief Jones was designated a Master Training Specialist and awarded Instructor of the Year, and Sailor of the Year. In 2007, following this successful, he reported aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), where he attained his Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) qualification and his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) qualification. In May 2010, following Recruit Division Commander (RDC) School in Great Lakes, Illinois, and Senior Chief Jones reported for duty as a Senior Enlisted Leader at the Naval Academy Preparatory School, Newport, Rhode Island. As a Mentor and Advisor, he personally trained over 900 future Naval and Marine Corps officers. After graduating the Senior Enlisted Academy, Senior Chief Jones reported for duty August 15th, 2013 to the USS Ross DDG71, where he successfully lead a undermanned engineering department through the inspection cycle, achieving all grades above the fleet average and contributing to a successful Foreign Deployed status in support of the Ballistic Missile Defense.
- Current Job: In March 2022, Senior Chief Jones joined Student Services as 5th Company Officer. He mentors, leads, guides, supports, instructs, advocates and develops OUR future into responsible positive impact leaders.
- His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two gold stars), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two gold stars), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (one silver- star), and other unit, campaign, and service awards. Senior Chief Jones is married to the former Gayle Gomes of New Bedford, MA.
Education: B.S., Bucknell University
Education:
A.A.; B.S. Eastern Nazarene College
M.B.A. Bridgewater State University
James F. Kane serves as Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Operations for the A.D. Makepeace Company, a land holding company in southeastern Massachusetts. In that role Jim oversees all facets of land use planning, permitting and plan implementation whether it is a residential, commercial, conservation/open space or a renewable energy use. He is also responsible for all infrastructure planning, development and execution to serve company and regional needs for water, waste-water, property and open space management as well operational profit and investment for each division.
Jim has worked cooperatively and successfully with the many towns in which the company owns land to develop and implement innovative zoning by-laws to guarantee conservation of critical open space habitats that serve to protect unique landscapes while allowing for the development of traditional New England villages.
While with Makepeace, Jim undertook and completed an extensive analysis of alternative energy opportunities within the Company’s holdings. Project and market viability analysis included large-scale solar, hydro-electric generation, geothermal and wind energy.
Prior to returning to Massachusetts and joining the A.D. Makepeace Company, Jim served as Deputy Executive Director/CFO of the Republican Governors Association in Washington DC where he was responsible for all financial and administrative operations and national polling and political advertisement. In the years before joining the RGA, Jim served in various senior roles in the Weld/Cellucci administration, first in the Governor’s office as Deputy Chief Policy Advisor and at the Massachusetts Government Land Bank where he oversaw the merger of two quasi-public agencies, Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency and Massachusetts Government Land Bank into MassDevelopment, and the redevelopment of Fort Devens. He later served as Chief of Operations at the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.
Jim earned an undergraduate degree in economics and political science from College of the Holy Cross and a master's degree in public administration from Clark University and is in his third term as a member of the Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen, and presently serving as Chairman of the Beal Early Childhood Center Building Committee. Jim resides in Shrewsbury with his wife Hannah and three wonderful children.
