National Guard Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

National Guard has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, engineering, operations, personnel, joint staff, finance, and logistics.

Committed to national defense and emergency response, National Guard maintains a dual-mission structure that provides critical military support across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Leadership Roles at National Guard

  • Chief Executive Officer - Tonya Burke
  • Property & Fiscal For Wisconsin Officer (United States) & Chief Financial Officer - Douglas Kolb
  • Chief Operating Officer - Joseph Howe
  • Chief Information Officer - Mathew Field
  • Chief Technology Officer - Ken Flowers Jr
  • Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1 - Pedro Casiano
  • Vice Director, NGB Chief Information Officer and J6 - Thomas Raia
  • Associate Chief of Staff NGB Joint Staff - Cheryl Phillips
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics - Marcus Thomas
  • J1 Chief of Staff - Matthew Krenz
  • Tonya Burke - Chief Executive Officer

    Tonya Burke, the Chief Executive Officer at National Guard, directs the overarching strategic vision for this federal reserve military force. Burke oversees the integration of state and federal missions, ensuring readiness for national defense and domestic emergency response. By aligning departmental goals with the core mandate of homeland security, the Chief Executive Officer maintains operational excellence across diverse global theaters. This leadership role involves constant coordination with the Board and senior government officials to secure resources for military training and disaster relief. Tonya Burke drives the organizational culture toward high-performance standards, fostering collaboration between state-level units and federal command structures. Through rigorous oversight of the entire enterprise, the Chief Executive Officer guarantees that the organization remains prepared for complex, multi-faceted challenges. Ultimately, Burke secures the long-term stability and effectiveness of the force in protecting national interests.

    Douglas Kolb - Property & Fiscal For Wisconsin Officer (United States) & Chief Financial Officer

    Douglas Kolb, the Property & Fiscal For Wisconsin Officer (United States) & Chief Financial Officer at National Guard, manages the financial health and asset allocation for the organization. Kolb directs the budgeting, accounting, and fiscal oversight processes that support military training and emergency response. Overseeing the financial department, the Property & Fiscal For Wisconsin Officer (United States) & Chief Financial Officer ensures that all resources are utilized in compliance with federal and state regulations. This leadership role involves close coordination with the Board to secure funding for critical infrastructure and operational needs. By optimizing the allocation of fiscal resources, Douglas Kolb directly impacts the organization's ability to maintain readiness across North America. Through the rigorous management of property and financial assets, the Property & Fiscal For Wisconsin Officer (United States) & Chief Financial Officer guarantees the long-term fiscal stability required for sustained mission success.
    Douglas Kolb

    Joseph Howe - Chief Operating Officer

    Joseph Howe, the Chief Operating Officer at National Guard, manages the daily execution of federal and state military missions. Howe directs the operational departments to ensure seamless coordination during natural disasters and national defense activities. Overseeing the deployment of resources across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of readiness and efficiency. This leadership role involves constant interaction with the Joint Staff to align operational tactics with strategic objectives. By optimizing the deployment of personnel and equipment, Joseph Howe directly impacts the success of homeland security initiatives. Through the rigorous management of operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization responds rapidly to emergencies. Ultimately, Howe drives the operational tempo required to meet the diverse demands placed upon the force, securing the safety and security of the nation.

    Mathew Field - Chief Information Officer

    Mathew Field, the Chief Information Officer at National Guard, manages the digital infrastructure supporting federal and state military operations. Field architects secure communication networks that facilitate real-time data exchange during emergency response and homeland security missions. Overseeing the information technology department, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all systems remain resilient against cyber threats while supporting global operations across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This leadership role requires constant synchronization with other C-suite members to integrate advanced technology into military training protocols. By optimizing data management and network reliability, Mathew Field directly impacts the operational readiness of the force. Through the implementation of cutting-edge digital solutions, the Chief Information Officer enhances the speed and accuracy of decision-making processes during critical deployments, ensuring that the organization maintains a technological advantage in every theater of operation.
    Mathew Field

    Ken Flowers Jr - Chief Technology Officer

    Ken Flowers Jr, the Chief Technology Officer at National Guard, leads the development and deployment of advanced technical systems for military support. Flowers Jr designs scalable engineering solutions that enhance the effectiveness of homeland security functions and emergency response capabilities. Overseeing the research and implementation of new hardware and software, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the force utilizes modern tools for complex domestic and international operations. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the information technology and operations departments to streamline technical workflows. By driving innovation in military equipment and digital platforms, Ken Flowers Jr directly supports the organization's mission to provide superior defense capabilities. Through the continuous evaluation of emerging technologies, the Chief Technology Officer maintains the technical edge necessary for success in diverse environments, ensuring that all personnel possess the equipment required for mission accomplishment.

    Pedro Casiano - Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1

    Pedro Casiano, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1 at National Guard, oversees the management and development of the military workforce. Casiano directs all personnel-related functions, including recruitment, training, and retention strategies for the reserve force. By managing the human capital necessary for homeland security and emergency response, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1 ensures that every unit maintains optimal staffing levels. This leadership role involves close coordination with the Joint Staff to align personnel capabilities with mission requirements. Pedro Casiano drives initiatives that improve the readiness and professional growth of all members, ensuring that the force remains prepared for domestic and international deployments. Through the strategic oversight of personnel policies, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1 supports the overall operational effectiveness of the organization, guaranteeing that the right talent is available for every critical mission.

    Thomas Raia - Vice Director, NGB Chief Information Officer and J6

    Thomas Raia, the Vice Director, NGB Chief Information Officer and J6 at National Guard, manages the command, control, communications, and computer systems for the Joint Staff. Raia directs the integration of secure communication channels that support global military operations. Overseeing the J6 department, the Vice Director, NGB Chief Information Officer and J6 ensures that all information systems remain operational during high-stakes emergency response and national defense missions. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the Chief Information Officer to maintain network integrity across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. By optimizing communication protocols, Thomas Raia directly impacts the coordination of joint forces. Through the rigorous oversight of technical infrastructure, the Vice Director, NGB Chief Information Officer and J6 guarantees that the organization maintains reliable connectivity, enabling effective command and control in every operational environment.

    Cheryl Phillips - Associate Chief of Staff NGB Joint Staff

    Cheryl Phillips, the Associate Chief of Staff NGB Joint Staff at National Guard, coordinates the strategic activities of the Joint Staff to ensure mission success. Phillips directs the alignment of various departments, including operations, medical, and legal, to support federal and state objectives. Overseeing the administrative and operational flow of the Joint Staff, the Associate Chief of Staff NGB Joint Staff ensures that all strategic initiatives receive proper execution. This leadership role involves constant interaction with senior leadership to facilitate decision-making processes. By streamlining the collaboration between different military functions, Cheryl Phillips directly impacts the efficiency of the organization's response to natural disasters and national security threats. Through the meticulous management of staff activities, the Associate Chief of Staff NGB Joint Staff guarantees that the organization remains focused on its core mission, providing essential support for both domestic and international operations.

    Marcus Thomas - Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics

    Marcus Thomas, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics at National Guard, manages the supply chain and distribution networks essential for military operations. Thomas directs the movement of equipment, medical supplies, and personnel to support emergency response and homeland security functions. Overseeing the logistics department, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics ensures that all units receive the necessary materials for mission accomplishment across global theaters. This leadership role involves constant coordination with the operations and finance departments to maintain an efficient supply chain. By optimizing the distribution of critical resources, Marcus Thomas directly impacts the readiness of the force. Through the rigorous management of logistical operations, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics guarantees that the organization remains capable of responding rapidly to natural disasters and national defense requirements, ensuring that all personnel have the supplies needed for success.

    Matthew Krenz - J1 Chief of Staff

    Matthew Krenz, the J1 Chief of Staff at National Guard, manages the administrative and personnel-related operations for the Joint Staff. Krenz directs the internal processes that support the readiness and deployment of military personnel. Overseeing the J1 department, the J1 Chief of Staff ensures that all human resource functions align with the strategic goals of the organization. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel to maintain high standards of workforce management. By optimizing the administrative support for joint operations, Matthew Krenz directly impacts the efficiency of the force during emergency response and national defense missions. Through the rigorous oversight of staff functions, the J1 Chief of Staff guarantees that the organization maintains a capable and prepared workforce, ensuring that all personnel requirements are met for both domestic and international operations.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding National Guard Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads National Guard?
    National Guard is led by Tonya Burke (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Douglas Kolb (Property & Fiscal For Wisconsin Officer (United States) & Chief Financial Officer) and Joseph Howe (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of National Guard’s executive team?
    The executive team of National Guard includes leaders such as Tonya Burke (Chief Executive Officer), Douglas Kolb (Property & Fiscal For Wisconsin Officer (United States) & Chief Financial Officer), Joseph Howe (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does National Guard have?
    National Guard has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in National Guard’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of National Guard includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Property & Fiscal For Wisconsin Officer (United States) & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer.