National Guard Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

National Guard has 9 executives leading key functions including information technology, operations, staff coordination, personnel management, financial oversight, and communications.

Committed to national defense and emergency response, National Guard maintains a robust mission to provide military support and homeland security across diverse global theaters.

Leadership Roles at National Guard

  • Property & Fiscal For Wisconsin Officer (United States) & Chief Financial Officer - Douglas Kolb
  • Chief Operating Officer - Joseph Howe
  • Chief Information Officer - Christopher Brossart
  • Associate Chief of Staff NGB Joint Staff - Cheryl Phillips
  • J1 Chief of Staff - Matthew Krenz
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer, G6 - Morgan Mathis
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics - Marcus Thomas
  • Chief Information Officer, Joint Staff J6 & Deputy Director - Brion Shoemo
  • Chief Communications Officer - Lauren Houck
  • 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, directs the financial planning, budgeting, and asset management for the organization. Overseeing the allocation of federal and state funds, the Property & Fiscal For Wisconsin Officer (United States) & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support critical military training and emergency response capabilities. This leadership role involves maintaining strict fiscal compliance and transparency across all departments. By managing the property and financial assets, Douglas Kolb enables the organization to sustain operations in North America and beyond. The Property & Fiscal For Wisconsin Officer (United States) & Chief Financial Officer works with the Board and senior leadership to align financial strategies with long-term defense goals. Through precise fiscal oversight, Kolb secures the financial stability necessary for the force to execute its diverse missions.
    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. Overseeing the deployment of personnel and resources, the Chief Operating Officer ensures operational readiness for both domestic emergencies and international defense requirements. This leadership role involves coordinating complex logistics across multiple global facilities to maintain peak performance during natural disasters. By streamlining internal processes, Joseph Howe drives the organizational capacity to respond rapidly to homeland security threats. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with the Joint Staff to synchronize training initiatives and field operations. Through rigorous oversight of operational workflows, Howe guarantees that all units remain prepared for diverse mission sets, ultimately strengthening the overall effectiveness of the reserve military force in every theater of operation.

    Christopher Brossart - Chief Information Officer

    Christopher Brossart, the Chief Information Officer at National Guard, directs the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity protocols essential for federal and state military readiness. Overseeing the integration of advanced communication networks, the Chief Information Officer ensures secure data transmission across North American and international operations. This leadership role involves modernizing legacy systems to support real-time emergency response and homeland security functions. By aligning technological capabilities with strategic defense requirements, Christopher Brossart optimizes the efficiency of information flow between diverse military departments. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with the Joint Staff to maintain operational superiority in complex digital environments. Through the implementation of robust IT frameworks, Brossart secures the integrity of critical government data while facilitating seamless coordination during natural disasters and domestic crises.

    Cheryl Phillips - Associate Chief of Staff NGB Joint Staff

    Cheryl Phillips, the Associate Chief of Staff NGB Joint Staff at National Guard, facilitates the strategic alignment of joint military functions and administrative policy. Overseeing the integration of multi-departmental efforts, the Associate Chief of Staff NGB Joint Staff ensures that operational directives meet federal standards for national defense. This leadership role involves managing complex inter-agency communications to support state-level emergency response and homeland security initiatives. By harmonizing the activities of the Joint Staff, Cheryl Phillips optimizes the deployment of resources across North America and international regions. The Associate Chief of Staff NGB Joint Staff provides critical guidance to senior leadership regarding organizational structure and mission execution. Through the careful management of staff operations, Phillips maintains the high level of readiness required for the diverse and demanding responsibilities of the organization.

    Matthew Krenz - J1 Chief of Staff

    Matthew Krenz, the J1 Chief of Staff at National Guard, directs the personnel management and human resources strategy for the entire force. Overseeing the recruitment, training, and deployment of military members, the J1 Chief of Staff ensures that the organization maintains the necessary manpower for both federal and state missions. This leadership role involves managing complex personnel records and readiness metrics to support homeland security and emergency response operations. By optimizing human capital allocation, Matthew Krenz directly impacts the operational capacity of the force across global theaters. The J1 Chief of Staff collaborates with other senior leaders to ensure that personnel policies align with broader defense objectives. Through the effective administration of J1 functions, Krenz sustains the professional standards and operational readiness essential for the success of the organization.

    Morgan Mathis - Deputy Chief Information Officer, G6

    Morgan Mathis, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, G6 at National Guard, manages the tactical communication systems and network operations essential for field readiness. Overseeing the deployment of mobile technology and secure hardware, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, G6 ensures that units maintain connectivity during emergency response and natural disaster relief efforts. This leadership role involves the maintenance of critical information systems across diverse geographic locations, including North America and international deployment zones. By focusing on the technical requirements of the G6 department, Morgan Mathis supports the broader mission of homeland security through reliable data access. The Deputy Chief Information Officer, G6 coordinates with IT leadership to implement scalable solutions that enhance field communication. Through the rigorous management of network infrastructure, Mathis guarantees that operational teams possess the tools required for mission success.

    Marcus Thomas - Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics

    Marcus Thomas, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics at National Guard, manages the supply chain and material readiness required for federal and state operations. Overseeing the distribution of equipment and essential supplies, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics ensures that units remain prepared for homeland security and natural disaster relief. This leadership role involves coordinating complex logistics networks across North America and international theaters to maintain operational continuity. By optimizing the movement of assets, Marcus Thomas supports the rapid deployment of forces during emergencies. The Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics collaborates with other staff members to synchronize supply requirements with mission timelines. Through the efficient management of logistical operations, Thomas guarantees that the organization possesses the necessary material support to fulfill its critical defense and emergency response mandates.

    Brion Shoemo - Chief Information Officer, Joint Staff J6 & Deputy Director

    Brion Shoemo, the Chief Information Officer, Joint Staff J6 & Deputy Director at National Guard, directs the strategic integration of joint communication systems and information technology policy. Overseeing the J6 department, the Chief Information Officer, Joint Staff J6 & Deputy Director ensures that all joint operations benefit from secure and interoperable digital platforms. This leadership role involves managing the technological architecture that supports homeland security and international defense missions. By driving innovation in information systems, Brion Shoemo enhances the decision-making capabilities of the Joint Staff. The Chief Information Officer, Joint Staff J6 & Deputy Director works to align IT initiatives with the overarching goals of the organization. Through the effective leadership of the J6 function, Shoemo maintains the technological edge required for the force to operate successfully in complex and evolving global environments.

    Lauren Houck - Chief Communications Officer

    Lauren Houck, the Chief Communications Officer at National Guard, manages the internal and external messaging strategies that define the public and organizational identity. Overseeing the dissemination of information regarding military support and emergency response, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that stakeholders remain informed about the mission and impact of the force. This leadership role involves coordinating communication efforts across North America and international regions to maintain transparency and public trust. By developing comprehensive communication plans, Lauren Houck supports the broader goals of homeland security and community engagement. The Chief Communications Officer collaborates with senior leadership to ensure that all messaging aligns with the core values and strategic objectives of the organization. Through the effective management of communication channels, Houck strengthens the reputation and operational visibility of the force.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding National Guard Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads National Guard?
    National Guard is led by Douglas Kolb (Property & Fiscal For Wisconsin Officer (United States) & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Joseph Howe (Chief Operating Officer) and Christopher Brossart (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of National Guard’s executive team?
    The executive team of National Guard includes leaders such as Douglas Kolb (Property & Fiscal For Wisconsin Officer (United States) & Chief Financial Officer), Joseph Howe (Chief Operating Officer), Christopher Brossart (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does National Guard have?
    National Guard has 9 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 Property & Fiscal For Wisconsin Officer (United States) & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Associate Chief of Staff NGB Joint Staff, J1 Chief of Staff.