Training simulator to prepare mariners for navigation and shiphandling
Dr. Egli preparing international students for a tabletop exercise
Innovative solutions to optimize container shipping and supply chains
Training simulator to prepare mariners for navigation and shiphandling
Dr. Egli preparing international students for a tabletop exercise
Innovative solutions to optimize container shipping and supply chains
ABOUT US
Cardinal Headings was launched in 2011 as a professional consulting and strategic advisory firm, focused on leadership development, national security, homeland security, maritime security, counterterrorism, and cyber security services.
Building on this foundation, in 2019, we expanded to include systems engineering, international consulting, critical infrastructure resilience, business continuity, sustainability, transportation innovation, and organizational transformation.
ENGINEERING SERVICES
Inspired by this experience, we are now solving unique market challenges by leveraging advanced technologies to provide engineering production and material science solutions:
INVESTMENT CASTING
Joining materials to precise standards by tooling and pattern making to customer specifications, assembly, dipping, and coating to form a hard shell, de-waxing & firing to prepare for firings, casting into molds, knockout from castings, finishing & heat-treating, testing & inspection to meet tolerances, and shipping to customer.
REVERSE ENGINEERING
Integrated design with laser 3D scanning by collecting data from a real-world object or environment and analyzing the shape and appearance. The data can then be used to construct digital 3D models. After all relevant information has been collected and recorded, the data is used to create computer-aided design (CAD) drawings for analysis and development.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
A technique to produce objects from a digital 3D or CAD model with an “additive process” and materials joined under computer control, typically adding one layer at a time; manufacturing a wide variety of components for design with very few geometric limitations.
CNC TECHNOLOGY
Computer Numerical Controller (CNC) machining is a manufacturing process where pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of programmed factory tools and machinery, and can be used to control a range of complex machinery, including grinders, lathes, mills, and routers to produce high-quality metal or plastic parts.
ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS
Oil & Gas
pumps, valves, flanges, fittings, impellers
Water Works
water treatment facilities and supply stations
Pipe & Well
couplings, gears, compressor parts, housing
Military
mechanical, modernization, advanced systems
Automobiles
rapid delivery, maintenance & repair parts
PAST PERFORMANCE & AREAS OF CONSULTATION
National Security
National Security
• Supported development of White House National Security Strategy (NSS) informed by diplomatic, informational, military, and economic variables.
• Employed Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) tools to address systemic discrepancies from IG/GAO audits, improving efficiency, safety, and security at a strategic national laboratory and University Affiliated Research Center (UARC).
Systems Engineering
Systems Engineering
• Developed critical infrastructure simulations and frameworks to model and quantify complex interdependencies.
• Designed and tested technical solutions for Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) employing space-based wide-area surveillance solutions.
• Authored book on Strategic Resilience to address practical solutions for national, state, regional, and local challenges in security, safety, economic, and disaster management.
Material Science
Material Science
• Material Science research and technical applications for space shuttle engineering and structural requirements.
• Awarded research patent for developing advanced adhesives for space-mission applications, including carbon-based polymers and non-melting polyimides.
Cyber Security
Cyber Security
• Modeling and data analytics of vulnerabilities and solutions in complex systems, including cities, transportation networks, and maritime ports.
• Designed wholistic framework to support U.S. Department of State (DOS)/Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) Electronic Defense contract supporting Cyber Security Plan for Middle East partner nation.
Maritime Security
Maritime Security
• Subject Matter Experts for safety and security modeling and simulation solutions to improve resilience in transportation and trade in major port cities.
• Formulation and execution of systemic solutions by employing predictive analytics for business continuity and sustainability.
• Enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness by mapping and analyzing critical vulnerabilities.
• Test and evaluation of sensors and systems, including sonar, radar, EO/IR, E-field, B-field, and Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs)
Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning
• Senior Advisor for Joint Strategic Operational Planning, supporting Ministry of Defense transformation goals for an integrated joint force.
• Developed Public-Private Partnerships (P3) to address economic challenges in a major port city with oil refineries, congested waterways, and commerce complexities, leveraging interagency cooperation and resilience principles.
Transportation Innovation
Transportation Innovation
• Leader of a high-speed futuristic advanced research non-profit organization (Hyperloop Advanced Research Partnership) to offer strategic transportation solutions through advanced science, technology, engineering, and economic solutions.
• Co-authored book on Hyperloop technology along with a team of scientists and inventors.
• Simulation-based feasibility research for ports & waterways development, and maritime simulator design consultation.
Program Management
Program Management
• Advisory support and project management for vessel construction and sales to U.S. partner nations through Department of Defense foreign military sales.
• Program Manager for $60M Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD), Comprehensive Maritime Awareness (CMA) to integrate intelligence sources, became $200M U.S. Navy program-of-record; sponsored by Pentagon (OSD/AT&L), Combatant Commanders, and Department of Homeland Security.
Homeland Security
Homeland Security
• Senior Advisor for Joint Strategic Operational Planning, supporting Ministry of Defense transformation goals for an integrated joint force.
• Developed Public-Private Partnerships (P3) to address economic challenges in a major port city with oil refineries, congested waterways, and commerce complexities, leveraging interagency cooperation and resilience principles.
National Security
National Security
• Supported development of White House National Security Strategy (NSS) informed by diplomatic, informational, military, and economic variables.
• Employed Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) tools to address systemic discrepancies from IG/GAO audits, improving efficiency, safety, and security at a strategic national laboratory and University Affiliated Research Center (UARC).
Systems Engineering
Systems Engineering
• Developed critical infrastructure simulations and frameworks to model and quantify complex interdependencies.
• Designed and tested technical solutions for Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) employing space-based wide-area surveillance solutions.
• Authored book on Strategic Resilience to address practical solutions for national, state, regional, and local challenges in security, safety, economic, and disaster management.
Material Science
Material Science
• Material Science research and technical applications for space shuttle engineering and structural requirements.
• Awarded research patent for developing advanced adhesives for space-mission applications, including carbon-based polymers and non-melting polyimides.
Cyber Security
Cyber Security
• Modeling and data analytics of vulnerabilities and solutions in complex systems, including cities, transportation networks, and maritime ports.
• Designed wholistic framework to support U.S. Department of State (DOS)/Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) Electronic Defense contract supporting Cyber Security Plan for Middle East partner nation.
Maritime Security
Maritime Security
• Subject Matter Experts for safety and security modeling and simulation solutions to improve resilience in transportation and trade in major port cities.
• Formulation and execution of systemic solutions by employing predictive analytics for business continuity and sustainability.
• Enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness by mapping and analyzing critical vulnerabilities.
• Test and evaluation of sensors and systems, including sonar, radar, EO/IR, E-field, B-field, and Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs)
Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning
• Senior Advisor for Joint Strategic Operational Planning, supporting Ministry of Defense transformation goals for an integrated joint force.
• Developed Public-Private Partnerships (P3) to address economic challenges in a major port city with oil refineries, congested waterways, and commerce complexities, leveraging interagency cooperation and resilience principles.
Transportation Innovation
Transportation Innovation
• Leader of a high-speed futuristic advanced research non-profit organization (Hyperloop Advanced Research Partnership) to offer strategic transportation solutions through advanced science, technology, engineering, and economic solutions.
• Co-authored book on Hyperloop technology along with a team of scientists and inventors.
• Simulation-based feasibility research for ports & waterways development, and maritime simulator design consultation.
Program Management
Program Management
• Advisory support and project management for vessel construction and sales to U.S. partner nations through Department of Defense foreign military sales.
• Program Manager for $60M Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD), Comprehensive Maritime Awareness (CMA) to integrate intelligence sources, became $200M U.S. Navy program-of-record; sponsored by Pentagon (OSD/AT&L), Combatant Commanders, and Department of Homeland Security.
Homeland Security
Homeland Security
• Senior Advisor for Joint Strategic Operational Planning, supporting Ministry of Defense transformation goals for an integrated joint force.
• Developed Public-Private Partnerships (P3) to address economic challenges in a major port city with oil refineries, congested waterways, and commerce complexities, leveraging interagency cooperation and resilience principles.
leadership team
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Dane Egli
CEO and Founder -
Malek Azzam
Chief Operating Officer -
Brian Donohue
Chief Technology Officer -
Annemarie Egli
CFO and Co-Founder
Dane Egli
CEO and founder
Dr. Egli is CEO of Cardinal Headings, LLC, specializing in engineering services, maritime security, leadership development, and national security. He served at the White House on the National Security Council as Director for Counterterrorism & Global Counternarcotics and was senior advisor to the President for hostage rescue policy. He currently serves as Senior Advisor to the Minister of Defense in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and previously supported the Minister of Interior, developing their Homeland Security and cyber Security strategy and supporting Border Guard transformation.
He was Senior Advisor for Counterterrorism and Defense Operations at the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard in Washington, DC; and previously served in the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) at Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico; and was National Security Advisor for [text hidden in screenshot] Program.
Academically, he served as adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business and Whiting School of Engineering; and was Distinguished Professor at the Colorado Technical University and University of Colorado, teaching Homeland and Cyber Security.
He is the author of “Beyond the Storms: Strengthening Homeland Security and Disaster Management to Achieve Resilience” and co-authored “Hyperloop: The Future of High-Speed Transportation.” He has appeared on ABC, CNN, FOX News, C-SPAN, and NPR to address national security, international affairs, and hostage rescue policy.
Malek Azzam
Chief Operating Officer
Malek is a seasoned Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Manufacturing Expert with extensive experience in building and managing multi-million-dollar engineering services organizations. His leadership spans across engineering services, program management, and strategic sales at all enterprise levels. With a successful track record in the Middle East—including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain—as well as Europe and the United States, Malek brings a global perspective and a diverse market portfolio.
As COO, Malek specializes in streamlining operations, optimizing production processes, and driving manufacturing excellence. His expertise includes Investment Casting Manufacturing, CNC Machining Services, Reverse Engineering Design, and Additive 3D Manufacturing, with a proven ability to deliver innovative solutions that meet complex industry demands. During his tenure at KSB SupremeServ, a German-owned company, Malek successfully led the [remaining text hidden in screenshot]
In his role with Cardinal Headings, Malek leverages his extensive manufacturing and engineering expertise to deliver dynamic, integrated production capabilities. He focuses on developing and executing strategic business plans, establishing key partnerships, and expanding market reach in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and the United States. His ability to align engineering services with business objectives ensures sustainable growth and measurable results for the organization.
With a career defined by innovation, leadership, and operational success, Malek is a driving force in transforming manufacturing operations and scaling engineering service business to new heights.
Brian Donohue
Chief Technology Officer
Brian most recently served at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory as a systems engineer, maritime researcher, and program manager. His recent focus included unmanned systems, including unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), assessment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, transport and resilience modeling and simulation (M&S) for military logistics, surface and sub-surface support vessels for Special Operations Forces (SOF) operations, USV sea test design, and autonomous vessel testing.
He is a maritime security, commercial shipping, and operational resilience Subject Matter Expert (SME); has supported engineering M&S of transport networks, immersive training simulators, maritime domain awareness, critical infrastructure resilience, and security of high-valued assets. He led M&S efforts to support infrastructure resilience analysis and served as project manager for waterside security R&D. He has also worked on remote sensing, image [text hidden in screenshot] roll-on/roll-off, tankers, bulk carriers, break-bulk, offshore support, and ferries, responsible for navigation, maneuvering, cargo handling, lifesaving, communications, and systems maintenance. He has taught shipping operations, designed strategies to improve maritime operations and port security through use of geospatial technologies, and simulation-based performance analyses.
Brian has a Master of Science degree in Imaging Science & Engineering from New York University, Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and completed the doctoral coursework for Applied Ocean Science from University of Delaware.
Annemarie Egli
Chief Financial Officer and Co-Founder
Annemarie is a graduate of University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. She served as a Research Chemist and Materials Science Engineer at the National Aeronautical & Space Administration (NASA), Langley Research Center at Langley Air Force Base, Langley, Virginia. She later served in the same capacity working as an independent contractor for Lockheed Martin Corp.
Her areas of research included engineering application of advanced material science solutions, focused on polymers, polyimides, and acetylene-terminated carbon composites, seeking innovative solutions for advanced adhesives to support the NASA Space Shuttle Program. During her assignment to NASA Langley Research Center, she was awarded a Government Patent as co-inventor for development of a unique engineering solution by developing an advanced high-temperature composite adhesive to address tile instability challenges and structural failures of Space Shuttle tiles during atmosphere re-entry.
RESOURCES
Dr. Egli is the author of “Beyond the Storms: Strengthening Homeland Security and Disaster Management to Achieve Resilience,” and co-authored “Hyperloop: The Future of High-speed Transportation.”
He has appeared on ABC, CNN, FOX News, C-SPAN, and NPR to address National Security, Cyber Security, and Hostage Rescue Policy.
