Elite Leadership Training: STAFF

Lona Spisso

Founder & President

Lona is a dedicated professional with a myriad of civilian and military experience. A combat veteran, and former United States Army Officer she recently served as a Captain in support of Operation Enduring Freedom stationed in Kabul Afghanistan. Lona has over 10 years of experience in the Military Intelligence, Personnel and Logistics arenas.

Serving with Task Force Phoenix VII where she supervised, trained, evaluated, counseled and coordinated the work for a 500 plus person Logistical Task Force Battalion, she was responsible for personnel and database management, medical support coordination, unit support, policies, records management, legal assistance, quality assurance, technical administrative operations and coordinating, resourcing, planning, and executing all formal military functions ceremonies.

Lona also has an extensive background in the mental health field and is proficient at identifying factors and/or life stressors leading to crisis situations, which hamper performances in today's mangers and athletes. Lona has years of experience in both individual and group therapy settings, having worked with all developmental ages ranging from toddler years to adulthood. She also has extensive field performance in crisis management, identifying potential factors and coaching how to adapt and overcome an unstable living environment. Lona uses her unique ability to focus on delivery services using an integrative model that stresses a strength-based, empowering, teamwork approach to personal and leadership development, which allows for one to improve their quality of life in order to successfully manage daily life stressors.

Lona holds a Master's Degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology.

As Founder & President of Elite Leadership Training LLC, Lona has set the standard for both Veterans and Women serving in the Corporate community.

J.B. Spisso

Lead Consultant

J.B. has 25 years of military, leadership and management experience, including 10 years in Special Operations where he led U.S. Army Rangers in combat (Panama - 1989 & Haiti - 1994). He has achieved the prominent rank of Sergeant Major, the highest and most respected Non-Commissioned Officer position in the military. He has extensive experience as a leader, trainer and educator, including experience as: a Drill Sergeant, Special Operations Instructor, U.S. Army Officer Candidate School Instructor, Company Tactical NCO and Senior Enlisted Advisor - Department of Military Instruction at West Point, First Sergeant and Head Baseball Coach of the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School, First Sergeant of the New York Army National Guard Officer Candidate School and Sergeant Major of the Advanced Combat Training Team, Task Force Phoenix VII.

J.B.’s career included serving as a Rifle Team Leader, Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant in the elite 75^th Ranger Regiment. As a Tactical NCO and First Sergeant, J.B. was the Senior Enlisted Trainer for potential Army Officers both at West Point and through Officer Candidate School. As part of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2008, J.B. served as a Sergeant Major in the Training Advisory Group at Camp Alamo, Afghanistan where he conducted countless numbers of military operations including training and mentoring the senior military staff of the Afghan National Army Advanced Combat Training Team. J.B. earned the Joint Meritorious Service Medal for his work with coalition forces while deployed (British, French, Romanian and Polish Military).

J.B. continued to serve the United States Military Academy as a General Manager of the Army Athletics Sports Complex at West Point, where J.B. supervised and managed Division I Collegiate Athletic events involving groups from 2,500 to 38,000. He was responsible for the planning and security operations at these locations as well as emergency preparation.

J.B. has attended numerous leadership and special operations courses throughout his military career including Ranger School, Airborne, HALO, Static Line and HALO Jumpmaster, SERE, Pathfinder, Drill Instructor and is a certified Advanced Scuba Diving Instructor. JB’s military and civilian education includes the Primary Leadership Development Course, the Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer’s Course, the First Sergeants Academy, the Sergeants Major Academy, and holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Organizational Management & Leadership from Nyack College.

J.B. is well known throughout the military, sports world and civilian community for his ability to inspire and motivate with a passion that speaks louder than words. His dedication to duty and commitment to excellence has forged a foundation for character building in youth groups, military and civilian professionals, and professional athletes.

William Hart

Senior Primary Trainer and Task Team Leader

William is a Police Officer currently assigned to the New York City Police Department’s elite Emergency Services Unit. As part of his training, he underwent rigorous instruction that involved his obtaining Emergency Medical Technician certification, SCUBA certification, Hazardous Materials Technician certification, and ROCO Rescue ropes technician certification. He received extensive training in urban tactics and other components of emergency services, as well.

William is a retired United States Army Officer with over 20 years of dedicated service as and Enlisted Soldier and as an Officer in the United States Army and the Army National Guard. He graduated from Army Ranger School and the Officer Candidate School. A veteran of foreign combat, William volunteered to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge for that service. William has served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Scout Platoon Leader and Executive Officer. During Operation Enduring Freedom, William served as a Captain training the Afghan National Police in remote and dangerous areas of that country. He is no stranger to gun-fights and combat operations, engaging the enemy in close-combat on several instances. William is a graduate of Iona College where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in History.

William has been personally commended from both professional sports teams and Fortune 500 companies for his ability to communicate and assist their organizations in problem solving and conflict resolution.

Lou Delli-Pizzi

Primary Trainer and Task Team Leader

Lou is an experienced investigator with 20 years of law enforcement experience. He is currently a 2nd Grade Detective with the NYPD. His experience includes conducting investigations at all levels from street crimes to homicides and organized crime. He has worked with and been assigned to various multi-Agency task forces including the INS, ATF, and DEA. He currently works in the Organized Crime Control Bureau, Firearms Investigation Unit. Lou has extensive experience with long term and short term undercover operations, as well as tactical apprehension and high risk search warrant executions. He has received the Medal of Valor twice, several other commendations, and the NYPD Commissioners Certificate of Excellence.

Lou is also an Army Infantry Officer and has deployed to Afghanistan as US Army Combat Advisor. In Afghanistan Lou was embedded with an Afghanistan National Army Infantry Company as the Company Commander Mentor. Lou was also simultaneously the Battalion Operations Officer and Battalion Intelligence Officer. Lou’s Infantry Company was stationed in Southern Afghanistan, one of the most austere, difficult, and challenging environments on earth. While stationed in Southern Afghanistan Lou and his soldiers repeatedly came under close enemy fire. He has conducted numerous operations in full spectrum combat environments and is experienced in Combined Arms and Counter Insurgency Operations. His Army awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the coveted Airborne Badge.

Lou holds a secret security clearance and a degree in Sociology from Clark University.

Jerry Steckmeister

Primary Trainer and Task Team Leader

Jerry is a Police Sergeant with over 10 years of Law Enforcement Experience. His current duties include supervising Police Officers engaged in law enforcement and protective services at Government office buildings and transportation facilities including an International Airport.

Jerry has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, and is currently working towards his Master's Degree. He is also a New York State certified Police Instructor.

Jerry has supervised security operations at various types of facilities including: universities, corporate offices of Fortune 500 companies, and research and development sites.

Jerry also has 16 years of military experience, including combat service in Operation Desert Storm. Jerry has completed the Army Primary Leadership Development Course and Officer Candidate School. He is currently a Company Commander and Battalion Anti-Terrorism Officer.

Tara Dawe

Primary Trainer and Task Team Leader

Tara is veteran NYPD Detective Sergeant with over 12 years of law enforcement experience setting the standard on many occasions for officers. She has served in some of the most demanding and dangerous assignments to include the NYPD Warrants Division.

Tara is also a Military Police Captain with over 10 years of military experience, currently serving as a Company Commander in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She graduated the Army Officer Candidate School at the top of her class, finishing with some of the highest marks in leadership and character in recent years. Tara has served in Combat Operations in Bosnia and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where she was known for her courage in the face of conflict.

Tara’s ability to lead by example has set the standard in every military and civilian course she has attended. Tara has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and holds a Secret Security Clearance.

Scott Smilinich

Primary Trainer and Task Team Leader

Scott is a High School Teacher and a 20 veteran of the Army National Guard, rapidly moving through the enlisted ranks and earning the coveted rank of Sergeant Major. Scott graduated from the Army Primary Leadership Development Course as the Distinguished Honor Graduate. He has completed numerous other military courses, including: Air Assault School, the Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officers Course, the Battle Staff Course, Mortar Leader's Course and the Army Instructor Training Course. Scott is also a graduate of the Sergeant's Major Academy, finishing in the top 1% of his class.

Scott was one of only 50 Non-Commissioned Officers, nationwide, selected to participate in an exchange program to train in Scotland with the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. Scott was deployed for over a year fighting the war on terrorism in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While deployed he served in multiple leadership positions to include Senior Operations Non-Commissioned Officer.

Scott holds a Secret Security Clearance and his civilian education includes a Bachelor's Degree in Physics from Alfred University.

Joseph Galizia

Primary Trainer and Task Team Leader; Lead Medic

Joe is a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer with the New York Guard and an experienced 68W Army Medic. Additionally Joe is a New York State A-EMT Intermediate and works for an Advanced Life Support agency in New York’s Hudson Valley. He is also a volunteer with his local ambulance corps and is a member of a Wilderness Search and Rescue Team, skilled in high-angle rescue.

Joe has been commended on many occasions for his care and concern of clients and his professionalism in evaluating the risks of individuals to prevent accidents.

Joe is a graduate of the Army's BNCOC course, Total Army Instructor Training course, Small Group Leader course and the Combat Medic Advanced Skills course. Joe is a life-long resident of the Hudson Valley and is a Certified New York State School Teacher who has been teaching for over 10 years.

Joe's education includes two Masters Degree's, one from the State University of New York at Albany and one from Mount Saint Mary's College.