John Maraia is a security and risk management professional with 33 years of corporate and military experience including a civilian posting in a remote, politically sensitive location protecting one of the world’s largest copper and gold mines as well as infantry and special operations assignments dealing with counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, plans, and national level policy. He has leadership, corporate management and government affairs experience, including diverse assignments from the tactical to strategic level with service at combatant commands, embassies, the Army Secretariat, the Joint Staff and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He has a proven ability to lead multifunctional and multicultural teams to achieve shared objectives and strategic goals. John provides analysis and imaginative options in complex political and security environments.

• Developed written and video products and assisted in course development for Special Operations Command - Africa Staff Development Course, focused on critical thinking and the joint planning process.

• Advised PT Freeport Indonesia Senior Management & Freeport McMoRan C-Suite leaders on all security matters on the project. Directly supervised and managed high threat areas within the work area including a 1-year period in which the company persevered through 34 direct fire engagements.

• Developed and executed a multifaceted counter-terrorism campaign integrating all aspects of special operations, including management of a $30M training program, as part of an interagency effort to increase the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces to confront an upsurge in violent extremism.

• Reviewed plans and concepts as part of the DoD’s $100M humanitarian assistance response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Assisted the Assistant Secretary of Defense in his engagements with interagency leaders, the Joint Staff, the White House, members of Congress & the President of Liberia.

• Led a forward-stationed Special Forces Battalion consisting of 404 Soldiers, and an annual budget of $6 million and an $80 Million facility. Prepared & continuously deployed units to Afghanistan, Iraq and the Philippines. Commanded a Special Operations Task Force of Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Army and Navy Civil Affairs, Marine Signals Intelligence & Green Berets in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM – PHILIPPINES

His key qualifications include an active TS/SCI security clearance, corporate and military management & operations experience, leadership of multi-functional and multi-cultural teams, risk analysis & strategic planning, crisis management, humanitarian assistance & disaster relief and contract oversight.

He has collaborated with US government agencies and international partners on a range of issues including military training & operations, disaster relief and the security of a remote mining concession.

John has lived and worked abroad for much of the last 30 years, primarily in the Indo-Pacific, and maintains Indonesian language proficiency.

Senior Technical Expert, Security Risk Management Division, PT Freeport Indonesia: 2018-2020

Operations Manager, Security Risk Management Division, PT Freeport Indonesia: 2016-2018

Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict: 2014-2016

Commander, Special Operations Command-Central Forward – Lebanon: 2013-2014

Executive Officer to the Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command: 2012-2013

Chief, Future Operations Division, Joint Staff J-37, Deputy Director for Special Operations: 2011-2012

Senior Service College Fellow, U.S. Institute of Peace: 2010-2011

Chief, Special Forces Branch, Army Human Resources Command: 2009-2010

Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Army: 2008-2009

Commander, 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group: 2006-2008