Valar has extensive experience working with foreign partners to develop sustainable, effective, and representative security capacity. We operate across contexts to build transparent, enduring, and impactful long-term partnerships. One of our most significant contributions has been enabling the safe expansion of commercial air travel to Aden International Airport in Yemen and Aden Adde International Airport […]
Dr. Keith Newcomer leads Valar’s strategic programming, research, and operational initiatives, ensuring that the company’s efforts are integrated and leverage the full scope of its information, analysis, and operational capabilities. With over 25 years of field research and expertise on terrorist groups in the Horn of Africa, Dr. Newcomer has a deep understanding of the […]
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Maureen Farrell drives Valar’s global partner engagement from Washington, D.C., ensuring that the company’s work is transparent, accountable, and tailored to the specific needs of clients. With 25 years of experience focused on Africa, Maureen has held senior roles in both government and the private sector. Most recently, she served as the U.S. Department of […]
As Director of Information and Analysis at Valar, Brendan Gough oversees a vast network of field research and analysis operations across Africa and the Middle East. His work spans key projects in Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, Yemen, and Sudan. Brendan has a strong background in interagency policy coordination, having served as the U.S. […]
William McArthur integrates Valar’s operations, intelligence, and analysis efforts to optimize program delivery, mitigate risks, and maximize mission impact. With 15 years of experience working in post-conflict and high-threat environments, William has provided expert consultancy to organizations such as the U.S. Department of State, U.K. FCDO, U.K. Ministry of Defense, and the European Union. His […]
Jared Crawford leads our resource sector clients with an integrated, information-led, approach to security management. He brings 40 years of Africa-based experience focusing on illegal trade in wild species, capacity building, expeditionary logistics, emergency response and security management. He specializes in helping client projects excel in challenging environments and has held key roles across the […]
Letty Ponla is a licensed CPA and has managed large multinational firms’ financial projects from Afghanistan to Africa to the Philippines. She is focused on overseeing the financial operations, budgeting, financial analysis and auditing for Valar and all subsidiaries. She has extensive experience in financial management, strategic planning, and international business operations. Letty has over […]
David Khamali has extensive experience managing ICT systems, databases, monitoring and tracking operations. He has worked in risk management for over 11 years and has experience motivating and engaging teams. David has had hands-on experience managing operations and logistics on large US Government contracts and mega oil, gas and wind power projects.
Kyzza Ponla has years of experience serving in a variety of HR and administrative functions. She provides guidance on general HR compliance issues as well as manages policy and procedure implementation. Kyzza earned her Bachelor of Science degree cum laude in 2013 and has a Human Resources Management certification.
