Mission

To empower corporations and businesses to mitigate forced labor in their supply chains by providing AI-powered, data driven technology products to manage all aspects of supply chain risk.

Company

Counter Forced Labor Technologies is a woman and disabled veteran-owned technology firm, founded on the belief that businesses can and should be agents to improve the lives of all those at risk. With a primary focus on the effort to mitigate forced labor in supply chains, Counter Forced Labor Technologies offers a uniquely flexible and comprehensive risk and compliance solution for our clients.

Through industry-leading intelligence, unsurpassed supply chain expertise, and proprietary technology, we transform data into actionable intelligence. This enables decision makers in management to create sustainable business value for their organizations.

Corporate sustainability starts with a company’s value system and a principles-based approach to doing business. This means operating in ways that, at a minimum, meet fundamental responsibilities in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. Responsible businesses enact the same values and principles wherever they have a presence and know that good practices in one area do not offset harm in another. This is why we are a proud member of the 2023 United Nations Global Compact and will continue to work with our clients and the UN to counter forced labor in the global supply chain.

Leadership

Linda Rizk
Founder & CEO

James D. Wiley
Principal & COO

Dave Myers
SVP, Strategic Planning & Business Development

Hooman Hamzeh
SVP, Technology

John Clark
Senior Advisor

Charity Morsey
Research Analyst

Leelila Strogov
Advisor

Hugo Bernard
Hugo Bernard
CFL-Canada Business Development LLC

LINDA RIZK

FOUNDER AND CEO

Over the past 20 years, Mrs. Rizk has been instrumental in sourcing and initiating many of the early stage investments for Rizk Ventures. Mrs. Rizk also leads the Rizk Ventures philanthropic initiative by supporting and partnering with countless charitable organizations to promote awareness for the needs of injured service members, to support youth education initiatives, and to combat the effects of poverty.

Mrs. Rizk is also the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Counter Forced Labor Technologies, an AI-powered, data driven technology company that manages all aspects of supply chain risk and empowers corporations and businesses to mitigate forced labor in their supply chains.

Mrs. Rizk has received numerous awards for her charitable efforts including the STRANG Humanitarian Award (STRANG Cancer Prevention Center is a diagnostic and research facility for the detection and prevention of cancer), the Wheelchair Charities Humanitarian Award (Wheelchair Charities supports and enhances the quality of life for paraplegics and quadriplegics at the Goldwater Memorial Hospital in New York), the Colleen Giblin Foundation Humanitarian Award (Colleen Giblin Foundation supports children’s neurological and cancer research), and an honorary special recognition by Operation Game On.

Mrs. Rizk currently serves as a Board Member at the University of North Carolina Hussman School of Journalism and Media Foundation. Mrs. Rizk also serves on the Advisory Board for Operation Game On, an innovative golf rehabilitation program for returning combat-injured troops suffering from physical and mental disabilities. Mrs. Rizk previously served on the board of directors for the Institute for Educational Achievement, the nation’s most prestigious non-profit school for children with autism.

Linda Rizk received her B.A. in Economics from Rutgers University Douglass College and worked in public finance as an investment banker while completing her M.B.A. in Finance from Pace University.

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DAVE MYERS

SVP, STRATEGIC PLANNING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Myers joined Counter Forced Labor Technologies as the Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning & Business Development, coming from Palantir Technologies, where he spent over three years in SaaS sales. Before Palantir, he worked in finance for over 12 years, specializing in equity research sales at Sanford Bernstein. Mr. Myers also specialized in private banking at J.P. Morgan, equity and debt underwriting, and healthcare and tech-focused private equity investing. He served in the United States Marine Corps as an intelligence and infantry officer, deploying to Iraq twice. He currently lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and three children.

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JAMES D. WILEY

PRINCIPAL & COO

Lt Col James D. Wiley, USMC (Ret) is the Chief Operating Officer of Counter Forced Labor, and he brings decades of operational and leadership experience to Counter Forced Labor. Mr. Wiley has extensive experience in Human Intelligence and Signals Intelligence collections and analysis, and currently holds the nation’s highest level of security clearance. His background in Special Operations Command, the United States Marine Corps, and as a sworn Law Enforcement Officer uniquely qualifies him for investigation, location, and acquisition of trafficked individuals and the identification of human trafficking networks.

While working for U.S. Special Operations Command Central, Mr. Wiley developed the Counterterrorism Engagement Program, and had a lead role in standing up the only Crisis Response Element for US Central Command, and coordinated international counterterrorism efforts in key regions. He also directed U.S. Special Operation Forces in Cairo, Egypt during the largest combined military exercise of its kind.

Mr. Wiley established two active and reserve units that directly supported intelligence and operational requirements. He assisted USSOCOM in establishing Det1 and Marine Special Operations Command.

Mr. Wiley has experience in concept development, detail planning, briefing, instruction, and has conducted surveillance, security, undercover operations, and complex investigations. He has served as an operator, instructor, and team lead for numerous high level Protective Services Detail operations for presidents, heads of state, and private parties throughout the world. He has an extensive network of domestic and international contacts in law enforcement, Non-Governmental Organizations, and Other Government Agencies.

As the former Vice President of Reliant Global Solutions, Mr. Wiley directed the organization’s counter human trafficking program. His on-the-ground expertise in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East makes him an unrivaled asset in the world of counter human trafficking.

Mr. Wiley has acquired additional expertise in science, technology, and agriculture. He has worked with U.S. Special Operations Command Science and Technology and served as an advisor to Carnegie Mellon’s Software Engineering Institute. He supported the creation of new methods of data visualization, the development of new reporting tools, the formation of alliances, and the implementation of programs that counter human trafficking.

Mr. Wiley has received a succession of awards and commendations from the United States Marine Corps, Special Operations Command, Law Enforcement, and the Intelligence Service.

Mr. Wiley received a B.A./B.S. from the University of Colorado and has earned several certifications through his training and schooling at the Department of Defense and other Intelligence agencies.

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WIL HENDERSON

SVP, STRATEGY AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Wil brings to Counter Forced Labor over two decades of experience in operations and consulting. Wil began his career as a nuclear engineering operator in the US Navy where he went on to earn a degree from Auburn University, and a commission as a surface warfare officer with a sub-specialty in nuclear propulsion engineering. Following his military service, Wil earned an MBA from the University of Notre Dame – Mendoza College of Business prior to beginning his consulting career.

A recognized expert in supply chain and operations, Wil has been a featured speaker on operations and procurement at numerous conferences around the world. His consulting experience includes working at some of the largest consulting firms in the world, and building successful boutique firms. He has served dozens of clients across a variety of industries delivering projects in over 20 countries on five continents.

Long committed to community involvement, Wil serves on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries of Northern Indiana and as Chair of its Strategic Planning Task Force. He has also served as a business advisor for graduate programs at the Mendoza College of Business, and sponsors numerous student organizations in local public schools.

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CHARITY MORSEY

RESEARCH ANALYST

Charity Morsey is a national security expert, professor, diplomat, and author. She served as the first Special Assistant on International Affairs for the Science and Technology Directorate at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and as a Senior Policy Advisor on Nuclear Nonproliferation at the U.S. Department of Energy in the George W. Bush Administrations. Additionally, she served as an Analyst in the California Governor’s Office of Homeland Security. In her roles Morsey wrote and provided expertise on novel policies in counter terrorism, bioterrorism, critical infrastructure protection, and counter human trafficking. She has traveled to over thirty countries during the course of her career and speaks five languages. Presently, Morsey serves as an appointed committee member for the Emergency Disaster Preparedness Committee in her home town and volunteers as a motivational speaker at a local women’s and children’s shelter. She has a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Pepperdine University.

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LEELILA STROGOV

ADVISOR

Leelila Strogov is a journalist, published author, editor, entrepreneur, and filmmaker. As an investigative reporter and producer for Fox 11 News in Los Angeles, she was nominated for numerous Emmy Awards.

While the editor of Swink magazine, the publication was honored with Pushcart Prizes as well as publication in the renowned anthologies Best American Short Stories, Best American Essays, and Best American Poetry for each issue of the magazine published.

As a filmmaker, her short film “Someone Good Will Find You”, based on a short story by Etgar Keret, received awards at IndieFest as well as the Madrid International Film Festival.

She is currently working on projects in both film and television.

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SCOTT OLENAK

SENIOR ADVISOR

Scott brings over 15 years of professional experience to Counter Forced Labor. His consulting career has focused on leading projects for Fortune 500 clients to achieve transformational results in technology, operations, and supply chain processes. He began his career as a staff auditor and made the transition to consulting after spending time working through an audit and tax rotational program. Outside of project work, Scott has a particular passion for training and research. He can often be found leading training sessions or writing research papers on the latest trends in the technology and supply chain.

Scott holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (with Honors) in Accounting from the University of Illinois. In his free time, Scott enjoys spending free time with his young daughter and helping out as a member of the Brother Rice Foundation Alumni Committee focusing on CFO duties. He also serves as a mentor to Young Professionals as part of the Armenian General Benevolent Union of New York City.

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ROBERT CURTIS

CONSULTANT

Rob Curtis is a retired Police Sergeant from Mahwah PD in NJ. Rob served for 22 years; and completed his career in charge of the Office of Professional Standards. During his 22 years of Law Enforcement experience Robert was a nationally recognized speaker on School Shootings and School Security. Rob traveled to 34 states and completed the training for more than 250 school systems in Emergency Teacher Training and School Lockdown Procedures. This training was presented to more than 10,000 Police Officers, Teachers and School Administrators. Additionally, Rob has assisted multiple Fortune 500 companies on their Emergency Response Procedures and Facilities Security Systems.

Currently Rob is the CEO of Field General Athletic Event Planning, Rob has worked closely with MetLife Stadium and the New York Football Giants for the past 15 years, directing corporate team building events on the turf field for such notable clients as Toyota, Jet Blue, Pepsi, Diageo, Tiffany, and NovoNordisk.

Rob is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and is an FBI certified Hostage Negotiator. In the private sector Rob has been a motivational speaker for the past 15 years working with multiple Fortune 500 companies and many small corporations to motivate, re-inspire and renew the “Corporate Message” with their sales forces.

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JOHN CLARK

SENIOR ADVISOR

John has served as an Executive for both public and private domestic and international businesses. His responsibilities have included implementing risk and loss mitigation strategies, governmental compliance initiatives, business assessment and control functions and the implementation of corporate governance practices.

Prior to his business roles, John held various positions with local and federal law enforcement agencies and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. While serving his country John earned degrees from the US Air Force Air University and Community College of the Air Force, earning a BS in Criminal Justice Administration and an AS in Industrial Security Management.

John is also an avid outdoorsmen and self-proclaimed global adventurer.

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HOOMAN HAMZEH

SVP, TECHNOLOGY

As the Senior Vice-President of Technology for Counter Forced Labor Technologies, Hooman Hamzeh is at the forefront of technology innovation. With over 25 years of experience in software development and a passion for building and scaling technology startups, Hooman has a track record of driving growth and success.

Hooman began his journey as a self-taught programmer during his teenage years and had already developed the skills to assemble and build computer hardware by the remarkable age of 10. He went on to found and partner with various technology startups, which allowed him to gain a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing early-stage companies.

Throughout his career, Hooman has led teams that have built software successfully rolled out to Fortune 100 companies, demonstrating an ability to deliver innovative solutions to the most demanding clients. Additionally, mobile apps built by teams Hooman has led have achieved remarkable success, hitting #1 in the app store and earning widespread recognition for their creativity and user experience.

Hooman also possesses a deep understanding of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, and has been instrumental in developing solutions that leverage these technologies to solve complex business problems. In his current roles, Hooman is focused on developing and implementing these technologies to create products and services that have the potential to revolutionize industries and improve people’s lives.

With his extensive experience, expertise, and passion for technology, Hooman is a true visionary leader who is driving innovation and shaping the future of the tech industry.

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HUGO BERNARD

CFL-CANADA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LLC

Hugo first made headlines in the golf world by winning the prestigious Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship in 2016. This victory earned him a spot to play in the RBC Canadian Open, a highly respected event on the PGA Tour that he played at on multiple occasions.

Hugo played for nine years with the Canadian National Team, and in 2016, while attending Saint Leo University, he won the NCAA Division II National Championship, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier golfer.

In addition to his golf career, Hugo has worked tirelessly to help Canadian companies understand forced labor and human trafficking legislation, and he has served as a strategic partner for CFL in that endeavor.

Hugo’s expertise in both sports and business development highlights his commitment to excellence and ethical practices, making him a respected figure in both fields.

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