Advisors
Experienced pathfinders guiding what is next.
The Honorable Susan M. Gordon
Former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence. Innovator in public & private sectors.
General Joseph L. Votel
General Joseph L. Votel is a retired U.S. Army Four-Star officer and the former Commander of the U.S. Central Command – responsible for U.S. and coalition military operations in the Middle East, Levant and Central and South Asia.
Mark Walsh
Managing director of Ruxton Ventures, former head of the SBA's Office of Investment and Innovation, GEnie, AOL, Vertical Net, Genius Rocket.
Jonathan Aberman
Founding Dean and professor (Marymount, University of Maryland) internationally recognized expert on innovation and technology (DARPA, TandemNSI) managing partner (Fenwick & West, PIllsbury) and investment banker (Goldman Sachs)
Dr. Marilyn Cohen
Emeritus Professor and Director of the NW Center for Excellence in Media Literacy, brings decades of expertise in media literacy education and its application to health and social issues.
Dan Fata
President of Fata Advisory, LLC, with over 25 years of experience in national security and government relations. He has held senior roles at Lockheed Martin, The Cohen Group, and the Department of Defense.
Nicolas Adams
Nic Adams brings a unique tripod of experience to August Interactive as an Advisor, combining his expertise in the military, the public sector, and the tech industry. A former Army intelligence officer with over a decade of service, Nic transitioned to Capitol Hill, where he spent seven years shaping national security and defense policy, including key work on the bipartisan Chips for America Act. Today, he leverages his deep understanding of government, technology, and innovation to help frontier tech startups thrive. At August Interactive, Nic is passionate about creating gaming and AI-driven solutions that empower veterans and foster community.
Jon Bukosky
Jon Bukosky has over two decades of experience in digital entertainment and emerging media. He's known for connecting major players in gaming, film, music, and sports to spark innovative projects. Jon has led multiple media ventures to successful exits totaling more than $500 million, even taking one company public. As an advisor, he brings a wealth of experience, an invaluable network, and a passion for pushing creative boundaries that fuel growth and new opportunities in the gaming and entertainment world.
Gerard "HipHopGamer" Williams
Gerard "HipHopGamer" Williams is a gaming journalist, media personality, and content creator who has built a career blending hip-hop culture with the video game world. He's known for his high-energy interviews, insightful commentary, and a genuine passion for bringing gaming into new spaces. From radio airwaves to esports events, Gerard brings an infectious enthusiasm that inspires and connects communities. As an advisor, he shares his creative vision and industry know-how to help bridge entertainment, technology, and culture in fresh ways.
Montel Williams
Montel Williams is a Navy and Marine Corps veteran turned television icon, best known for his long-running talk show. But beyond TV, Montel has spent decades as a passionate advocate for veterans' health and well-being. He uses his platform to push for better healthcare and support for service members transitioning to civilian life. In recent years, Montel has been leading efforts to develop groundbreaking PTSD treatments for veterans, proving that his commitment to service didn't end with his military career - it evolved into a new mission to help those who served.
Sandy Climan
Sandy Climan is a veteran entertainment industry executive and producer, often described as a "media visionary". He has held senior leadership roles across Hollywood and played a key part in producing acclaimed projects like Martin Scorsese's The Aviator. Sandy also founded Entertainment Media Ventures, an investment and advisory firm, in the late 1990s and has since advised numerous startups at the intersection of media and technology. With decades of experience bridging creative storytelling and emerging tech, Sandy brings a forward-thinking perspective and deep industry insight to the teams he guides.