News

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Michael R. Ford Joins American Business Development Group

American Business Development Group (ADBG) is pleased to announce that retired Army National Guard (ARNG) Colonel Michael R. Ford has accepted the position of Senior Consultant. Colonel Ford retired in April 2012 and brings over 35 years of military service to ABDG. As an experienced Army Aviator Colonel Ford will serve as ABDG’s primary Senior Consultant to our many Army Aviation related clients. In addition, Colonel Ford will also be responsible for providing consulting and business development services to our Homeland Security and training simulations clients.

Colonel Ford began his military career in January 1977 by joining the Nebraska National Guard. Becoming an Army Aviator in 1984, Colonel Ford progressed to become a Dual Engine Rotary Wing Senior Aviator. In addition, Colonel Ford held positions of increased responsibility ranging from an Air Cavalry Troop Commander through services as the Chief of the Army National Guard’s Safety and Standardization Branch. Overseas assignments included service as a Support Operations Officer at Camp Able Sentry in Kosovo to service as the XVIII AB C-3 Air Deputy Plans Chief for Multi-National Corps-Iraq where he supervised a Joint Services team. Colonel Ford’s service at the National Guard Bureau included service as the Chief of the Army National Guard’s Well-being Team and Deputy Branch Chief for the ARNG’s Aviation Division Programs and Integration Branch. In 2008, Colonel Ford was assigned as the Chief of the Safety and Standardization Branch of the Army National Guard’s Aviation and Safety Division where he served until his retirement in 2012.

Colonel Ford is a graduate of the National Graduate School where he earned a Master of Science in Quality System Management. Colonel Ford is a graduate of the US Army National Defense Strategic Course and Command and General Staff Officers Course. Colonel Ford has been the recipient of many military commendations and awards including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, as well as the Army Aviation Association of America Order of Saint Michael Silver Award for his tireless service.

ABDG’s Vice President of Defense and Homeland Security Programs, Colonel (Retired) Jim LeNoir stated, “Mike’s background and skills will be a valuable asset to our National Guard team and will contribute greatly to our renewed focus on our National Guard Customers and clients. Mike’s aviation and Safety background will complement our current Army and Air National Guard focused consultants and will help us provided even deeper support to our National Guard.”

American Business Development Group, Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia is an internationally respected full-spectrum business development consulting firm now representing a diverse list of more than fifty prominent U.S. and international businesses.