Leadership

Mr. Al Gallegos is a California native and graduate of San Diego State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration.  Early in his career he worked as a network engineer and network systems instructor, later building a distinguished record in federal service and nonprofit leadership. 

Before retiring from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr. Gallegos held senior roles overseeing more than ten information-technology contracts, operations, and business management functions, while coordinating national leadership initiatives across the agency. 

As President of the National Association of Future Federal Executives (NAFFE), he intends on expanding the organization’s national presence by establishing new chapters and advancing innovative leadership and mentoring programs for aspiring federal executives. 

He is passionate about increasing AI (Artificial Intelligence) awareness among federal employees—from practical, beginner-level applications to responsible leadership and strategic adoption across the federal enterprise—and has developed sessions on “AI for Beginners” and “AI for Leaders.” Mr. Gallegos remains committed to preparing the next generation of federal leaders.

Kelly Foster is the Founder and CEO of Motivated by Kelly, LLC, a Maryland-based professional and management development company focused on leadership development, executive readiness, coaching, training, and professional growth.

Kelly retired in June 2025 after 38 years of civilian service with the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of the Army. She began her federal career at age 17 as a GS-01 Vocational Office Trainee and progressed through increasingly responsible positions supporting Army organizations, leaders, and senior executives. Her career included service with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command and Army Research Laboratory and culminated at the GS-15 level. Her senior leadership assignments included Executive Officer to the DEVCOM Commanding General, Deputy Director in the Office of Workplace Culture and Equity, Associate Director for Executive Staff at Army Research Laboratory, and Strategic Planning Officer in the Office of the Chief Operating Officer.

Kelly is also a military spouse and brings both civilian public-service and military-family perspectives to her entrepreneurial journey. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Her professional development and certifications include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Chief Operating Officer Program, Project Management Professional (PMP), DoD Certified Leader Coach, Certified NxLevel Instructor, VIEW Facilitator, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.