“Leading with Integrity, Building Strategic Partnerships, and Transforming Vision into Measurable Impact.”

Gordan Ford is a distinguished executive leader, retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, federal program management professional, educator, and strategic advisor with more than three decades of experience spanning defense, education, government operations, organizational development, and business leadership. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead complex organizations, manage substantial financial resources, establish influential partnerships, and translate ambitious strategic objectives into measurable results. His professional journey reflects a commitment to operational excellence, responsible financial stewardship, institutional advancement, and service-driven leadership. Combining military discipline with entrepreneurial vision and educational innovation, Ford brings a multidimensional perspective to executive decision-making, organizational governance, and strategic advisory opportunities.

Gordan currently serves as Project Director and Louisiana Site Lead for CFD Research Corporation, where he is responsible for establishing and expanding the company’s operations in Louisiana. In this capacity, he connects advanced scientific research, engineering capabilities, federal program management, and university expertise to support government priorities and emerging opportunities. His responsibilities encompass strategic partnerships, workforce development, organizational infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, multidisciplinary team coordination, and federally funded research initiatives. Through relationships with institutions including Louisiana Tech University and the University of Louisiana Monroe, he is working to strengthen collaboration between academic institutions, government agencies, and industry partners. His leadership emphasizes sustainable growth, innovation, and the development of high-performing teams capable of supporting long-term organizational objectives.

Before joining CFD Research, Ford served as a senior Program Management Specialist with the United States Department of the Air Force at the Pentagon, contributing expertise in military aviation, nuclear operations, defense acquisition, and strategic modernization. Working within the Air Force’s Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration Directorate, he advised senior military leadership and collaborated with representatives across the Air Staff, Joint Staff, combatant commands, and Department of Defense organizations. His responsibilities included developing integrated master schedules for modernization programs involving aircraft, missiles, and reentry systems, as well as supporting the Air Force’s Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution process. This experience strengthened his understanding of federal resource allocation, interagency coordination, defense policy, program oversight, and the collaboration required to advance complex national security initiatives.

Gordan’s foundation in strategic leadership was established during more than 24 years of distinguished service as a United States Air Force officer, command pilot, and operations leader. Retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he held numerous senior operational and headquarters assignments involving strategic airlift, nuclear operations, aviation training, weather reconnaissance, flight standards, and long-range military planning. As Director of Operations at Lackland Air Force Base, he supervised approximately 50 personnel and executed a $62 million budget supporting worldwide operations of 16 C-5 aircraft and training for more than 200 aircrew members. In another senior assignment, he helped oversee operations involving 239 aircraft conducting approximately 8,000 missions and 180,000 flying hours annually. His military career developed his expertise in risk management, operational readiness, resource optimization, organizational accountability, and leadership under demanding circumstances.

Among his notable military accomplishments, Ford served as a B-52 Aircraft Commander and held leadership responsibilities involving conventional and nuclear operations at Barksdale Air Force Base. He supervised aircrew personnel and directed activities related to weapons, tactics, training, scheduling, flight operations, and operational standardization. During his tenure, he served as the senior-ranking officer for the first Nuclear Initial Operational Readiness Inspection conducted by an Air Force Reserve squadron, which received an Outstanding rating without downgrades. These achievements demonstrate his ability to maintain high operational standards, prepare organizations for rigorous evaluation, and lead teams where precision, accountability, and disciplined execution are essential.

Beyond his military and federal service, Ford has made a significant impact in education as the former Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Preparatory School in Grambling, Louisiana. Serving from June 2016 through February 2025, he led the transformation of a historic university laboratory school into an independent public charter school. Under his leadership, student enrollment increased from 384 to more than 700 students, while the annual operating budget expanded from approximately $3.6 million to more than $12 million. He supervised more than 100 educators and support professionals, strengthened institutional operations, and secured $45 million in bond financing through two transactions—$30 million in the first year and an additional $15 million in the second year—to support construction of a new school campus. His leadership also contributed to the largest School Performance Score improvement in Louisiana during the 2017–2018 academic year, demonstrating his ability to align organizational strategy with meaningful educational outcomes.

Gordan’s educational leadership extended beyond institutional growth to expanding student access to higher education and creating opportunities for long-term academic success. Through a strategic partnership with Southern University at Shreveport, he helped establish Lincoln Preparatory School’s Early College Academy, enabling students to earn college credits and associate degrees while completing their high school education. In 2024, 23 of the school’s 48 graduates earned associate degrees, reflecting the impact of this initiative. During the preceding academic year, 97 percent of seniors completed at least one dual enrollment course, tying for the second-highest participation rate in Louisiana. By reducing financial and logistical barriers, Ford helped create pathways to postsecondary education for students from economically disadvantaged households. His contributions to education were recognized when he was named a Louisiana Principal of the Year finalist in 2023 and received an Education Award from the Greater Grambling Chamber of Commerce in 2024.

His influence in education also includes participation in statewide policy initiatives and academic advisory groups. Ford served on the Louisiana K–12 Study Group, the Louisiana Continuous Learning Taskforce, and the Charter Renewal Working Group, contributing perspectives on education policy, school accountability, instructional continuity, and institutional sustainability. He also served on Georgetown University’s Certification in Education Finance Advisory Board, providing practical insights to support research and decision-making related to education funding. Additionally, his involvement with PK–16 advisory councils at Grambling State University and the University of Louisiana at Monroe reflects his dedication to improving educational outcomes through collaboration among schools, universities, business leaders, and communities. These experiences have strengthened his ability to evaluate policy, communicate with diverse stakeholders, and contribute to strategic discussions at the intersection of education, finance, and public administration.

As an entrepreneur and business advisor, Ford serves as Managing Partner of Joe-Ford Enterprises LLC, a multidisciplinary umbrella company supporting consulting, investment, and community development ventures. He also leads JFE Advisors, LLC, Joe-Ford’s strategic advisory subsidiary, where he provides executive consulting in organizational strategy, operational management, leadership development, and institutional growth. His advisory work includes supporting architecture and professional services organizations through operational improvement, process development, management coordination, and leadership transition. Drawing upon his experience across government, military, education, and private enterprise, he helps organizational leaders assess challenges, strengthen internal capabilities, improve financial and operational performance, and implement sustainable growth strategies. His ability to bridge strategic vision with practical execution makes him a valuable resource to organizations navigating transformation, expansion, or operational complexity.

Gordan’s commitment to service extends internationally through his leadership of the Uplift Torgorme Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, public health, economic development, and community well-being in Ghana’s Volta Region. As Chief Executive Officer, he has directed initiatives that include installing three deep-water wells, supplying educational materials to local schools, supporting a community health clinic, and developing agricultural programs intended to create employment and generate sustainable resources. In April 2025, he was installed as Development Chief of the Torgorme Traditional Area, a role through which he works with community leaders, international partners, and members of the Ghanaian diaspora to advance development priorities. This international experience reflects his commitment to collaborative leadership, resource mobilization, and creating lasting social and economic opportunities.

His professional accomplishments are complemented by a substantial record of nonprofit governance, community leadership, and public service. Ford has contributed to educational and charitable organizations through board and advisory roles, including service associated with the Lincoln Preparatory School Foundation, Uplift Torgorme Foundation, and Ross-Lynn Charitable Foundation. He has also held leadership and board responsibilities within faith-based organizations. Since 2013, he has served as Pastor of St. David Missionary Baptist Church in Ruston, Louisiana, overseeing organizational operations, financial administration, educational programming, and community engagement. During his leadership, the church’s annual operating budget increased from approximately $36,000 to more than $150,000. These experiences have reinforced his belief that effective leadership requires ethical judgment, transparency, service, and a willingness to remain accountable to the people and communities an organization serves.

Gordan’s academic background further supports his expertise in strategic management, education, and public administration. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education and Teaching from Grambling State University, completing additional preparation in secondary mathematics and special education. He also earned a Certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown University and an Executive Certificate in Public Administration from Liberty University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Administration at Liberty University. His professional development includes advanced military leadership education through the Air Command and Staff College and Squadron Officer School, along with specialized training in operational planning, aviation management, and safety oversight. His dedication to continuous learning demonstrates an enduring commitment to strengthening his leadership capabilities and applying informed, evidence-based approaches to complex organizational challenges.

At the center of Ford’s leadership philosophy is the belief that successful organizations are built through integrity, collaboration, accountability, and a clear commitment to measurable outcomes. Whether managing national defense programs, transforming educational institutions, developing businesses, or advancing international community initiatives, he approaches leadership with an emphasis on building trust, aligning resources, and empowering teams to achieve shared objectives. His career illustrates a consistent ability to navigate complex environments while balancing strategic priorities, financial responsibilities, operational risks, and stakeholder expectations. He values thoughtful communication, disciplined decision-making, and the importance of maintaining organizational purpose during periods of change.

As he pursues additional board of directors and strategic advisory opportunities, Ford offers a combination of executive experience, financial oversight, defense expertise, educational leadership, and institutional development capabilities. He is particularly interested in contributing to organizations operating within education, defense, aerospace, government services, and related sectors, while remaining open to opportunities across other industries. His experience securing significant financing, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, cultivating university and government partnerships, and leading organizational transformation positions him to contribute meaningfully to board-level discussions involving growth, governance, risk, resource allocation, and long-term sustainability. With a career defined by service, achievement, and a commitment to developing people and institutions, Gordan D. Ford brings a strategic, mission-focused perspective to organizations seeking experienced leadership and lasting impact.

Character

Gordan exemplifies integrity, accountability, and service-centered leadership through decades of military, educational, business, and community involvement. His commitment to ethical decision-making, responsible stewardship, and improving opportunities for others reflects the personal values that guide his professional responsibilities.

Knowledge

Possesses extensive expertise in federal program management, defense operations, education administration, financial oversight, organizational development, and strategic partnerships. His combination of advanced education, executive experience, military leadership, and international community development provides a broad understanding of the challenges facing organizations across multiple industries.

Strategic

Gordan demonstrates exceptional strategic capabilities through his success in transforming educational institutions, securing major financing, managing complex defense programs, and establishing partnerships that support sustainable organizational growth. He approaches challenges with a long-term perspective, carefully evaluating resources, risks, stakeholder priorities, and opportunities to achieve measurable results.

Communication

An accomplished communicator who has engaged senior government officials, military leaders, educators, business executives, nonprofit stakeholders, and international community representatives throughout his career. His ability to explain complex issues, build productive relationships, and unite diverse groups around shared objectives enables him to contribute effectively to executive leadership and board-level decision-making.