People
Michael Ussery
Managing Partner
Michael Ussery, former U.S. Ambassador, has played a pivotal role in driving investments and development projects across diverse regions including Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and the Americas. He founded several businesses and non-profits, serving on boards and providing strategic advice globally. In 2018, he was appointed "Senior Advisor" by the State Department to aid in establishing the Conflicts and Stabilization Operations Bureau.
Ussery is currently the Chairman of The Coretec Group Inc. and Vice Chairman of Kima Communications. He has been leading the Advisory Board of CalErin Group since 2009 and is a long-standing board member of Safi Apparel and Corium Distribution UK, among others. He also supports non-profit initiatives like Corps Africa and the International Stability & Operations Association.
His previous roles include board positions at Terocelo, Advantiv Solutions, and D’Sal Inc., and advisory capacities for San Leon Energy and General Dynamics. Notably, he co-founded the Romania Moldova Direct Fund (RMDF) in 1998, revitalizing distressed companies in the region.
Ussery's contributions extend to educational and economic development, including leadership roles in CAUA and the Vint Hill Economic Development Authority. Appointed by President Reagan as U.S. Ambassador to Morocco in 1988, he has also served in various capacities within the U.S. Department of State and began his career in Washington, D.C. Ussery graduated from Newberry College, marking the start of a distinguished career in diplomacy, investment, and international development.
Prakash Chandak
Chief Investment Officer
Prakash Chandak (Kash), with his MBA from The Wharton School and certifications as a Financial Risk Manager and Energy Risk Professional, is a renowned figure in the finance industry. His network across Wall Street has been instrumental in uncovering outstanding off-market opportunities, especially in burgeoning sectors like FinTech, Healthcare, and Technology. Kash specializes in navigating complex financial landscapes, including SPAC transactions, structured credit deals, and addressing special situations, all while integrating considerations for climate change into investment strategies.
Currently, Kash is at the forefront of exploring and implementing blockchain technology within finance, focusing on asset allocation optimization and creating liquidity in illiquid markets. His expertise in complicated capital structures and performing detailed valuations has significantly contributed to projects in distressed investing in India and the application of blockchain for financial solutions.
Kash's broad experience is supported by a solid educational foundation, holding degrees in Mathematics Modeling from Penn State University and Economics from Delhi University. This academic background complements his vast professional achievements, showcasing his ability to blend analytical skill with strategic financial planning. His career is marked by a commitment to innovation, making substantial impacts in traditional and emerging markets alike.
Birge Watkins
Partner
Birge Watkins has held diverse leadership roles across business, government, and non-profits, currently director of The Coretec Group Inc. and advising Landmark Atlantic Holdings. He's involved with Virterras Materials US LLC and has significant experience in real estate and technology sectors. Watkins has contributed to the Land Trust of Virginia, the Great Meadow Foundation, and the Fauquier Parks Foundation.
Previously, he directed several companies, including Managed Investment Opportunity Corporation and Imperial Capital Corporation, with a strong background in investment management and real estate development. His governmental roles include serving in The White House during the Ford Administration, and roles at USAID and the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Reagan and Bush (I) administrations, respectively.
Locally, Watkins has been active in Virginia's community governance, including positions on the Warrenton Town Council and the Vint Hill Economic Development Authority. He holds a BA from Alma College, an MBA from the London Business School, and an MPA from Harvard University, showcasing a blend of academic excellence and professional expertise.
Robert "Bob" McCollar
Partner | Chief Legal Officer
Bob McCollar has over 30 years of executive experience in law, business development, and government service. With a Juris Doctor from William Mitchell Law School and a Bachelor's from Trinity University, he's spent eight years driving international investment into Loudoun County, Virginia, contributing millions annually to the local and national economy. Bob has a strong background in working with European firms and the UK government from his time in London and has held roles at companies such as Giesecke Devrient and America Online. A long-term Loudoun resident and licensed attorney, his career has been marked by significant roles on multiple boards, reflecting a deep engagement with the international business community.
Jung Min Lee
Executive Director
Jung Min Lee, who has been the deputy director and research team leader since 2020, joined the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) in Washington D.C. in July 2009. His research examines U.S. trade laws and economic policies, trade negotiations, and trade disputes. He is leading the Washington Trade Desk as the editor-in-chief, overseeing, conceptualizing, and developing research contents and newsletters, as well as mentoring staff researchers.
Previously, Lee served as a senior manager for Invest Korea, Korea’s national investment promotion agency, as part of KOTRA, promoting U.S.-Korea bilateral investment opportunities and assisting both countries’ corporations in the areas of supplying FDI market research, identifying joint venture opportunities, and facilitating governments’ support.
Before his career in public service, Lee worked at LG Electronics as a research associate. Most recently, as a financial analyst at Merrill Lynch & Company, he conducted macro market research and advised asset managers on U.S. monetary policy and the global financial situations.
His work has been published in KOTRA Global Window and distributed to Korean companies and government agencies through media outlets. Throughout his career, Lee has participated in dozens of public research projects and written journals such as ‘In-depth Analysis and Implications of U.S. friend-shoring policy,’ ‘U.S. Export Control Regime, Risk Analysis for International Businesses,’ and ‘Biden Administration’s Steel Industry Protection Policy and Implications.’
Lee attended Hankook University of Foreign Studies in Seoul and received a Master’s degree in international economics and finance from Johns Hopkins University.