BRISTOW, VA, July 01, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Michael K. O'Hara, PhD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. O'Hara has built a distinguished career, marked by his strategic acumen and leadership in both military and civilian sectors. As the vice president of defense strategy and alliances at Echelon Services, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's defense initiatives since 2025. His journey with Echelon began in 2020 when he was appointed as the senior defense advisor to the Minister of Defense in Somalia. For two and a half years, he successfully navigated complex defense landscapes, which ultimately led to his transition into a business development role, where he secured tactical satellite contracts. His expertise further propelled him to the position of executive program manager before his promotion to vice president.

Before his tenure at Echelon, Dr. O'Hara founded MKO Consulting Inc., where he served as president from 2018 to 2020. His consultancy work was preceded by a role as a defense consultant at RAND Corporation from 2015 to 2017, where he provided critical insights into defense strategies. From 2013 to 2015, he held dual roles as director of security cooperation programs and associate dean of academic affairs at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, making significant contributions to international security education.

Dr. O'Hara's military career is equally commendable, spanning nearly three decades. He began as an infantry officer and company commander before transitioning into roles that leveraged his linguistic skills and strategic insight. Notably, he served as chief of international coordination and senior liaison officer at Pakistan Army Headquarters under the International Security Assistance Force from 2011 to 2012, during a period of strained U.S.-Pakistan relations. His earlier roles included serving as chief of the Washington-Moscow Direct Communications Link with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and chief of the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office in Moscow.

Dr. O'Hara's educational background is extensive and diverse, underpinning his professional achievements. He earned a PhD in organization development from Benedictine University in 2021, following a master's degree in strategic studies from the United States Army War College in 2011. He also holds a Master of Arts in Russian studies from Florida State University and a Master of Public Administration from Golden Gate University. His proficiency in Russian was honed at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center.

In addition to his formal education, Dr. O'Hara has obtained several certifications that enhance his professional capabilities, including Microsoft Office Specialist certifications in Excel and Word, ITIL v4 Foundation certification from PeopleCert, and Project Management Professional certification from Project Management Institute Inc. These credentials complement his membership with industry-related organizations such as Project Management Institute Inc.

Dr. O'Hara's contributions extend beyond his professional endeavors into civic engagement and recognition for his service. He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi's Dissertation Fellowship Committee and serves on the board of Empowering Youth Global Connections. His military service has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. O'Hara enjoys long-distance cycling, reflecting his commitment to endurance and perseverance. As he approaches retirement, he remains dedicated to making a positive impact on global communities facing adversity, continuing his legacy of service and leadership.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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