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Colin Stark

Colin Stark

President and Founder

LTC Colin A. Stark, The Crux Firm's visionary founder and President, is driven by a profound commitment to serve his country. Currently serving in the U.S. military, Colin brings over two decades of distinguished service in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve. His extensive military background inspired him to create a company dedicated to providing exceptional services that enhance the lives of veterans and the broader community.

Colin's professional journey began by enlisting in the Indiana Army National Guard. After completing two tours of active duty and deploying overseas as an infantry platoon leader in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Colin set out to augment his military service with private sector experience.

Recruited by leading Silicon Valley firms, Colin spent over a decade managing multimillion-dollar projects as a Senior Engineering Program Manager. Projects ranged from integrating Sarbanes Oxley compliance for a publicly traded company after its initial public offering to creating and managing a Project Management Organization (PMO) across all company departments. The PMO was responsible for overseeing project intake, budgeting, execution, and reporting, ensuring that all initiatives aligned seamlessly with the company's overarching goals and mission.

The U.S. Army has recognized Colin's commitment to excellence via a Bronze Star Medal, multiple Army Commendation Medals, multiple Army Achievement Medals, and a Combat Infantryman Badge. In the private sector, he has earned certificates in Project Management Professional (PMP), Agile Certified Professional (ACP), and Scaled Agile Scrum Master (SSM). Colin holds a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Indiana University.

Outside of work, Colin is a devoted family man. He cherishes quality time with his wife and two boys. In his free time, Colin enjoys skiing and playing the piano and remains active as a regular member of his local CrossFit gym.

As President of The Crux Firm, Colin leverages his diverse experiences to strengthen the government's capability to enhance the lives of all Americans. Through grit, service, and respect, he leads The Crux Firm in delivering outstanding services to customers, partners, and employees. The organizational goal of The Crux Firm is clear: to elevate your experience.

Mary Gotschall

Farida Stark

Chief People Officer (CPO) and Co-Founder

Farida Stark, The Crux Firm's inspiring Chief People Officer (CPO) and co-founder is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant, people-centered culture that drives innovation and excellence. With a steadfast commitment to servant leadership, Farida empowers employees to achieve their highest potential, ensuring they are equipped to deliver exceptional results for Crux's federal clients. Her leadership philosophy combines cutting-edge HR strategies with a deep focus on employee well-being, making Crux a workplace where talent flourishes and collaboration thrives.

Farida's professional journey is marked by her diverse expertise in healthcare, human resources, operations, and organizational development. She holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from California State University, East Bay, and brings over a decade of experience as a university professor, alongside leadership roles in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. This unique combination of skills forms the foundation of Crux's success, fueling its continued growth and its mission to serve others.

A health and fitness enthusiast, Farida is passionate about exploring the latest research in nutrition and longevity. She can often be found lifting weights at the gym, experimenting with creative plant-based recipes, or enjoying outdoor adventures with her family. Whether preparing wholesome meals or sharing meaningful moments with her husband and two boys, Farida cherishes the balance of a fulfilling professional and personal life.

As CPO of The Crux Firm, Farida leads with purpose, ensuring that the company's people-first mission remains at the heart of every initiative. Her vision, energy, and dedication are key to fostering a workplace culture that not only inspires its employees but also delivers impactful solutions to Crux's clients and partners.

Colin Stark

Paul Galley

Senior Director

Paul Galley, Senior Director at The Crux Firm, is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in federal consulting. He has held various senior leadership roles in organizations ranging from global consultancies to rapidly growing small businesses. At The Crux Firm, Paul focuses on enhancing client delivery capabilities, expanding its service offerings, increasing the client business portfolio, and scaling the firm’s internal infrastructure to support future growth.

Paul’s professional expertise encompasses leading high-visibility strategic initiatives and building consulting practices that deliver services in Strategy and Operations, Organizational Transformation, Turnarounds, General Management Consulting, Process Reengineering and Automation, and Data Analytics. He holds an MBA from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.

Outside of work, Paul resides with his family on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where he enjoys boating on the Chesapeake Bay and horseback riding. He also dedicates much of his time to supporting his son’s sailing and lacrosse pursuits. His “other two sons” include a Boxer and a Frenchie, who keep everyone on their toes.

Mary Gotschall

Matthew Rorebeck

Senior Operations Manager

Matthew Rorebeck, a decorated retired U.S. Army Officer with over 20 years of distinguished service, brings his expertise in operations and project management to his role at Crux. A seasoned leader, Matt's career includes four overseas combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, earning him numerous accolades, including the Combat Infantryman's Badge, three Bronze Stars, and the Ranger Tab.

With a background in Computer Networking and Business Administration, Matt excels in process optimization, risk mitigation, and cross-functional team leadership. His ability to align operational strategies with organizational goals ensures projects are executed efficiently, on time, and within budget. At Crux, Matt leverages his extensive experience to enhance organizational efficiency, drive key initiatives, and foster collaboration across teams.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys traveling and supporting his six children and 1-year-old granddaughter in their many activities. His commitment to family and service reflects the values he brings to Crux's mission.

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