Key People
Michael Sharpe
Michael stands out as an influential figure across a range of industrial sectors, including engineering, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, environmental sustainability, space, academia, and the nuclear industry. His robust connections span across manufacturing, civil engineering, political landscapes, and top-tier universities, particularly influencing the nuclear and AUKUS sectors. As the Chief Executive of the AUKUS Forum, he has built extensive opportunities for industry and researchers, reflecting decades of business leadership, relationship-building and industry engagement in Australia and the United States.
Recognised as one of Australia's most connected industry figures, Michael excels in driving business transformations, facilitating entry into export markets, and enabling traditional engineering firms to venture into space and defence sectors. His knack for linking key decision-makers, fostering international partnerships, and setting up supply chains has attracted significant US corporate interest for local supplier connections.
Michael is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders; a Fellow of The Royal Society for the Arts, Manufactures & Commerce; and has completed courses in Leadership at the Harvard Business School.
Dale Heinken
Dale Heinken is the President and Managing Director of Ascent Vision Technologies (AVT) Australia, a CACI company, based in Melbourne, Victoria, which specialises in the design and development of gyro-stabilised imaging systems for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), target acquisition, and counter uncrewed aerial systems operations.
Prior to joining AVT Australia, Dale served in the United States Navy as a surface warfare officer with a subspeciality in naval nuclear propulsion for 26 years. He retired as a Captain in 2021. During his time in the Navy, he served on a variety of ships and staffs, and he is most proud of his time as Commanding Officer of Littoral Combat Ship Crew 101 aboard USS Freedom (LCS 1), the Reactor Officer aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), and the Commanding Officer of USS Boxer (LHD 4).
Dale was commissioned through the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland in 1995 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He earned a Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology degree from the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland in 2003 and a Master of International Public Policy degree from the Johns Hopkins University in 2009.
Scott Stewart
Scott Stewart is Managing Partner of The MKG Group, based in Covington, Louisiana specializing in strategic advisory and implementation consulting.
With a background as a US Navy nuclear submarine officer and C-Suite executive in operations and technology, Scott has extensive experience in advanced manufacturing and the US Defense Industrial Base. After transitioning from the Navy, where he specialized in Virginia class submarine weapons and combat systems, he transitioned to roles in project management, engineering consultation, and executive leadership across various sectors.
At The MKG Group, he has expanded the company's reach. MKG’s roots began in 2015 with an acquisition of a 60 year old apparel and apparel accessories manufacturer. Since then, the efforts have broadened to other industries including Nuclear, Defense, Oil & Gas, Sustainable Infrastructure, MedTech, Lumber, and Fasteners. The expansion underlines Scott's vision for growth and adaptability, leveraging his project management, engineering, and executive expertise.
Scott holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida, a Master of Engineering Management from Old Dominion University, and an MA in General Management with focus in Corporate Sustainability and Innovation from Harvard University, highlighting his commitment to leadership and sustainable business practices.
Chad Johnson
Chad Johnson is the esteemed President of the Akana Group, a leading provider of innovative logistics solutions and equipment services to clients worldwide. With over two decades of experience in the logistics and equipment sector, Chad has been instrumental in steering the company towards unprecedented growth and establishing its reputation as an industry pioneer.
In 2013, Chad started the Akana Group, a Native American-owned business focused on building strategic partnerships with the Federal and Tribal governments. The AKANA Group is a Native-Owned Small Business Enterprise specializing in Agriculture, Forestry, Seasonal Maintenance, Construction, Roads, Service Trucks and Commercial Cleaning equipment, operating in the U.S, Canada, and Australia.
Akana Equipment developed quickly after Johnson and his team made their first deal with John Deere (JD) and became the only Native partner of JD, world-wide. The Akana Group is made up of seven separate entities, Akana Ittatoba being the newest operation to launch in Australia. Akana Ittatoba is the first and only Native company to incorporate in AU and it is their mission to build allyship with First Nations businesses and Communities around the world. Today, Akana Equipment is the largest Native-owned equipment provider in North America.
Johnson and his team continue to spearhead new operations, and have recently developed the first ever Native-owned Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in the U.S.A. The FTZ is a true multi-model option that includes air, sea and land. Chad’s leadership philosophy centres on empowering employees, nurturing a culture of innovation, and maintaining a customer-centric approach, which has been key to the company’s success and resilience.
As the original stewards of the lands and waters, Akana understands and appreciates the importance of having meaningful relationships to our Indigenous partners and allies. Despite his remarkable success, Johnson still defines Akana as a small business and credits his talented team for all their accomplishments. Chad loves to say his job is to just get out of the way and let his people do what they do best.