Rachel Townsley is honored to serve as Director of AIYLC, following in the footsteps of her father and longtime family friends. A military brat who grew up around the world, she brings over 20 years of experience supporting the conference. With a background in education, entertainment, and real estate, Rachel now works for VDOT and lives in Yorktown, VA, with her partner and three cats.

Alan Dooley serves as a senior leadership instructor at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Leadership and Management School in Yorktown, VA. With over 25 years of service, he has held diverse leadership roles across the nation. A graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Chief Petty Officer Academy as well as the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Columbia University’s Benavidez Leadership Development Program, he has a unique leadership perspective to offer. He has two children, Rye and Eden.

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Colonel (U.S. Army, Ret.) Vicente “Vince” Ogilvie’s life reflects service, leadership, and community. Commissioned through Army ROTC at NYU, he served worldwide as an Infantry officer and retired in 2001 after senior roles in command and public affairs. Following 9/11, he returned to the Department of Defense, later retiring as Deputy Director for Entertainment Media. Now active in MOWW and Pershing Rifles leadership, Vince enjoys travel, motorcycling, and time with his family.

Our Conference Operations Officer plays a vital role behind the scenes, ensuring AIYLC runs smoothly and successfully each year. From coordinating logistics to supporting staff and students, this position is the backbone of day-to-day operations. Though they prefer to remain out of the spotlight, their dedication, organization, and quiet leadership are essential to creating a memorable and impactful experience for every participant.

Dr. Joseph Emerson is a career educator and researcher whose work examines education reform, political socialization, and the role of faith in leadership. His scholarship includes studies on interest groups, school governance, and teachers’ unions, with portions cited by members of Congress. He teaches AP Psychology in Newport News, VA, and brings a passion for developing critical thinking and leadership in the next generation.

Brian J. DePrinzio is a teacher, mentor, and motivational speaker dedicated to helping students discover their voice and potential. Named Woodside High School’s Teacher of the Year in 2021–2022, he teaches 12th Grade Honors English and leads programs that celebrate creativity, including Artistic Verses. Beyond the classroom, he manages Oyster Pointer newspaper and treasures time with his wife Jennifer and their three daughters.

Lieutenant Colonel Jim Rice (U.S. Army, Ret.) was commissioned in 1971 after graduating from Virginia Tech and went on to serve in leadership roles across Germany, Korea, Fort Knox, West Point, and the Pentagon. After retiring in 1992, he dedicated his career to education, teaching JROTC, counseling, and university instruction. Now living in Williamsburg with his wife Donna, he enjoys music, family, and community service.

Mr. Jean-Marc Pierre is the Senior Congressional Analyst for the Office of the Army Surgeon General, where he develops legislative proposals and prepares senior leaders for congressional hearings. A retired Army officer, he served in key roles from Jerusalem to the Pentagon, including crisis operations in Libya and combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He teaches government and global affairs as an adjunct professor and lives in Virginia with his children.

Mr. Robert Reddy, a retired U.S. Army Colonel of Infantry, brings more than 35 years of military service and 15 years as a senior Army civilian to AIYLC as our Yorktown Battlefield tour guide. His distinguished career included assignments with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, the Pentagon, and Army Training Command. In retirement, he volunteers with Riverside Hospice Care, focusing on supporting fellow veterans.

Chief Warrant Officer Five (U.S. Army, Ret.) Phyllis Wilson served 37 years in Army Military Intelligence, deploying multiple times to Iraq with Special Operations. She later became the senior Warrant Officer for the Army Reserve, advising on global strategy and leading an organization of over 200,000 personnel. Today, she is President of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, serves on national boards, and is a proud mother of eight and grandmother of sixteen.