Speakers

From an early age, Jeff has enjoyed blending a solid work ethic with a life of service, and has always been involved in for-profit and non-profit work.  He has been privileged to work in the Mortgage industry since Fall of 2002, and it has been his passion to serve on non-profit boards, be involved with dozens of community organizations, and serve his communities as an ordained Fire Chaplain.    

Jeff and his wife Amy and relocated to Verrado in 2022 after decades of living in Snohomish, WA, and have 8 children (yes, 8), (4 biological and 4 adopted).  They enjoy being involved in soccer clubs, school activities, social clubs, and their church.  Life is good and completely filled  with their involvement in our community and their family. 

Col. Gabriel Szody is a native of Northern California, was commissioned as an Artillery Officer in 1999 from West Point, and has served over 24 years in the United States Army, 22 in Special Operations. He is the current Commander for the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, KY.   Colonel Szody’s most recent assignment was as the Deputy Commander for the Joint Interagency Task Force – National Capital Region and, when deployed forward, as the Commander for the External Operations Platform. He has served in both the 1st and 10th Special Forces Groups in every key leadership position from Detachment Commander to Battalion Commander, most notably as the Battalion Commander for 4th Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Other assignments include Company and Task Force Fire Support Officer for 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment; Executive Officer to the Commanding General and J35 Russia Division Chief at Special Operations Command Europe in Stuttgart, Germany; and Executive Officer to the Commanding General at the U.S. Army Special Warfare Center and School.  He has also participated in combat, contingency, and expeditionary operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, East Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia.   Colonel Szody holds a Bachelor of Science in Law from the United States Military Academy, a Master’s Degree in Defense Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School, and was a U.S. Army War College Fellow to the Central Intelligence Agency.   Gabe is married to the former Ms. Gina Gray of Tacoma, Washington, and they have two children, Luke is 15, and Lyla is 13.