About Us

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Craig Parker - Founder, CEO is a seasoned executive and strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in customer success, operations, and program management across aerospace, technology, and government sectors. As a transformational leader, Craig specializes in driving operational excellence, optimizing business strategies, and fostering high-impact client relationships.

His expertise spans supply chain management, financial services, aviation MRO operations, strategic account management, and compliance with industry regulations such as FAR. Craig has led large-scale programs, delivering revenue growth, operational efficiencies, and data-driven decision-making in high-stakes environments.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Craig brings a disciplined and results-oriented approach to program execution, logistics, and continuous process improvement. His leadership has driven multimillion-dollar growth and enhanced service delivery at global organizations, including Samsung Electronics, Chromalloy, and Pratt & Whitney.

Craig holds an MBA and Master of Science in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University. His commitment to innovation, strategic leadership, and customer-focused solutions ensures that The Vanguard Axis Group remains a trusted partner in government contracting, consulting, and professional services.

Una-Kariim A. Cross, Co-Founder, COO is a seasoned communications and education leader with a distinguished career in strategic messaging, media relations, leadership development, and public engagement. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in building high-impact communication strategies, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and driving institutional growth across public and private sectors.

As Director of Communications for New York City Public Schools, Una-Kariim has developed and executed comprehensive communications strategies, increasing brand visibility, leadership applications, and community engagement. She has led crisis communications efforts, managed large-scale marketing initiatives, and strengthened relationships with elected officials and media outlets to boost attendance and visibility for major events.

Her expertise extends to capacity-building, leadership development, and content creation, with a background in digital media, photography, and video production. She has held key roles in higher education communications and nonprofit development, making her a versatile leader in strategic communications, professional learning, and creative storytelling.

Una-Kariim holds a Master of Science in Education from Long Island University, an MFA in Photography and Video from the University of Cincinnati, and a BA in Electronic Media and Communications from the University of Cincinnati. Her passion for equity, education, and innovative storytelling makes her an invaluable asset to The Vanguard Axis Group, where she leads efforts in communications, strategic messaging, and leadership development.

Kristin Parker - Vice President, CX is a distinguished Customer Solutions and Customer Experience executive with over 20 years of expertise in the insurance industry and related fields. Renowned for her ability to resolve complex customer issues with precision, empathy, and efficiency, she has built a career dedicated to customer retention, brand loyalty, and business growth.

Her approach is meticulous, detail-oriented, and unwavering in her commitment to excellence. She ensures that no customer need goes unnoticed, delivering personalized, high-touch service that not only resolves concerns but fosters deep brand trust. Kristin’s ability to anticipate challenges, proactively implement solutions, and exceed customer expectations has earned her consistent recognition from both clients and executive leadership.

Throughout her career, Kristin has transformed customer experience operations, leading teams to elevate service standards, enhance operational efficiency, and expand customer bases. Her expertise extends to customer journey optimization, service recovery strategies, and executive-level problem resolution, making her an invaluable leader in customer advocacy and service innovation.

A University of Florida alumna, Kristin brings exceptional professionalism, a relentless work ethic, and a passion for elevating customer engagement to The Vanguard Axis Group. Her ability to blend strategic vision with hands-on execution ensures that every customer interaction is a testament to the organization’s dedication to service excellence and long-term client relationships.

Anthony J. Evans, CFO is a seasoned financial executive with over 20 years of expertise in financial services, mortgage lending, risk management, and strategic financial planning. As CFO of The Vanguard Axis Group, Anthony provides financial oversight, investment strategy, and risk mitigation to ensure the company's fiscal strength and long-term growth.

With an MBA from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Business Administration minor from Liberty University, Anthony has held senior leadership roles at Bank of America, Navy Federal Credit Union, PNC Bank, Wells Fargo, and Wachovia. He has managed multi-million-dollar portfolios, structured complex financial transactions, and led strategic initiatives that have driven revenue growth and operational efficiency.

Certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM) by the Project Management Institute (PMI), Anthony blends financial expertise with project execution, process optimization, and technology-driven solutions. His professional licenses include Florida Personal Lines Property & Casualty (2044), Life, Health & Variable Contracts (0215), and a Mortgage Loan Originator License.

Anthony’s leadership at Van Ax is defined by financial discipline, operational excellence, and a results-driven approach. His ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, drive strategic growth, and manage financial risk positions Van Ax for continued success and long-term sustainability in government contracting, professional services, and beyond.

Kenny Tucker, Ed.S., CTO is a distinguished educator, historian, and researcher with deep expertise in technology integration, leadership, and strategic innovation. As Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of The Vanguard Axis Group, he leads the firm’s Research & Development division, ensuring the adoption of emerging technologies, best practices, and cutting-edge methodologies that enhance Van Ax’s value proposition.

With an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Leadership from Columbus State University and a Master of Education from Florida A&M University, Kenny has held key leadership roles, including Safety Supervisor and Assistant Principal for Henry County Schools. His work has focused on risk management, compliance, instructional strategy, and operational leadership, ensuring safe and effective learning environments.

In addition to his leadership in education, Kenny is an APSI Consultant with The College Board, training educators nationwide in instructional best practices, research methodologies, and content expertise. His passion for historical research and technological advancement enables him to provide methodical, data-driven solutions that drive Van Ax’s strategic growth.

At Van Ax, Kenny ensures that emerging technologies, process innovations, and research-driven insights are leveraged to strengthen the firm’s government contracting, consulting, and professional services. His ability to bridge historical analysis with forward-thinking technology solutions makes him a critical asset in shaping Van Ax’s future and delivering high-impact solutions to clients.

The Vanguard Axis Group was founded on a shared ambition to redefine industry standards by leveraging the full breadth of our expertise, experience, and strategic vision. Having spent decades in leadership roles across aerospace, supply chain, financial services, customer experience, education, communications, and the arts, we witnessed firsthand missed opportunities, inefficiencies, and untapped potential within the organizations we served. We saw the need for a new kind of enterprise—one that could bridge gaps, unlock value, and introduce transformative solutions where others had fallen short.

Van Ax Grp is our opportunity to apply the hard-earned lessons, best practices, and industry insights we have gathered throughout our careers. We are committed to building an agile, forward-thinking organization that does not just react to challenges but proactively designs and implements strategies that drive sustainable success. Our approach is rooted in innovation, adaptability, and strategic execution, ensuring that we deliver impact where it matters most—whether in government contracting, professional services, creative industries, or beyond.

At our core, we believe in continuous learning, strategic refinement, and bold execution. The Vanguard Axis Group is not just another consultancy; it is a culmination of experience, a catalyst for progress, and a platform for excellence. By combining proven methodologies with unrealized opportunities and fresh perspectives, we are building an organization that sets a new benchmark for success across industries.

At The Vanguard Axis Group, our mission is to deliver excellence through expertise, dependability, and innovation, ensuring our clients receive strategic, forward-thinking solutions that drive measurable impact. We believe that quality is not just a standard but a commitment—one that we uphold through rigorous execution, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on continuous improvement. As a learning organization, we thrive on refining our methodologies, implementing best practices, and transforming lessons learned into powerful strategies that elevate businesses, government agencies, and creative industries alike.

We exist to bridge the gap between strategy and execution, leveraging our cross-industry expertise to develop scalable, high-value solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Whether optimizing complex operations, enhancing customer experience, implementing advanced analytics, or driving creative and cultural initiatives, our focus remains the same: to provide reliable, innovative, and impactful services that fuel success and long-term sustainability.

Our culture of excellence is built on trust, precision, and adaptability. We do not settle for what has been done before—we seek new, more effective ways to execute, innovate, and deliver results. At Van Ax, we are not just service providers; we are strategic partners, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to pushing boundaries, setting new standards, and delivering solutions that transform challenges into opportunities.