Forge Institute promotes Scott Anderson to Chief External Affairs Officer, adds additional team members and prepares for continued growth
Society has become increasingly digitized in recent years, greatly enhancing the quality of our everyday lives, but also putting us all at risk to the dark web actors determined to disrupt and corrupt our way of life. Forge Institute is committed to not only providing strong protection against cyber adversaries, but also finding innovative solutions to improving our digital capabilities. Recent hires at Forge Institute bring to bear men and women imbued with the skills necessary to meet this challenge.
Current Executive Director, Scott A. Anderson has been promoted to Chief External Affairs Officer. In this elevated capacity, Scott will spearhead the expansion of partnerships and community relationships, amplifying our mission of advancing collective cyber defense through workforce initiatives, innovation, and defensive cyber operations programs. While he remains closely engaged with Forge's ongoing programs, Scott's strategic leadership will now focus on driving inclusive engagement across public and private sector relationships, ensuring our mission resonates powerfully within the broader state and national ecosystem.
Kenny Willoughby, who recently retired as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, has accepted the role of Program Manager for the Forge Fellowship. Kenny successfully completed the Forge Fellowship SkillBridge program where he worked to improve the quality of the Fellowship. Upon completion, he was brought on the team to continue his efforts and provide opportunities to transitioning service members to enter high-demand, high paying career fields and provide Arkansas businesses access to a consistent stream of talented veterans to expand and enhance the state’s workforce.
Elizabeth King has joined as an Instructor for STARBASE Arkansas. With 21 years in public education, she emphasizes hands-on learning at STARBASE, teaching 5th graders in science and technology and promoting interactive problem-solving to enhance information retention.
Lonnie Strange joined as an Instructor for STARBASE Arkansas. Lonnie, a University of Arkansas honor graduate with 10 years of education experience, believes hands-on learning can profoundly change a students’ perception on education and life. She joined STARBASE in June 2023 after bringing her own students to the STARBASE STEM classes and witnessing the program’s remarkable effectiveness first hand.
Amanda Hannah has been hired as an Instructor Assistant to support STARBASE Arkansas. Amanda, a military spouse familiar with USAF culture, provides encouragement to students while assisting them in hands-on, engaging team activities through the Starbase Arkansas curriculum. Prior to joining Forge Institute, Amanda worked as a STEAM Lab Facilitator at Crestwood Elementary in North Little Rock and in the DOD Library system assisting with children’s programming.
"As CEO, I'm pleased to formally announce Scott Anderson's promotion to Chief External Affairs Officer,” said Lee Watson, Chairman & CEO of the Forge Institute. “His expertise and commitment to our team and our mission have been invaluable to our progress. Additionally, the inclusion of these exceptional and proven individuals to the Forge team signifies our dedication to continuous growth and excellence."
Organizations needing help with cybersecurity, interested in accessing training (in AI, cyber, or other sales and technical fields), supporting our veteran programs, or who otherwise want to see how Forge can support them, should reach out by calling 501-500-0812 or clicking here.
Key Facts
Forge Institute is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to advance cyber and digital capabilities through innovative partnerships across the private and public sectors.
Forge Institute was founded in 2018 by serial tech entrepreneur Lee Watson to serve Arkansas and the region and is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Forge promotes Scott A. Anderson, former Major in the Air National Guard, and adds five to team
