Jim Cardoso is the Senior Director for the Global and National Security Institute. Previously, he was  the Senior Manager, Rotary Wing Programs for CAE Defense and Security.  

Jim retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2018 as a Colonel, after a 30-year career as an officer and pilot. Over his career he served tours commanding the Air Force’s first CV-22 squadron, the Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB overseeing all AFSOC and USAF Combat Rescue training, and the expeditionary Special Operations Wing. As MH-53M Pave Low pilot, he led the successful combat search and rescue for the F-117 pilot shot  down over Serbia in 1999, for which he was awarded the Silver Star. 

Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy, and Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies from National Defense University and in Aviation Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Dr. Tad Schnaufer II is the Strategy and Research Manager at the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute (GNSI). He is the host of the “What’s Really Happening” Podcast with General (Ret) Frank McKenzie (USMC), and he has hosted several GNSI speaker series interviews.   

Outside of GNSI, Dr. Schnaufer serves in the Florida Army National Guard as an Infantry Officer. He graduated from the University of Florida in 2011, where he received his commission from Army ROTC. He has served in both line and airborne infantry units. From 2016-2017, he commanded Bravo Company 1-124 IN during its mission to secure Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. 

Dr. Schnaufer earned his Ph.D. in Security Studies from the School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs (SPSIA) at the University of Central Florida. He earned a master’s degree in Global Affairs from New York University.