FRONTLINE TEAM
The Frontline Team at C2A Consulting comprises a talented group of 19 professionals who work collaboratively to achieve project milestones and deliver exceptional results. With experience in diverse areas, the team has successfully contributed to projects including JP9101, JP9347, showcasing their expertise and commitment to excellence in the Defence industry.
Damien Duggan
Information Security & Cyberworthiness Manager
Damien Duggan
Information Security & Cyberworthiness Manager
Damien is a seasoned ICT professional, specialising in Military Communications Capabilities. His extensive expertise spans technical, cybersecurity, and engineering sectors. With a passion for secure systems, he works tirelessly to ensure the ADF’s reliable C4I capabilities. His career began in the Royal Australian Navy as an Electronics Technician – Communications, contributing to key projects like the ASMD Refit and Fleet RADHAZ Testing Department. Transitioning to the civilian sector, he played crucial roles in projects such as JP2047 and JP2089. Now with C2A Consulting, he’s an integral part of the JP9101 project team, delivering vital governance for the ICT Accreditation Process.
Inspired by Jakob Kapelj and Justin Waller, Damien uses cutting-edge tools like ChatGPT to maximise productivity, constantly striving for excellence in his work. He appreciates the flexible work arrangements at C2A and thrives when faced with fresh challenges.
Jakob Kapelj
Integrated Project Manager
Jakob Kapelj
Project Manager
Jakob is the Managing Director and founder of C2A Consulting Pty Ltd. With 11 years of Defence experience as a Capability Technology Manager, he made significant contributions to Navy’s ability to fight and win in the maritime environment. Passionate about leadership and project management, Jakob has a broad range of skillsets in contract management, project management, engineering, maintenance, logistics, and systems engineering, enabling him to lead multi-disciplinary teams and communicate strategic issues to Executive Management and the Australian Defence Force Senior Leadership Group.
Tony Mumford
Project Manager
Tony Mumford
Project Manager
Tony is a highly competent Project Manager with 15 years of experience in the Australian Army and a Masters in Capability Management. He is skilled in communications and briefing and has experience managing multiple projects with budgets up to $1.5 billion. Tony is highly proficient in the One Defence Capability System and familiar with ASDEFCON and commercial management in CASG. He combines his capability-focused mindset, commercial familiarity, and understanding of the Industry perspective to manage contracts in a balanced, fair, and reasonable manner. Tony has a well-rounded technical knowledge, including expertise in ADF assurance frameworks and military communications and radars.
Tony has a passion for skydiving and gardening. He has an interest in geopolitics, in particular how geography has shaped international politics, as such he recommends reading Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall. In his professional life he is inspired by those who make life better for others, and he tries to do his best to support his team. He appreciates C2A’s flexible working arrangements that allow him to balance work and life. Tony feels rewarded by being able to support his team and being there for his kids around school hours.
Michael Schulz
Sustainment Support Officer
Michael Schulz
Sustainment Support Officer
Michael is a dedicated Defence professional with 12 years of experience as an Aviation Technician in the Royal Australian Navy. He has a strong skillset in project management, including familiarity with CASG reporting, Objective Workgroup Coordination and risk management in CASG. Michael manages complex tasks such as developing Project Execution Strategies and has experience managing deliverable review processes for ASDEFCON contracts. He is advancing his knowledge of the One Defence Capability System and eagerly contributes to his fast-paced and challenging CASG project. Michael is currently pursuing a Master’s in Project Management.
Michael is passionate about travel, with a highlight of his being a month-long solo trip to Malaysian Borneo. He loves thrilling snow trips on his weekends during winter. Michael purports he cannot be beaten at Connect Four, this claim has yet to be confirmed. At C2A Consulting, he was attracted by the opportunity to work with highly regarded individuals, and the company supports work-life balance through flexibility and education. Teamwork is paramount, and he is motivated by working towards a shared goal.
Thomas Watkins
Engineer
Thomas Watkins
Engineer
Tom Watkins is a seasoned Senior Systems Engineer with over 12 years of experience in the Defence domain. An alumnus of the Australian National University, Tom holds a double degree in Engineering and Commerce and has specialised skills in innovation, testing and evaluation, acquisition strategy, and capability development. He currently serves as the Test and Evaluation Lead for JP9101 Enhanced Defence High Frequency Communications System. Throughout his career, he has been part of numerous significant projects, including his stint in China where he was instrumental in applying agile software and hardware product development methodologies in a start-up environment. Tom’s approach to his work revolves around understanding and working the process to achieve the project’s aim rather than being captured by process. It’s a methodology he applies to all his roles, from starting his own business to executing Defence projects. Tom looks forward to achieving success in his future ventures related to Defence strategy and recruitment.
Tom enjoys mountain biking and skiing with his children. His personal motto, “Trying is the first step toward failure,” fuels his relentless pursuit of success and guides him in his personal and professional life. Tom believes that finding joy in your work reduces the need for personal time, a philosophy that has aided him in maintaining an ideal work-life balance. Whether he’s devising innovative Defence strategies or enjoying an exhilarating bike ride, Tom exemplifies the spirit of perseverance, dedication, and balance.
Dave Furtado
Systems Engineer
Dave Furtado
Systems Engineer
Dave is an experienced, professional engineer, with specialist expertise in systems engineering. He has built a broad base of experience with over a decade in the civil aviation, Defence and commercial engineering domains. Dave holds post graduate degrees in Engineering (Telecommunications) and Business (Engineering Management) and is a charted professional engineer (CPENG). He is also an INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP).
As a highly specialised systems engineer, Dave has worked both above and below the line across various phases of the capability and product development lifecycle, making him well-equipped to bring his professional capabilities and strong work ethic to the Australian Defence Force. His areas of interests are Tactical Data links, satellite communications and cyber security. Dave is multilingual and enjoys travelling overseas to experience different cultures and cuisines. In his spare time, he is either progressing his personal projects or catching up with family and friends.
Manisha J
Project Manager – FIC
Manisha
Project Manager – FIC
Manisha is an experienced Project Manager with a decade of experience in acquiring and sustaining capability for the Defence sector. She has held diverse roles within the Department of Defence and the industry, starting her career in the Collins Submarine Program and moving on to become the acting Deputy Director in the Muti-Tactical Datalink Network Sub Program. Manisha’s current role involves ensuring the fulfilment of Fundamental Inputs to Capability requirements for the JP9347Ph1 Joint Data Network project in the joint space. She is committed to delivering successful outcomes for the ADF and prides herself on her ability to lead teams effectively.
Manisha is fluent in two languages and ongoing language learning; Manisha showcases her multilingual abilities. Drawn to C2A Consulting by its visionary leader Jakob, Manisha appreciates the company’s support for work-life balance. She finds motivation in the people surrounding her, contributing to her drive and passion.
Matt Porter
Integrated Project Manager
Matt Porter
Integrated Project Manager
Matt is an accomplished Project Manager and Certification and Safety Engineer who has dedicated his career to delivering within the Defence organisation across all aspects of the Capability Life-Cycle. Matt developed and refined his Engineering acumen during a 16-year career with the Navy as an Aeronautical Engineering Officer. Matt worked across a range of Certification, System Safety, Quality Management, and Engineering Management roles thriving in challenging problem-solving environments. Matt capped his engineering experience as the Chief of the Office of Airworthiness in a Military Design Organisation. Since leaving the Navy, Matt has pursued his interest delivering complex capability projects. Matt has worked as the Senior Project Engineering Manager and most recently is enjoying the opportunity to lead a Major Defence Project as the Integrated Project Manager.
Matt, a leader at C2A Consulting, embodies the company’s core values by tackling challenging problems and delivering significant projects. This year Matt’s goal is to achieve Certified practicing Project Director certification. Matt spends his downtime tending to his property in Bungendore and renovating his house. Matt’s hobbies include hiking, climbing, scuba diving, skiing and playing board games. Matt like to spend his holidays travelling overseas with hobbies often driving a destination. Matt’s plans for the future include buying a boat and sailing the world combining travel, diving, and self-reliant lifestyle. Matt’s most rewarding experiences at C2A is sharing his experiences and knowledge with other members of the team and celebrating the team’s successes.
Vincent John
Engineering Manager
Vincent John
Engineering Manager
Vincent is a skilled leader with 23 years of experience in delivering Defence acquisition, sustainment, certification, and assurance programs across multiple domains. He excels at building effective and sustainable relationships with teams, including civilian and Defence personnel, and has a proven ability to remediate and deliver complex outcomes. Vincent’s extensive experience in certification and stakeholder engagement has enabled effective oversight of Defence and Industry, ensuring compliance with Defence Materiel Policy and improving efficiency, safety, and performance across the ADF. His values of Empathy, Excellence, Integrity, and Learning drive his leadership style, making him a valuable asset to any team of professionals.