JONATHAN MCCONNELL, ESQ.
PRESIDENT
Jonathan served as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps. On his first deployment to Iraq, he commanded 3D Platoon (reinforced) Lima Company, 3D Battalion 2D Marines. Jonathan was charged with quelling the insurgency on the outskirts of Fallujah, Iraq and received personal combat decorations. On his second deployment to Iraq, Jonathan was the Executive Officer of Weapons Company 3D Battalion 2D Marines as well as 1ST Mobile Assault Platoon Commander. During this deployment, he maintained Battle Position Da’Nang in the Al Anbar Province near the Syrian border. His company was co-located with an Iraqi Army infantry company in which he was charged with training and conducting joint operations.
Upon completing his second tour in Iraq, Jonathan earned his law degree from the University of Alabama Law School and passed the Alabama Bar. In response to the attack on the Maersk Alabama in 2009, Jonathan, with his fellow Marines, sought a cost-effective solution to combating piracy. In 2009, Jonathan formed Meridian.US and began positioning embarked security teams on U.S. flagged vessels. In the years following the attacks on merchant shipping off the coast of Somalia, Meridian began providing Maritime Logistics operations throughout the world.
Anthony Sandoval
VP Logistics
Anthony is a seasoned professional with a sterling history in operational excellence within the logistics and maritime industry. With a proven track record as an Operations Manager and Director of Operations, Anthony has continually driven organizational success through strategic planning and implementation of efficient logistical frameworks. Prior to assuming the role of VP of Logistics, Anthony served as the Managing Director of a prominent maritime company based in London.
In his current role as VP of Logistics, Anthony continues to be a driving force behind the success of the company. His strategic vision and operational prowess enable the development and execution of innovative logistics strategies, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring seamless operations across the board.
Anthony graduated Cum Laude from the American Military University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree.
As a veteran of both the United States Marine Corps and United States Army, Anthony is the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, and Navy Achievement Medal with Valor among numerous other personal awards.
James Black
VP of Government Contracts
James is a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant (E-8) and Government Procurement Officer with more than 26 years of comprehensive expertise in the total procurement life cycle, acquisition, and organizational management functions. He provides government contracting advice, bid capture strategies, risk assessment, and S.W.O.T. analysis specializing in compliance, proposal management, and project management. He spent a year in Afghanistan training Afghan National Air Corps military officers and soldiers in procurement planning and supply chain management.
Rickie Lester
Operations Manager
Rickie Lester has been an integral part of Meridian Global Consulting since 2009, bringing hands-on experience and a deep operational understanding to every assignment. He originally joined the company as a Team Leader supporting high-stakes global vessel operations, and over the years, he has played a key role in executing mission-critical projects across multiple international regions.
In February 2020, Rickie was promoted to Operations Manager, where he now oversees contractor coordination, mission readiness, and field execution. His leadership ensures that Meridian’s offshore personnel are fully equipped and supported to perform successfully in dynamic maritime environments.
Rickie holds an Associate Degree in Criminology from Wake Technical Community College. Prior to joining Meridian, he served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, completing deployments to Afghanistan in 2004 and Iraq in 2005 and 2006.
Rickie’s field-tested insight and dedication to excellence continue to drive the success of Meridian’s contractor support and offshore operations.
Samantha Yarbrough
Office Manager
Samantha Yarbrough is an accomplished Office Manager, with a stellar academic background with a degree from Auburn University where she excelled academically. Her expertise spans across administrative and financial realms, honed through years of dedicated experience in these fields.
Not only a top-notch professional, but Samantha also brings the tenacity and team spirit cultivated from her time playing Division One softball. This athletic background instilled in her a collaborative nature, allowing her to thrive in team environments and effectively leverage the strengths of her colleagues.
With a blend of academic excellence, extensive professional experience, team-oriented approach, and exceptional problem-solving prowess, Samantha Yarbrough is an indispensable asset in driving success within any workplace environment.