GSA LEADERSHIP

Who We Are

SEAN POND

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Sean D. Pond is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Global Solutions Worldwide, LLC, which mobilizes global logistics, construction, mining, import / export and procurement initiatives in West Africa and Asia assisting AFRICOM and SOCAF with large multinational exercises such as Flintlock and African Lion, and has conducted support operations in 10 different countries on the African continent. He has spearheaded various major projects, such as the Initial Public Offering of The Cape Verde Fast Ferry in the Republic of Cabo Verde. Sean also retired after a successful career in the U.S. Army Active and Reserve components where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He is a seasoned executive professional with extensive experience in strategic and operational leadership and consulting positions within the U.S. Department of Defense and the international business community.

Sean holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Western Maryland College and a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Oklahoma, and earned certifications from the University of Oxford in Venture Finance and The University of California Berkeley Haas School of Business in Senior Executive Leadership. Previously, he was on the Board of Directors for the El Paso Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW 812) where he held the office of Quartermaster. Currently, he is the President of the Board of Directors for the Kelly Center for Hunger Relief and serves on the advisory board for the Industrial Manufacturing and Systems Engineering Department at UTEP.

NELSON GREGOR

CHIEF OF OPERATIONS

Nelson Gregor is currently the president and founder of Inavcor and Valente Lda in Cape Verde a subsidiary of Global Solutions Worldwide, LLC a Logistic and construction company that is involved in numerous projects in the United States, Cape Verde, and the continent of Africa. In this capacity, he directly coordinates all logistics and construction requirements for the U.S. military in 14 African countries with oversight over multimillions of dollars budget. Pioneering efforts include being the first company to launch Cape Verde Fast Ferry and the Initial public offering on the CV stock exchange, raising 20 million Dollars within 60 days, and currently serving on the board of directors. He also holds the position of Vice President of Joneso Design and Consulting Inc. a product design firm whose lead product is an interoperability communication platform for law enforcement officers’ vehicles. Nelson has years of progressively responsible experience directing Business Development for a business group called CABO which is comprised of highly successful Cape Verdean American Business Owners in the United States. He holds a Masters in Acquisition and Contracting and a Masters in Human Resource Management from Western New England College out of Springfield Massachusetts. He is near completion of his Doctorate degree in International Management from the University of Hawaii. Nelson retired from the military as an officer with vast experience in all aspects of planning, operation, leadership and management to include logistics, construction, acquisition and contracting. In addition Nelson is skilled in developing start ups, and operations of major projects both overseas and domestic. He has years of experience working in difficult third world environments building relations with foreign governments and managing large diverse work forces. With a broad technical, operational and management background, Nelson has a wide range of logistic knowledge and construction skills to bring in projects on time and well within budget.

JOHN R. MONTEIRO

PRESIDENT

John R. Monteiro is a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned business leader with over four decades of experience spanning engineering, construction, renewable energy, and international business development. With a proven track record of building and scaling successful ventures, John is known for combining technical expertise with strategic insight to drive growth, innovation, and impact—both locally and globally.

As the founder and CEO of multiple companies, including the highly successful ASEC Corporation, John has led teams of over 100 professionals and overseen thousands of contracts, including infrastructure projects as significant as the $3 billion Boston Harbor Cleanup. Under his leadership, ASEC and its sister company APLUS Construction Services grew to generate over $10 million in annual revenue, cementing their place as premier firms in the engineering and construction industry.

John’s entrepreneurial journey has since evolved to include groundbreaking work in renewable energy. Through his work with GW2E and Verde Survey Solutions, he has introduced green technologies and waste-to-energy solutions to emerging African markets, conducting over 40 international business missions and forging high-level partnerships with government leaders and financial institutions across Cape Verde, Ghana, Angola, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

In every venture, John brings forward-thinking financial modeling, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to empowering communities through sustainable economic development. His efforts extend beyond business into civic leadership, serving as President and Chairman of several organizations dedicated to promoting economic independence and opportunity for the African and Cape Verdean diasporas.

Areas of Expertise:

Startup development & business strategy
Financial modeling & investment planning
Engineering, construction & infrastructure management
Renewable energy and green technologies
Cross-cultural business leadership & diplomacy

Leadership & Affiliations:

President & Chairman, African Diaspora Economic Council (2024–Present)
President & Chairman, CABO International Community Foundation (2018–Present)
President & Chairman, Cape Verdean American Business Organization (2007–2013)
President, Associated Minority Business Enterprises of New England (1983–2000)
Vice President, Mass Minority Contractors Association (2000–2008)

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Tufts University
Graduate, Scituate High School, Massachusetts