Green Flag Ventures has announced the addition of Dr. William “Dollar” Young, Jr. as Senior Advisor according to a LinkedIn post by their founding partner Justin Zeefe, bringing his extensive expertise in electronic warfare, cybersecurity, and military strategy to the team. Dr. Young, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, has had a distinguished career, both in military operations and academia, making him a highly valued addition to Green Flag Ventures.
Dr. Young’s military career is marked by his leadership in some of the most critical aspects of U.S. defense capabilities. He commanded the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing, the 53rd Electronic Warfare Group, and the 388th Electronic Combat Squadron, playing a pivotal role in advancing the United States Air Force’s (USAF) electronic warfare and cyber capabilities. His strategic influence extended to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory, where he was a Fellow in the Cyber System Assessments Group, focusing on cybersecurity assessments for the Department of Defense.
In addition to his military achievements, Dr. Young has made significant contributions to academia and the broader field of secure systems engineering. As an Associate Research Professor at Syracuse University, he specializes in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and has established himself as a leading figure in cybersecurity education. He is the creator of the System-Theoretic Process Analysis for Security (STPA-Sec), a widely adopted security analysis framework that is utilized globally to secure complex systems. His work is recognized in international standards, including the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) DO-356, and he has contributed to the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) SP 800-160 Volume 1 on Systems Security Engineering.
Dr. Young’s academic credentials are equally impressive. He holds a PhD in Systems Engineering from MIT, with a focus on Secure Systems Engineering, and has earned four Master’s Degrees across various fields, in addition to a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science from the USAF Academy. His deep understanding of secure systems engineering and operational electromagnetic spectrum operations has made him a sought-after consultant for global technology giants, including Google, where his expertise has been instrumental in enhancing security frameworks.
Beyond his technical and operational prowess, Dr. Young is known for his leadership in innovation within the military. He founded the Air Force’s Cyber College and the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing, pioneering new approaches to addressing complex security challenges. His contributions to defense studies for the Office of Net Assessment, Defense Science Board, and the Secretary of Defense have been influential in shaping U.S. defense strategy.
Dr. Young’s work has garnered national recognition, with features in Ebony and Black Enterprise Magazine, and he has been honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans by the U.S. Junior Chamber.