Keith Walawender is the Chief Executive Officer of Tomahawk Strategic Solutions. He co-founded Tomahawk with Mike Biller and continues to drive the company’s vision, business development, and finances while providing invaluable knowledge for law enforcement, military, and corporate communities. Under his leadership, Tomahawk is dedicated to enhancing public safety by equipping professionals with the skills to respond effectively and appropriately to evolving threats and emergency situations.
As a distinguished Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL), Mr. Walawender retired from the US military in 2014 due to a severe injury sustained during a combat operation. He had a remarkable 15-year career in the Special Operations community, serving six years at SEAL Team TWO and an additional eight years at Naval Special Warfare Development Group. Throughout his tenure, he completed nine deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and various other missions globally. Chief Walawender’s exceptional service has been recognized with numerous commendations, including the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals with combat valor, two Joint Service Commendation Medals with combat valor, and three Presidential Unit Citations, among others.
A native of Dunkirk, New York, Mr. Walawender enlisted in the US Navy in August 1999 and graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in October 2000. He currently serves on the Design Advisory Council for the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial and the board of advisors for Gaffney Bennett PR, a boutique strategic communications and advisory firm. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife and family.