F i s s i o n P o i n t

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Expert Leadership

At FissionPoint, our leadership is defined by operational depth, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to integrity. Our team draws from decades of experience across national security, nuclear assurance, crisis response, policy development, and critical infrastructure protection. We lead with principle, act with precision, and serve where it matters most.


Thomas V. Ralph, Jr., Esq.

Founder & Managing Director

Tom is an attorney, national security executive, and nuclear engineer who founded FissionPoint Assurance to help organizations manage complex regulatory, security, and legal challenges.

As Deputy Director for Security & Intelligence within the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, he directed security operations for an 80,000-person enterprise with a $100 million-plus budget. He served as the United States lead for AUKUS nuclear-security cooperation and advised flag officers and the National Security Council on critical nuclear challenges. Tom modernized key Department of Energy and Department of Defense security initiatives related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI) and developed international classified nuclear technology-sharing frameworks. This deep history and specific technical knowledge establish Tom as the premier expert on NNPI, classified nuclear technology transfers, and complex security compliance.

Tom holds dual degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering and International Studies from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and earned his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in Maryland. His leadership defines FissionPoint’s focus on clarity, compliance, and trusted strategy across nuclear and defense programs.

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Our Leadership Team

Elijah J. McCarty

Principal Advisor for Critical Infrastructure & Emerging Technologies

Elijah serves as the Principal Advisor for Critical Infrastructure & Emerging Technologies, driving digital transformation across the Department of Defense through AI-enabled inventory assessments that strengthen total force readiness. He brings strategic insight from advising C-suite leaders on $250M in domestic EV and battery manufacturing initiatives and leading startup growth in critical technology sectors. With a proven track record managing over $100M in national security construction and a $2.5B infrastructure portfolio for Naval nuclear facilities, he bridges innovation and mission assurance at the highest levels.

James T. O'Connor

Principal Advisor for Mission Support & Enterprise Strategy

James is an accomplished mechanical engineer and FissionPoint's Principal Advisor for Mission Support & Enterprise Strategy. He brings cross-domain experience in defense manufacturing, naval propulsion, and program management. Prior to joining FissionPoint, he managed acoustic sonar array production at Ultra Maritime and supported reactor plant systems for United States Navy aircraft carriers at Huntington Ingalls Industries. His background spans over $70 million in defense programs, integrating technical design, manufacturing oversight, and data analytics to strengthen readiness and sustainment across the naval industrial base. James holds an MBA in Data Analytics and Modeling from William & Mary and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

John P. Ralph

Principal Advisor for Regulatory Risk & Institutional Governance

John serves as the Principal Advisor for Regulatory Risk & Institutional Governance, helping clients navigate complex supervisory frameworks and evolving regulatory expectations that influence strategy, governance, and reputational standing. He brings deep expertise from Fitch Ratings, where he led credit evaluations of U.S. banks, assessed institutional risk and governance structures, and collaborated directly with senior leadership at global financial institutions. Known for his sound judgment and ability to distill regulatory complexity into actionable insight, John is a trusted advisor to institutions operating in today’s dynamic regulatory and compliance landscape.

James T. Schuller

Principal Advisor for Advanced Manufacturing & Innovation

Jimmy serves as FissionPoint's Principal Advisor for Advanced Manufacturing & Innovation, bringing expertise in nuclear engineering, additive manufacturing, and materials qualification for national defense applications. As Additive Manufacturing Lead Engineer at Naval Reactors, he led the Navy's first generic qualification program for additively manufactured materials and directed a $10 million test initiative for submarines and aircraft carriers. He also managed the Navy's Advanced Technology Innovation Pipeline—a $14 million R&D portfolio spanning over 30 projects. Jimmy holds an M.S. in Engineering Management from Purdue and a B.S. in Manufacturing and Design Engineering from Northwestern. He is pursuing his Juris Doctor at Harvard Law School, expanding his work at the intersection of technology, policy, and national security.