John is an experienced government, military, defense, and business professional, having served leadership tenures
across a variety of public and private sector offices. He serves also as Chairman of the Strategic Advisory Board and
Executive Director of Global Government Affairs for NANO Nuclear Energy Inc., where he advises on growth, governance,
and strategy at both the domestic and international levels. John has also held similar senior roles with leading
institutions including The Rockefeller Foundation, GAMCO Investors, Inc., K2 Capital, and Cross Range Capital LLC.
Previously, Mr. Vonglis served as the Senate-confirmed Chief Financial Officer of the US Department of Energy, as well
as DOE’s Chief Risk Officer. Additionally, he was appointed by the President as acting Director of ARPA-E. His
public service includes senior leadership roles at the Department of Defense, culminating as acting Assistant Air
Force Secretary (CFO). A retired US Army Reserve Colonel with 34 years of experience in special operations, John has
served in the Administrations of Presidents Bush, Obama, and Trump.
In his role as Strategic Advisor, Mr. Vonglis will work closely with the Company’s leadership to support strategic
positioning, government and stakeholder engagement, and long-term corporate development as Deep Sea Minerals advances
its critical minerals initiatives.
“We are privileged to welcome John as a strategic advisor to Deep Sea Minerals Corp.,” said James Deckelman, Chief
Executive Officer of Deep Sea Minerals Corp. “His distinguished career across the highest levels of government,
defense, and energy policy brings a rare combination of strategic, financial, and geopolitical insight. As the global
competition for critical minerals intensifies, his perspective will be invaluable in guiding the Company’s long-term
strategy, positioning and engagement with key stakeholders.”
Mr. Vonglis’ appointment is purely advisory in nature, and he will not assume any role as an officer or director of
the Company.
Pursuant to the Company’s Stock Option Plan and subject to regulatory approval, the Company has granted 75,000 stock
options (the “Options”) to Mr. Vonglis in connection with his appointment as Strategic Advisor to the Company. Each
option is exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company (a “Share”) at an exercise price equal to the market
price of the Shares on the date of grant, for a period of five (5) years from the date of grant, provided that Mr.
Vonglis continues to provide services to the Company.