Bernie Champoux joined Hanwha in May 2017, formed and led the establishment of their US & Americas business for four years, before moving to Government Relations, May 2021. Prior to Hanwha, he consulted for Lockheed Martin, L3, CENTRA Technology, Analytical Services (ANSER), and the Defense Science Board. He is a founding Director, Korean Defense Veterans Association; a Director for MFSI Government Group, the National Defense Industrial Association, and Vice Chairman, Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation.
Bernie served nearly 39 years in the US Army commanding from Platoon through Field Army in light, mechanized, and motorized Infantry, with multiple tours in the Rangers, and numerous operational deployments including over three years in combat. He led the 25th Infantry Division as the last Division Headquarters in Iraq during Operation New Dawn.
Bernie was the Executive Officer to the Commander in Chief, United States Southern Command and the Executive Assistant to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was also both the Deputy and Chief of Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Army.
Following in his father's footsteps who served as a company commander during the Korean War, Bernie served almost four years in the Republic of Korea culminating his tour of duty as the Commander, Eighth Army while simultaneously serving as the Chief of Staff for United Nations Command, ROK-US Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea. He received the Gukseon Medal, Order of National Merit from the ROK government and the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal for his contributions to the ROK-US Alliance.
Bernie received his BA from Saint Anselm College, is a graduate of the US Army War College, and the Army Strategic Leader Development Program.