Donald H. Estes - Principal Analyst
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Mr. Estes has over 17 years of experience in exercise, tabletop, and game design, execution, analysis, and reporting.  As a Principal Analyst at Sonalysts, Inc. since 1997, he currently provides on-site analytical and gaming support to the U.S. Naval War College, exercise and tabletop support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Comprehensive Exercise Program, exercise and tabletop support to the recently completed National Security Council/Department of Homeland Security sponsored Livewire 2003 exercise and Exercise Top Officials (TOPOFF) 2003, and design and analysis support to Sonalysts’ corporate gaming initiatives. 

Prior to his employment with Sonalysts, Mr. Estes worked for a large American consulting firm in Saudi Arabia (1994-97) in the capacity of exercise and game designer and facilitator for the Royal Saudi Navy forces. He was in the U.S. Navy for 30 years with assignments as Commanding Officer of a large intelligence center (1989-91) and staff assignments in various senior military commands. While on active duty at the Naval War College (1983-86 and 1991-94) he was in charge of an organization that designed, executed, and analyzed over 50 games and tabletop exercises a year. He has been involved in designing, executing, analyzing, and reporting of over 100 exercises, tabletops, and games. The outcome of Mr. Estes’ efforts enabled various agencies within the Federal government, corporations, universities, and allied organizations to gain insights and explore issues in greater depth as they planned for contingencies, reorganization, and improved readiness.