Director of Operations

DIRECTOR & FOUNDER

Gavin McCune is an intelligence researcher, youth advocate, and military servicemember whose work has focused on protecting vulnerable populations, supporting youth development, and advancing investigative efforts against criminal organizations involved in human trafficking, child exploitation, and related transnational crimes. Throughout his life, he has demonstrated a commitment to leadership, public service, and community engagement, building organizations and programs designed to make a positive impact on both individuals and communities.

On February 5, 2017, Gavin founded the Department of Unity (DoU), an organization originally established to help young people navigate the challenges associated with bullying, mental health struggles, and personal trauma. Based initially in Riverside County, California, the Department of Unity was created from Gavin’s desire to provide encouragement, resources, and a sense of belonging for youth facing difficult circumstances. What began as a small initiative grew into a broader effort aimed at promoting resilience, personal growth, and peer support among young people.

During his school years, Gavin developed a strong interest in leadership and public service. While attending high school in California, he became heavily involved in the Military Explorers of the Inland Empire, where he founded the organization’s Security Forces Team and served as its leader for more than a year.

His dedication and performance within the program led him to pursue the Cadet Officer Candidate School (C/OCS) track, with the long-term goal of becoming Battalion Commander. However, before he could complete the program, his family relocated to Neenah, Wisconsin, preventing him from achieving that objective. Despite this setback, Gavin remained committed to leadership and continued seeking opportunities to serve and grow.

After relocating from Wisconsin to Reno, Nevada, Gavin continued his involvement in youth leadership and public safety initiatives. Following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked alongside members of the Sparks Police Department to help revitalize and expand the department’s Explorer Program, which had been significantly impacted by the shutdowns of 2020. Through recruitment efforts, mentorship, and program development, he contributed to rebuilding opportunities for young people interested in careers in law enforcement and public service.

Faith and community service also played a significant role in Gavin’s upbringing. Throughout middle school and high school, he was actively involved at Grace Church in Reno, where he served on both the Production Team and the Safety Team. These roles allowed him to develop technical, organizational, and leadership skills while supporting large-scale church events and helping maintain a safe environment for attendees.

In addition to his church involvement, Gavin took on leadership responsibilities within law enforcement explorer programs and the United States Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program (DEP). His dedication to military service motivated him to accelerate his educational goals, and he graduated from high school on December 22, 2022, with plans to begin his military career as soon as possible.

In November 2022, Gavin founded the Ground Coordination Intelligence Service (GCIS), an investigative intelligence and analytical research organization. GCIS was initially established to examine reports and investigative leads involving criminal violence directed toward individuals who participated in student surveys following educational presentations on subjects such as gang violence, bullying, sexual abuse, mental health awareness, and related issues in schools across the United States. As the organization evolved, Gavin expanded its mission to include broader intelligence collection, investigative research, and analytical support focused on combating human trafficking, child exploitation, organized criminal networks, and other forms of transnational crime.

Through determination, persistence, and a deep commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, Gavin transformed GCIS from a small investigative initiative into a growing intelligence-focused organization dedicated to supporting investigative efforts and raising awareness about serious criminal threats. His work has centered on identifying patterns, analyzing information, and developing strategies that can assist in the protection of youth and the disruption of criminal enterprises that exploit children and other at-risk individuals.

Following his graduation, Gavin entered military service and pursued a career in the United States Marine Corps. His military experience further strengthened his interest in security operations, intelligence analysis, leadership, and public service. Throughout his career, he has continued to develop the discipline, teamwork, and operational mindset that have guided many of his personal and professional endeavors.

Looking toward the future, Gavin aspires to continue serving in increasingly demanding operational and leadership roles. He has expressed an interest in pursuing elite military opportunities and advanced training while continuing to expand the capabilities and impact of GCIS.

Beyond his military service, he hopes to transition into federal law enforcement, where he can apply his experience in intelligence, investigations, and public safety to combat human trafficking, child exploitation, and other major criminal threats on a broader scale.

At the core of Gavin McCune’s story is a lifelong commitment to service. Whether mentoring youth, supporting community programs, leading organizations, conducting investigative research, or serving his country, he has consistently sought ways to protect others, strengthen communities, and contribute to causes greater than himself. His journey reflects a belief that leadership is not defined by position alone, but by a willingness to take action, persevere through challenges, and remain dedicated to helping those in need.