AFCEA

2006 Distinguished Young AFCEANs and Emerging Leadership Award Winners

2006 Distinguished Young AFCEANs

Jonathan Benett, a founding member of the Bethesda Chapter Young AFCEANs in 2004, has been directly involved with all activities including professional development panel discussions and joint events with other professional groups, such as the Young Government Leaders (YGL) and NOVA YAFCEANs. He supports the Chapter in a number of leadership roles, including YAFCEAN Chair and Director of Programs for the Chapter. He initiated and co-chairs a golf tournament, raising over $23,000 annually for scholarships. He was honored as the 2005-2006 Bethesda Chapter YAFCEAN of the Year.

Neal Bowen serves as the Atlanta Chapter’s Vice President, Science Fairs and Science Teaching Tools Program. Since assuming this position, he has had a positive impact on AFCEA and the Atlanta Chapter, formulating new plans and a better organization while adding to an already robust program - increasing the number, amounts and reach of the awards more than 50 percent. He stepped up numerous times to fill in key Chapter vacancies when others were traveling.

Dr. Catharina Candolin is an Officer in the Helsinki Chapter. She serves on the Young AFCEAN Advisory Council and has been instrumental in renovating the Chapter’s website. She was instrumental in arranging TechNet Baltic 2006, and recently provided a doctoral seminar on 5G mobile communications in cooperation with the Helsinki University of Technology. Her efforts to provide free seats for students in local seminars have resulted in expanded opportunities for the Chapter to coordinate with local organizations.

Lee Cantrelle is the Silicon Bayou Chapter Vice President of the Young AFCEANs. Lee has been involved with organizing the Chapter's golf tournament for the past five years. After the Chapter’s former committee chair transferred due to Hurricane Katrina, Lee stepped forward to chair this past year’s event. New challenges existed, and he met the challenges and excelled. Because of committed individuals such as Lee Cantrelle, the Chapter is back on track.

Technical Sergeant Michael Fay serves as the Dayton-Wright Chapter Enlisted Membership Director. He has also served as a committee member for the Base-wide Military Appreciation Picnic and the annual Military Appreciation Social Hospitality (MASH) Bash. He is a past 5 Star Award winner for AFCEA membership recruitment. His efforts have been one of the main reasons that the Dayton-Wright Chapter has won Model Chapter of the Year for 12 consecutive years.

Maj (Sel) Chance Geray has been one of the key volunteers in support of a variety of AFCEA Hawaii functions and actions. He was the primary point of contact and manager of VIP participation in TechNet Asia-Pacific 2006 and 2005. In that role, he has shown significant skills in working with the highest-ranking military and civilian organizations in Hawaii to ensure that they had the necessary Conference details. His attention to detail contributed to significant senior level participation in the Conference.

Jeff Goodman joined the Orlando-Central Florida Chapter in 2005 and immediately accepted the position of Vice President for Young AFCEANs. He began telling the Chapter’s story, especially about our scholarship and grant activities, and how these activities return value to both the community and its members. Because of his personal and professional dedication, Jeff quadrupled the number of Young AFCEANs within the Chapter. He and these new members are now very involved in a variety of Chapter activities, such as education, scholarships, event planning, and the annual TechNet golf tournament.

A1C Angelo Greene serves on Tidewater Board of Directors as Chapter Web Master. He significantly improved chapter Internet presence for sharing information, event updates, and education applications. His involvement helped raise $50,000 for scholarships and significantly influenced chapter success, growth, and stability. He was key to the Chapter’s 2006 Model Chapter, Total Individual Membership Growth, and Individual Member Retention Awards.

2Lt Neftali Herrada is the Kaiserslautern Chapter’s Young AFCEAN program chair. In 2006, he drove a 25% increase in YA participation by organizing seven Chapter events including a CISCO seminar and a technology tour of Deutsche Telecom. He led the fundraising efforts at the Ramstein Bazaar, scheduling over 70 volunteers and bringing in more than $2,800 for the scholarship program. He also planned and organized the Chapter’s Freedom Fest booth, coordinating the efforts of 50 people while raising $750 for scholarships.

Senior Airman Shawn Johnson is a vital member of the Greater Omaha Chapter. Airman Johnson was the “go-to” guy for the Chapter’s TechNet Symposium. He did the publicity, graphics, advertising, registration and logistics support for the exhibitors. He is about to earn the Congressional Award for Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition/Exploration. He is currently working on his second bachelor’s degree and preparing for the Airman’s Commissioning Program with the goal of becoming an officer in the Air Force.

Capt Greg McCulley was instrumental in the revival of the Vandenberg Chapter which had become dormant during the past eight years. Greg volunteered to assist in the Chapter startup, but when the future Chapter President was sent TDY for many weeks, Greg took charge of standing up the Chapter. He submitted the required paperwork to reorganize the unit, and then led/conducted two tech expos and quarterly luncheons. He also led the charge to give out more than $4000 in grants within months of reestablishing the Chapter, and boosted membership by 60% in the first 6 months.

Mr. Mitchell is the Central Maryland Chapter’s Young AFCEAN Vice President of Communication and Secretary. He conceptualized and wrote the Chapter’s Communications Handbook, and led efforts to document the Chapter’s YAAC officer positions and event coordination roles. This year Mr. Mitchell chaired the Chapter’s Bull & Oyster Roast Fundraiser Committee, raising over $8,800 for Scientific Education programs. Mr. Mitchell generated and maintains the Chapter’s website and supports the Scientific Education efforts and Valentines Ball.

LT Jason Nichols co-chaired the Scott-St. Louis Chapter’s most significant event during the Chapter’s program cycle, TechNet Mid-America 2006. This event was the best ever in the Midwest, earning over $25K for the Chapter’s Scholarship fund, attracting 850 participants, over 90 exhibitors, and engaging many current and former Flag Officers. LT Nichols executed this event flawlessly, seeing to every detail from planning to implementation.

John Nilsen has been an active member of the Young AFCEAN Advisory Council where he coordinates membership for interns. Additionally, John supports AFCEA by actively contributing to the Brookdale College Science Fair. John has coordinated technical C4ISR briefings at the AFCEA Transformation 2006 Symposium in Atlantic City. He is serving as an advisor for the PEER Program, which mentors high school students pursuing careers in engineering and science fields. He initiated a mentorship arrangement for a High-Tech High School senior pre-engineering student.

Captain Svetlev has worked hard to bring the Okinawa Chapter back to life! He volunteered as the Chapter Secretary and point of contact and found dedicated volunteers for the positions of president, membership, public relations, and others that represented the island's diverse military services and corporations. He also coordinated closely with AFCEA International to get chapter records in order and re-supply the chapter with membership and operations materials. In addition, he designed a professional chapter logo and built a website to publicize events and contacts.

Over the past year, Captain Dan Visosky has become a Young AFCEAN afterburner who has helped the Lexington-Concord Chapter soar to new heights. He personally reached out to the entire pool of Electronic Systems Center (ESC) Company Grade Officers, coordinated a monumental Air Force Birthday celebration called by the ESC Commander, and helped facilitate cash scholarships to deserving students. In sum, he is the embodiment of a Distinguished Young AFCEAN.

Ms. Heidi Bohn is the Vice President of the Scott-St Louis Young AFCEANs. She voluntarily took charge of the base access process, enabling a wider audience to attend luncheons and special events. Each month she ensured smooth operations of audiovisual support, putting the guest speakers totally at ease. Ms. Bohn developed a brochure aimed at potential Young AFCEANS, boosting membership. Her involvement in several critical areas has been instrumental to the success of three program years.

Lieutenant Brown coordinated the print, radio and TV ads for the Chapter's Tech Expo. He organized interviews for the Chapter president with local radio DJ personalities. He hosted the annual College Night, which offered a birds-eye view to prospective students. He also volunteered at the Chapter food booth during the Officer Spouses Bazaar and helped raise $2,700 for local AFCEA scholarship funds. Lieutenant Brown manned the membership table at the Winter Tech Expo, and continues to be strong supporter to the Kaiserslautern Chapter.

Sergeant Christ orchestrated the fundraising booth at the Ramstein Bazaar, and raised $2,800. He planned an ice cream booth fundraiser at Ramstein's Freedom Fest, and raised $750 toward scholarships. He assisted in the success of the Ramstein Tech Expo, and helped raise $22K for the Chapter scholarship fund. He also managed the annual golf tournament. Sergeant Christ is one of the outstanding members of the Kaiserslautern Chapter, and his contributions in time, effort, dedication and leadership led to the large amounts of money raised for the Chapter Scholarship Program.

Stefanie Coburn, an active member of the NOVA YAFCEANS since 2001, contributes in multiple ways. She is a faithful volunteer for Chapter IT Days, the Golf Tournament, Monthly Luncheons, and TechNet. Stefanie promotes AFCEA programs to her professional and personal networks, persuading her previous employer to become a Corporate member. She recruited six co-workers from her current company as Chapter volunteers. Stefanie is the only YAFCEAN asked to serve on the AFCEA International Education Committee.

Captain Cummins actively served the Stuttgart Chapter of AFCEA in multiple roles throughout 2005 and 2006. He was Chairman of the Tech Expo Committee and, later, Publicity & Awards Vice-President. During his tenure, over $10,000 was raised in support of the Stuttgart Chapter's Scholarship Fund. Captain Cummins has been an AFCEA member for five years and recently became a lifetime member.

Amanda Gustafson has volunteered countless hours supporting numerous Chapter events. Of particular note was a very successful Young AFCEAN trip to a Red Sox game, and a mentoring session with LTG John Dubia, USA (Ret.), which resulted in 25 new Company Grade Officers joining the Chapter. She holds the position of Chapter Events Planner, brings enthusiasm to the Young AFCEAN Board, and has become instrumental in the success of the Young AFCEAN Program

Janice Hendricks is the secretary for the AFCEA Canaveral Chapter. In that capacity, she has made significant contributions to the chapter through her diligent record keeping and initiative. As the overall coordinator for the chapter's Officer Installation Banquet, she was directly responsible for the event being the most successful banquet in many years. She is a joy to work with and brings a great perspective to the organization. She is a great representative for the Canaveral Chapter and AFCEA International.

Sumi Krishnan serves the NOVA Chapter as Script Manager for Monthly Luncheons of 350 to 500 attendees with senior DOD speakers. The complex program requires extraordinary dedication in collecting data, compiling information, and producing the 20+ page script and presentation, all by virtual meetings. Sumi provides flawless coordination and transparent script support. In recognition of her exceptional performance, Sumi was named SuperNOVA for October, a distinction that is given to a different AFCEA NOVA volunteer each month for outstanding support of Chapter programs. She is active with the YAFCEANs, volunteering at Chapter IT Days and organizing the YAFCEAN mentor/protégé night.

Lieutenant Malloy is the Treasurer for the Kaiserslautern Chapter. He played an active role in the 2006 Tech Expo, and helped raise $20K for scholarships. He implemented a new on-line payment system to easily collect scholarship donations from corporate sponsors, and simplified the process so much that sponsors made $15K in donations within three weeks of the program setup. He has made an enormous contribution in time and dedication to support the Kaiserslautern Chapter.

Ms. Dewonda McComb co-chaired the Scott-St. Louis Chapter’s most significant event during the Chapter’s program cycle, TechNet Mid-America 2006. This event was the best ever in the Midwest, earning over $25K for the Chapter’s Scholarship fund, attracting 850 participants, over 90 exhibitors, and engaging many current and former Flag Officers. Ms. McComb executed this event flawlessly, seeing to every detail from planning to implementation.

Lieutenant Brian Merrell is the Los Angeles Chapter’s Young AFCEAN Affairs Representative and the representative to the Space and Missile Systems Center Company Grade Officer organization. He served as the Chapter Military Liaison to the MILSATCOM Systems Wing (MCSW) for the recent 5th MILSATCOM Symposium. His efforts ensured maximum government attendance. The Commander of MCSW, praised the event as enabling “exactly the types of discussions that need to be taking place in order to meet the long term future needs of the warfighter.”

Mr. Nguyen leads the Chapter’s Technology Over Bagels seminar program and is designing and building a new technical seminar program inside the National Security Agency. Mr. Nguyen is active in the Chapter’s Scientific Education programs including judging science fairs and planning and developing innovative ways of engaging the Chapter and the Maryland Department of Education to advance computer literacy for the state’s adult citizens. Mr. Nguyen is active in recruiting new Government members to AFCEA.

As the Huntsville Chapter Scholarship Chair, Rick Tuggle has facilitated visits to local high schools during Engineering Week, scholarship programs at Calhoun Community College, and a new Chapter award for the North Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair. He recently coordinated the Science Teaching Tools Award presented to two local high school science teachers. He also headed the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Summit data management team, contributing to the success of the Summit and ensuring its continuation in 2007.

Chris Cannavaro has provided exceptional support to NOVA Chapter activities and the YAFCEAN program. Currently Chair of the Young AFCEANs, he serves on the NOVA Board and is responsible for the YAFCEAN mission, goals, activities, and budget for the year. He planned an aggressive calendar of events and recruited volunteers to lead each event. He coordinated joint events to build cooperative relationships with YAFCEANs from other Chapters. Chris leads the YAFCEANs in support of the Chapter goals, fostering growth of Government personnel among its membership and increasing volunteerism on the Chapter’s committees. His leadership and dedication to the AFCEA mission are invaluable.

Ms. Kyle has conceptualized and implemented the Central Maryland Chapter’s Professional Development Seminar Program, has supported the AFCEA Central Maryland Scientific Education Committee, and has led the coordinated documentation for the Young AFCEAN Advisory Council enabling information sharing with other Young AFCEAN Chapters. This year, Ms. Kyle is the Chapter’s Vice President of Events providing leadership and oversight for the Chapter’s Bull & Oyster Roast, Valentines Ball and Technology Over Bagels Program.

Clifford Nelson is currently the Vice President for the Dayton-Wright Chapter’s Young AFCEAN Program. As a result of his interaction with the younger generation, Clifford provides “hands on” support to programs including “Forging Responsible Youth” and “Kids In New Directions”, the Chapter’s Chairman of the Board special endeavors, both of which target inner-city kids with after school activities that foster computer literacy. He co-founded a communications and business technology company which specifically employs students from his alma mater vocational school, enabling them to utilize their education in the rapidly expanding IT field.

Mr. Kyriakos (Kirk) Theophanous is the Vice President of Academic Affairs for the Greater Omaha Chapter. Through his efforts, the Chapter has awarded over $35,000 in scholarships and awards to future and current college students and Young AFCEANs. Mr. Theophanous was recently selected into the Legislative Fellows Program, the only Air Force civilian selected for this prestigious program. His support of AFCEA, his drive for mission accomplishment and his desire to further his professional goals have earned him AFCEA’s Emerging Leadership Award.

Ms. Walker has supported the AFCEA Central Maryland Scientific Education Committee and has been involved in all Chapter Young AFCEAN programs and events. As the Vice President of the Chapter’s Young AFCEAN Advisory Council, Ms. Walker continuously volunteers for events including the Bull & Oyster Roast, the Valentines Ball, and Mentorship Nights, often leading key areas. Ms. Walker has consistently and actively driven membership growth, especially in the Young AFCEAN program.

Lieutenant Lily Yeung-Wagner is the Kaiserslautern Chapter’s Scholarships and Awards chair. In 2006, she presented over $20,000 to 60 scholarship recipients, acquired $1,000 for a new Science Teaching Tools award, and volunteered to raise money at numerous Chapter fundraisers to benefit the scholarship program. She was also instrumental in the Chapter receiving the 2004 and 2005 Model Chapter of the Year awards and crafted the 2006 package to ensure all milestones are achieved. She is the first to volunteer for any service, anywhere, anytime.