The chapter convened government, military and industry leaders for its annual Military IT and Cyber Leadership Awards program, recognizing individuals and teams whose contributions advanced mission readiness, operational resilience and innovation across the joint force. The event highlighted achievements spanning the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard and Joint Command communities, reflecting the growing role of cyber operations, secure communications and data-driven capabilities in modern warfare.

The program featured keynote remarks from Lt. Gen. Paul Stanton, commander of the Department of War Cyber Defense Command, and director of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). The discussion focused on the importance of resilient networks, operational communications and cyber capabilities in supporting military missions across contested environments. Examples from recent operations underscored the role of secure communications an … Read more

The chapter proudly concluded its flagship event, the Tidewater Integrated Combat Symposium (TWICS) 2026, held May 4-6 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia. This year's symposium centered on a critical mission: TWICS 2026 Theme: Highlighting Relevant Technologies That Will Shape the Combat Air Forces To Be a Little More Ready for Tomorrow.

The event saw 906 total registrations and was made possible by the incredible support of our partners, including Title Sponsors World Wide Technology, AV3 and Google Public Sector, alongside the dedication of more than 100 volunteers.

TWICS 2026 delivered unparalleled educational value through eight keynote speakers, 35 breakout sessions and 10 specialized training sessions. The main exhibit hall featured 65 vendors, including 12 government and academia booths. A major operational highlight was Raptor Town, a venue emphasizing industry-warfighter synergy that hosted 29 vendors and drew approximately 250 attende … Read more

The chapter held its annual Awards Night in person in May with 200 people attending. Jessica Morgenstern, chapter vice president of scholarships, served as master of ceremonies, and chapter leaders helped to present the scholarships. Ten students were recognized and received scholarships totaling $120,000. Each student recipient responded to a thought-provoking question, giving the audience some insight into their personalities and abilities. This was another impressive group! The chapter also recognized and gave certificates to its Kickstarter Grant recipients, who received their awards in December. Thirty-three K-12 schools received grants of up to $5,000 to bring STEM education into the classroom. There was also a $25,000 contribution to AFCEA International Education Foundation and Shaunté Russell, vice president of membership, accepted the contribution on behalf of the foundation.

Students receiving STEM scholarships this year are (from top left) Caroline Carleton, M … Read more

In April, Maj. Gen. AnnMarie Anthony, USAF, director, Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Operations Center, U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, spent time with the chapter apprising the assembly on EMS and what her center does.

Anthony thanked the chapter for inviting her to talk about electromagnetic spectrum operations. She presented a diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum, describing it as a physical phenomenon referred to as electromagnetic radiation. She talked about long waves characterized by low frequency, low power, but really good for long range communications. She contrasted this to short waves, which are high frequency and high energy ionization. These types of waves are better for high resolution and high data rates, but they do not travel very far. She clarified that the dilemma is trying to combine the high data rate of the short wave with the long range of the long waves to obtain the most ideal signal. This is a problem t … Read more

The chapter convened government, military and industry leaders for its latest luncheon, Future Readiness: DOW CIOs Mapping Digital Modernization and Operational Readiness through AI and Zero Trust 2.0. The senior Department of War information leaders discussed the priorities shaping enterprise information technology, cybersecurity and data strategy across the department.

The program opened with networking, providing attendees the opportunity to connect with peers, government representatives and industry partners before formal remarks began. As with all AFCEA Washington DC Chapter events, the luncheon served as a forum for direct engagement, reinforcing the chapter's role in fostering collaboration across the defense technology community.

The panel featured Roger Greenwell, chief information officer and risk management executive, Defense Information Systems Agency; Eric Oliver, director of information technology and chief information officer, Department of Defen … Read more

AFCEA NOVA's Space Force IT Day 2026 brought together government, military and industry leaders for a powerful day of discussion focused on this year's theme, From Infrastructure to Impact: Delivering Digital Combat Power.

Held at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia, the event highlighted how the U.S. Space Force and its mission partners are advancing cyber, data, AI, acquisition and operational capabilities to support the future fight.
Thank you to all of our distinguished speakers, moderators, sponsors, exhibitors and attendees who made this event such a success. Special appreciation to chapter leadership and Space Force IT Day planning committee for delivering an impactful program that fostered meaningful conversations and collaboration across the space and defense community.

The event brought together leaders from across the Space Force, Department of War, allied partners, industry, government, military and more to discuss key topics includi … Read more

The chapter convened government, military and industry leaders in March for its latest luncheon, "Hardening the DOW's Operational Technology," bringing focused attention to securing operational technology (OT) in support of mission resilience. The event featured keynote remarks from John Garstka, director of Cyber Warfare, Office of the Assistant Secretary of War, followed by a panel of senior cyber warfare leaders. The discussion highlighted the convergence of cyber, physical infrastructure and warfighting capabilities across the Department of War.

The keynote portion of the program focused on cybersecurity of operational systems as a critical component of national defense, particularly as threats increasingly target systems that underpin both military and civilian operations. The discussion emphasized mitigating cyber risk to critical infrastructure by improving understanding of dependencies on commercial systems that support Department of War operations. Garstka also n … Read more

In April, the chapter hosted its Small Business Breakfast, bringing together experts to discuss how small businesses can navigate cybersecurity requirements tied to federal contracting. Panelists included Victoria Yan Pillitteri of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) and Technology, Noel Vestal of Aethon Security, and moderator Katie Helwig of Mild Red LLC.

Panelists emphasized starting with education, noting that NIST offers extensive free resources to help businesses understand frameworks like NIST 800-171 and CMMC before making major investments. They also stressed the importance of selecting the right partners, including preparers and assessors, who align with a company's size, goals and technical needs.

Defining the scope of controlled unclassified information (CUI) was highlighted as a strategic decision. Organizations should avoid overbuilding while ensuring they meet current requirements. At the same time, businesses were encouraged to design sys … Read more

In March 2026, the chapter hosted the workshop Information Synergies for Future Security at the premises of the Club of Rome (COR) in Rome. The event, organized in collaboration with Sistemi & Automazione-an AFCEA corporate member-brought together representatives from institutions, armed forces, industry and academia for a high-level discussion on the evolving role of information in security and defence.

The event was opened by Gen. Antonio Tangorra, ITAF (Ret.), who reaffirmed the role of the chapter as a key platform for dialogue between public and private stakeholders on topics related to security, innovation and technological development.

Gen. Div. Sandro Sanasi, commander of the COR, highlighted the increasing centrality of information in modern operational contexts, characterized by growing complexity, multidomain integration and the need for enhanced interoperability.

The technical session was introduced by Roberto De Finis, Sistemi & Automazione, whose p … Read more

In February, the chapter hosted its second annual AFCEA Silicon Valley Cyber and IT Summit. The event featured cutting-edge and thought-provoking presentations and allowed participants to engage with experts on the latest trends, threats and innovations in cybersecurity and information technology (IT).

Networking opportunities included connection with peers, colleagues and industry professionals from across the globe during dedicated networking sessions and social events.

An exhibition showcase allowed exploration of the latest products, solutions and services offered by leading companies in the cybersecurity and IT sectors.

In January, the chapter brought together government, military and industry leaders for its DISA Luncheon at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia. Centered on the theme, Supporting the Warfighter From Enterprise to Edge, the sold-out event highlighted the Defense Information Systems Agency's role in delivering resilient, secure and modernized information capabilities across the Department of War. Strong attendance from across the defense information technology (IT) community reflected sustained interest in how enterprise modernization efforts are translating into mission impact.

The program began with networking, giving attendees the opportunity to connect with peers, DISA representatives and other government officials before the formal remarks. As with all chapter events, the luncheon created space for direct engagement between government and industry, a core part of the chapter's mission to advance collaboration in support of national security.

Th … Read more

The Annual Chapter Meeting was held in March at Tradewinds, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, with multiple speakers. Don "Thunder" Cloud, emcee and chapter executive vice president provided the introduction to the meeting. Chapter President Dick Palmieri spoke to the membership about where the chapter made the biggest impact in meeting its chapter goals. Cloud also served as moderator for the guest speaker panel from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's J63 Cyber Operations Division Chief Col. Jared Voneida, USMC, and the J6 Chief Technology Officer CW4 Mike Butler. Palmieri also presented a Coin of Excellence and Cloud presented the chapter's engraved coffee mug to guest speakers Voneida and Butler in appreciation of their candid discussions with the chapter's membership.

Despite a lapse in federal funding last fall, continued budget uncertainty this year and even a surprise snowstorm after a week of springlike temperatures, the chapter proved that resilience extends beyond the battlefield! The chapter successfully convened government and industry leaders for its annual Naval IT Day in March, centered on the theme, Enabling the Naval Force: Data, Digital, and Decision Advantage.

The event brought together U.S. Navy and Marine Corps technology leaders to discuss how digital transformation, resilient networks and data-driven decision-making are shaping the future of naval operations. Thank you to Ryan Cox and his team on the AFCEA NOVA Naval IT Day Planning Committee.

Louis Koplin, program executive officer for Program Executive Office (PEO) Digital at the U.S. Department of the Navy, opened the morning keynote with a discussion of the OV-1 operational concept, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology modernization with mission … Read more

Six members of the chapter were recognized with the 2025 Distinguished Young Professional Award. The award honors early- to mid-career professionals who have demonstrated leadership, professional achievement and support of AFCEA's mission.

The Washington DC Chapter recipients are:
• Michelle Dreimann, Palo Alto Networks
• Alexandra Manson, Kwaan Bear Technology
• Daniel Miller, eSimplicity
• Elana Rivkin, Amazon
• Jonathan Silverman, Leidos
• Michael Snyder, Comcast Government Services

In addition, two chapter members received the 2025 Emerging Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who have shown leadership potential and meaningful contributions within their organizations and the AFCEA community.

The recipients are:
• Christina Mapa Thayer, Red Hat
• Lorenzo Paluzzi, Adaptavist Inc.

The chapter also received the 2025 Model Emerging Leaders Program Award. This recognition is presented to cha … Read more

The annual State of the BES luncheon provides an opportunity for the director of Business Enterprise Systems (BES) to both recognize the past year's accomplishments and, more importantly, articulate where industry partnership is essential to achieving future objectives. During this year's event, attended by a mix of 153 industry and government professionals, Alvin F. Burse, a member of the Senior Executive Service, and program executive officer (PEO) and director, BES Directorate, outlined the BES's most pressing challenges and highlighted how industry can help address them.
Burse emphasized that the Department of the Air Force (DAF) is undergoing a cultural shift in which acquisition is now recognized as a warfighting function. As a result, the BES must deliver rapid improvements to the DAF and Department of War mission outcomes, with speed, efficiency and quality treated as mission imperatives. Additional challenges include increasing competition and responsiveness to operati … Read more

In January, Darren Petrie, AI delivery architect, General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, Virginia, spent time with the chapter, sharing his thoughts on the augmented information technology (IT) professional. Petrie stated up front that artificial intelligence (AI) is not a product category-it is a capability amplifier. For decades, IT in the Department of War (DOW) has been measured by uptime, tickets closed and systems patched. All important work, but still invisible work. AI changes that. Not by replacing the people, but by connecting IT effort directly to mission outcomes. The question is not "Will AI replace IT professionals?" The real question is "Which organizations will augment their employees fast enough to matter?" Petrie touched on how the cloud would not have come into being without DevSecOps; similarly, he commented on how ChatGPT had a similar impact on AI by contributing to the AI explosion. Petrie talked about how AI agents run autonomously-these are … Read more

The chapter, in coordination with partner Integration Innovation Inc. (i3), hosted Col. Guy Yelverton, USA, deputy for acquisition and systems management, Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Fires, during its monthly luncheon in February.

Yelverton shared the organization layout and his vision for the U.S. Army's core modernization enterprises that are responsible for shaping, integrating and delivering the Army's most critical fires capabilities, spanning: long-range precision fires, hypersonic weapons, integrated air and missile defense, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, advanced sensors and the digital command-and-control networks that connect them.

The chapter launched its inaugural event in November 2025 at the Capital Factory, with a timely and engaging discussion on Demystifying CMMC: Facts, Fiction and the Path to Readiness.

The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion focused on understanding what's real, what's not and how organizations can effectively prepare for CMMC certification.

Panelists included Thomas Graham, vice president and chief information security officer (CISO) at Redspin, a division of Clearwater; Kyle Lai, president and chief security officer of KLC Consulting, an Authorized CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO), and Chris Haigh, founder and CEO of Meerkat Cyber, providers of CMMC Consulting and certified C3PAO and training services under the Department of Defense's CMMC Framework.

Attendees heard firsthand from recognized CMMC and cybersecurity experts and gained practical insights into compliance strategies, certification readiness, common misconceptions and … Read more

During a recent guest speaker luncheon, the Hampton Roads Chapter welcomed Vice Adm. Daniel Dwyer, USN, deputy chief of naval operations for Operations, Plans, Strategy and Warfighting Development (N3N5N7), at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Dwyer provided an in-depth perspective on the Navy's vital role in preserving global stability, protecting freedom of navigation and securing the maritime domain for future generations.

Dwyer emphasized that the Navy operates within an actual global water economy, where prosperity and security depend on open and accessible sea lanes. The Navy's mission to uphold freedom of navigation remains foundational, ensuring that international commerce can flow unimpeded through vital maritime corridors.

Today, the fleet consists of 293 ships, with more than 100 ships and submarines actively deployed worldwide. These forward-deployed forces provide not only military capability, but also significant diplomatic leverage, reinforcin … Read more

The chapter kicked off 2026 with the swearing in of new and returning board of directors:
Kelly Jenne, chapter president
Kailey Cornick, chapter executive vice president
Danielle Thomasson, chapter secretary
Zeib Parvez, chapter treasurer
Eric Johnson, chapter vice president of programs
Eric Davis, chapter vice president of education
Beth Armistead, chapter vice president of awards
Faith Brent, chapter vice president of communications
Rebecca Newberry, chapter vice president of membership
Capt. Brett O'Donovan, chapter vice president of military affairs
Caitlin Johnson, chapter vice president of Maritime IT Summit
Danna Kassis, chapter vice president of Emerging Leaders
Amy Yendell, chapter chair of small business
Teresa Duvall*, chapter chair of special programs
Neil Bourassa*, chapter historian
Larry Minnick*, special activities, golf
Caitlin Johnson, immediate past chapter president
Matthew Umphlet, webmaster
*denotes past … Read more

The chapter hosted its annual Holiday Social in December at the Minuteman Commons, Hanscom Air Force Base, celebrating the remarkable Unsung Heroes who support the Hanscom community with dedication and excellence. Attendees enjoyed a festive evening of food, connection and celebration, while recognizing individuals whose behind-the-scenes efforts make a lasting impact.

Guests contributed food and toy donations, and the chapter proudly presented a $5,000 check to Operation Warmheart. A special thanks to our outstanding narrator, Capt. Hansel Suharli.

This year's Unsung Hero honorees are: Jen McCarthy, Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management (C3BM) and Cyber and Networks; James Curro, C3BM/Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C3C), Kessel Run; Staff Sgt. Virginia Barrack, 66th Air Base Group/commander support staff; Amanda Martinez, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center; Lauren Craft-Tarter, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC)/educat … Read more

The chapter hosted its annual Fall Gala with a theme of Harvesting Innovation. The guest speaker, Col. Joseph L. Heyman, spoke about the challenges of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into operations faced by the Department of Defense. Additionally, students ranging from high school seniors to college sophomores presented their research on the Pentagon's AI hierarchy of needs. The chapter was honored to celebrate three scholarships recipients. The winners received a one-year academic scholarship paid for by the chapter.

Scholarship Awardees:
$3,000
Kaitlynn Lynn
University of Alabama - Huntsville, Cybersecurity Engineering

$1,500
Giles Burnett
Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering

AJ Teter
Mississippi State University, Aerospace Engineering

A small gathering of chapter supporters participated in a tour of the Scott Data Center in September. Participants received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of one of the Midwest's premier, highly secure, mission-critical facilities. The event offered a unique opportunity to learn about state-of-the-art data center infrastructure operations and the evolving cybersecurity landscape. The event coordinator Ashlee Zimmerer, chapter vice president of Emerging Leaders, was quite pleased with the turnout and commented that she is looking forward to developing other opportunities to help get chapter supporters involved with the chapter.

In April, in addition to discussing today's complex security environment and current reserve component competencies, Brig. Gen. Reid Novotny, ANG, National Guard Bureau A2/6, spoke on the importance of integrating the military cyber community with industry expertise through organizations such as AFCEA International.

In May, the chapter held a Lunch and Learn Commander's Panel. The event was sponsored by GDIT. Col. Scott McGovern, USAF (Ret.), chapter president, introduced the panel and asked each to answer a series of questions. Afterward attendees were able to ask the Commanders question.

The chapter had the privilege of welcoming back Maj. Gen. Dave Yarker, head of the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command, as their guest speaker during an executive breakfast. Although the Cyber Command is still in its early stages-just eight months since its establishment-progress has already been made, both domestically and on deployed operations.

Yarker provided valuable insights into the planning, coordination and integration in the focus areas of defensive and offensive cyber operations, signals intelligence and joint electronic warfare.

While acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, he expressed a strong sense of optimism about the path forward, highlighting that a broadly secure Canada remains well within reach.

The Huntsville location is a key epicenter for warfighter defense across the world!

With that said, 2025 has been busy with the chapter's Tech Luncheons, Emerging Leaders Mentorship Social and Monthly Membership Events. Speakers have included the program executive officer for Program Executive Office (PEO) Missiles and Space, director of Defense Intelligence Agency Missiles and Space Intelligence Center, executive director for Joint Program Office Guam Defense System, Army Materiel Command G-2 deputy chief of staff and the PEO Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors Infrared Countermeasures project manager speaking on topics such as the Golden Dome, contested logistics, the China threat, artificial intelligence, modeling and simulation, and cybersecurity utilization and needs within their offices in the United States, Ukraine and Indo-Pacific Command.

After being dormant during COVID-19, the chapter has established new leadership and is getting its feet on the groun … Read more

On the occasion of the graduation ceremony at the Milan Rastislav Stefanik Armed Forces Academy in Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia, the President of the Slovak Republic H.E. Peter Pellegrini met with the Chapter Vice President Col. Ladislav Kollarik (Ret.). Their meeting marked a significant step toward enhancing national and international cooperation in the field of security and resilience.

During their discussion, both leaders expressed a shared commitment to deepening collaboration through future joint initiatives. These efforts aim to strengthen Slovakia's strategic capabilities and foster innovation in defense and cybersecurity.

This dialogue underscores the importance of partnerships between state institutions and professional organizations in addressing evolving security challenges.

The chapter, in cooperation with the M. R. Stefanik Armed Forces Academy in Liptovsky Mikulas, is preparing the second edition of the AFCEA regional conference dedicat … Read more

The chapter was joined by Steve Hindle, who was formerly with the British government intelligence community and is now CEO of Simple Security and founder of Achilles Shield. Hindle discussed the current cybersecurity crises in the world and how to combat today's current threat landscape. Ransomware attacks are set to drastically exceed previous years, and not only are there more attacks, the average time to exploit sensitive information is down to just minutes. Another interesting fact that Hindle shared was that North Korea operatives have infiltrated roughly 7% of Fortune 2000 companies. Considering the recent events in the Middle East, Hindle discussed the possibility of retaliation by Iran via cyber attacks. Companies and individuals should take preemptive measures to patch up networks and secure their data now before it's too late.

In May, Col. Andrew Frey, USAF, commander, 2nd Weather Group, 557th Weather Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, shared his thoughts with the chapter on the 557th Weather Wing, America's Weather Wing. Frey pointed out that more than 60% of Americans check the weather daily. People think about what activities they can engage in, then things become more technical and specific.

It is this specificity that drives people to obtain input that is more interoperable, correct and integrated when it comes to weather. Frey commented that for the past 25 years, U.S. forces have operated in the Middle East. He clarified that weather can be considered innocuous, but it's often ubiquitous and indifferent to geopolitical boundaries. In other words, the right weather information can underpin a decision advantage.

Frey discussed how the 55th Weather Wing was born from the former Air Force Weather Agency. He talked about the 557th Weather Wing's enterprise role. They maintain the U.S … Read more

In April, the chapter had the honor of hosting Katie Arrington, previously performing the duties of the Department of Defense (DOD) chief information officer, at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia. Addressing a packed audience of industry and government leaders, Arrington delivered a clear and urgent message: the Department-and its partners-must break from the status quo to secure tomorrow's mission against today's rapidly evolving threats.

Arrington outlined several critical priorities shaping the DOD's future technology posture. She emphasized that zero trust is mandatory, not optional, with full compliance expected by 2027. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) must be embraced as a cultural shift, not just a compliance checklist. Legacy processes like Risk Management Framework and traditional authority to operate are being replaced by real-time monitoring platforms like EMAS, powered by AI tools. New initiatives such as SWIFT (Software Fast Trac … Read more

Regional Vice President for Central and Eastern Europe (RVP CEE) Petr Jirasek actively participated in several regional events to raise awareness about AFCEA, its mission, vision and especially its initiatives aimed at the younger generation. During the "Adventure with Technology" event, organized by the South Bohemian Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic, the RVP CEE introduced a quiz designed for the first issue of AFCEA's SIGNAL KIDS-a new initiative to engage young minds in the world of science and technology.

Engaging youth in STEM fields and encouraging them to participate in AFCEA activities is a key priority. These outreach efforts highlight the importance of fostering curiosity, innovation and ethical awareness among future leaders. By supporting such events and developing child-friendly content, AFCEA continues to build bridges between the world of defense, cybersecurity and the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers.

In May, AFCEA International Regional Vice President for Central and Eastern Europe Petr Jirasek presented the Regional Meritorious Service Award to Katerina Anna Magnna, government affairs lead for the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary at Microsoft, in recognition of her outstanding and long-term collaboration with the chapter.

The award honors Magnna's sustained contributions to the success of the chapter's conferences and initiatives, particularly in the areas of responsible artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and digital transformation. Her leadership has played a vital role in promoting ethical standards and socially responsible approaches in the rapidly evolving field of AI.

Through her professional expertise and ability to connect government, industry and academia, Magnna has helped to foster informed discussion and practical understanding of responsible AI practices. Her support has been instrumental in advancing public and private sector inno … Read more

In May, the chapter hosted the 18th Annual Military IT & Cyber Leadership Awards Banquet at the Army-Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia. The event honored 18 outstanding officers and enlisted service members from across the Department of Defense for their exceptional contributions to advancing military information technology and cyber operations.

• U.S. Army Officer Awardee: Chief Warrant Officer 3 Eugy W. Zermeno
• U.S. Army Enlisted Awardee: Sgt. Jaime Flores
• U.S. Marine Corps Officer Awardee: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael Huck
• U.S. Marine Corps Enlisted Awardee: Staff Sgt. Alec M. Durbin
• U.S. Navy Officer Awardee: Lt. Marley Rakow
• U.S. Navy Enlisted Awardee: ITC Shane Callaghan
• U.S. Air Force Officer Awardee: Maj. Matthew G. Darby
• U.S. Air Force Enlisted Awardee: Master Sgt. Duane Bailey
• U.S. Coast Guard Officer Awardee: Lt. Kent H. Altobelli
• U.S. Coast Guard Enlisted Awardee: Petty Officer 1st Class Sean Ayers
• U.S Sp … Read more

The chapter hosted its annual STEM charity golf tournament in May at The Eagles Golf Club in Odessa, Florida. The tournament featured over 150 golfers and raised over $34,000 for cyber outreach and scholarships in the community through sponsorships, raffles and auctions.

In April, the chapter held an annual conference in Rome at the Casa dell'Aviatore, entitled Defending Against Fake News, Digital Interceptions and Information Manipulation: the Role of AI. The event explored the link between disinformation, hybrid threats and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a strategic tool for cybersecurity and cognitive defense.

Lt. Gen. Antonio Tangorra opened the meeting, emphasizing the urgency of addressing disinformation and digital manipulation, increasingly relevant threats to national security and the resilience of democratic societies.

Chiara Camerani, CEPIC, highlighted how disinformation thrives on infodemia, functional illiteracy and cognitive bias. Social media and algorithms reinforce these dynamics, fostering polarization and the propagation of conspiracy, which can lead to violent extremism.

Maria Felicita Mucci, Systems & Automation, illustrated how AI, combined with graph analysis, is able to dismantle disinformati … Read more

The chapter kicked off 2025 with an awards ceremony giving away $5,000 for its STEM Teaching Tools Awards (STTA).

Every year, the chapter promotes effective STEM education by enhancing the resources available to STEM teachers in middle and secondary schools in the Hampton Roads area through a joint effort of the AFCEA International Educational Foundation and the chapter. Five teachers from three different schools in the area were awarded and brought some of their STEM students.

Congratulations to all our STTA recipients:
Sarah McDonald, Lakeland High School, Suffolk, Virginia
Heather McGee, Lakeland High School
Amy Jacobs, Lakeland High School
Joey Seal, Nansemond Suffolk Academy, Suffolk, Virginia
James Reich, teaching, Virginia Beach Advanced Technology Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Following the awards ceremony, the chapter swore in its new and returning board of directors:

Caitlin Johnson, president
Kelly Jen … Read more

This year, the chapter has hosted or participated in significant events that reinforced its commitment to education, professional development and academic collaboration.

In March, the chapter hosted its 2nd Annual Hampton Roads Navy Small Business Expo in Hampton, Virginia. The event attracted hundreds of companies and professionals who gathered to network, participate in workshops and professional matchmaking, and engage in demonstrations and discussions on critical topics, including government solicitations. This event was an invaluable learning experience, fostering knowledge-sharing between industry leaders and small businesses while highlighting career and academic pathways within the defense sector. Many sponsors and U.S. Navy commands came together for the event, including Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Amentum, ManTech, Tecnico, Convergint, Propulsion Controls Engineering, BAE Systems, GDIT, Vertiv, RGBSI, Portsmouth Virg … Read more

The chapter held its annual Awards Night in May with 300 people attending. Jessica Morgenstern, chapter vice president of scholarships, served as master of ceremonies, and chapter leaders helped to present the scholarships. Twenty-three students were recognized and received scholarships totaling $267,000. Each student recipient responded to a thought-provoking question giving the audience insight into their personalities and abilities. This was another impressive group! The chapter also contributed $25,000 to AFCEA International Education Foundation and Emily Lund accepted the contribution and recognized and gave certificates to 35 schools that received Kickstarter grants to bring STEM into K-12 classrooms.

In March, Erich L. Krueger, director, Corporate Security, Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), Omaha, Nebraska, spent time apprising the chapter of OPPD's concerns. Krueger started by sharing what has fueled his desire to ensure OPPD stays on the cutting edge of cybersecurity. He tapped into the question of what an Omaha Children's Hospital nurse needs to do her job and what would happen if the power dropped due to unfortunate circumstances. Krueger gave an overview on OPPD, which is the 12th largest public power utility company (by customer) in the United States. To do this, they use a diverse mix of fuels and renewable resources such as coal, wind, natural gas, oil and landfill gas. Krueger stated that OPPD is required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to adhere to NERC standards and added that OPPD serves 13 counties, which comprise 380,000 customers over 5,000 square miles. Krueger said the Corporate Security office currently has 52 personnel who help provide a safe and … Read more

The chapter's March Luncheon, "DoD Acquisition - Navigating Defense Procurement," was a standout success, thanks to the leadership of Daniel Thomas and the dedicated team behind the event.

Keynote Insights and Procurement Trends: The event opened with David Hutchins of GovTribe, who delivered a data-rich presentation on defense procurement trends. He outlined the top funding types by service branch and spotlighted key contracting vehicles-most notably OASIS and SeaPort-NxG-as leaders in today's procurement environment.

Cyber Readiness and Standardization: Khoi Nguyen, CISSP-ISSAP, PMP and command acquisition executive for U.S. Cyber Command, delivered a powerful keynote on the urgent need to fund cyber initiatives. He emphasized the role of the Joint Cyber Warfighting Architecture (JCWA) in enabling coordinated cyber defense and offered a forward-looking perspective on JCWA NextGen, which promises to drive even greater standardization and impact across military … Read more

The chapter participated in "AI at the Edge," a competition organized by MotoUP, a San Antonio nonprofit supporting combat-wounded veterans through motorsports. The event united leaders from the U.S. Air Force, industry and the chapter to inspire creativity, share knowledge and showcase artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, enhancing the racing experience and warfighter effectiveness at the Edge.

Co-hosted by Dell Technologies and Intel at the Dell Customer Solutions Center in Round Rock, Texas, the competition featured four teams of five to 15 members, both on-site and remote. Each team delivered 30-minute presentations judged on AI implementation effectiveness, relevance to motorcycle racing and federal use cases, audience engagement and solution clarity. The event encouraged cross-disciplinary collaboration and skill-sharing.

The chapter's team, Cyber ACES, included U.S. Department of Defense civilians, active-duty military and industry partners from the U … Read more

The February chapter luncheon led by Indira Rice Donegan brought together industry leaders to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, focusing on the critical framework of zero-trust (ZT) defense. The event featured a series of insightful discussions that highlighted the journey toward implementing effective ZT strategies.

Randy Resnick, senior advisor for the Zero Trust Office at the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Information Officer (CIO), delivered a compelling keynote address that emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing actionable ZT architectures. His insights underscored how collective efforts can significantly enhance cybersecurity measures across various sectors.

DoD is at the forefront of ZT solutions, setting a benchmark that other federal civilian agencies aspire to replicate. This leadership role is crucial for establishing robust standards in a rapidly changing cyber environment.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ben Koo … Read more

The chapter's first luncheon of 2025 was held in January and featured an in-depth presentation from Nicholaus Saacks, deputy program executive officer (PEO), Program Executive Office-Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors (IEW&S). Saacks filled in for Brig. Gen. Ed Barker, USA, following a reschedule of the event to work around the National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter.

Presenting an all-new briefing and command video, Saacks delved into the PEO's focus areas of Army modernization, organizational agility and customer-driven partnerships. He highlighted the cross-cutting support that IEW&S provides to Transformation in Contact (TIC) and Tactical Exploitation National Capabilities-Army (TENCAP) initiatives, as well as alignment of the portfolio with Next-Generation Command & Control (C2) requirements. Saacks also touted the significant work that the PEO is doing to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities, providing … Read more

In the heart of "Cyber City USA" resides one of the largest concentrations of enlisted, officers and civilian cyber and information technology professionals in the Department of Defense. The chapter answered the call and delivered the first-of-its-kind government-centric speed networking event for Joint Base San Antonio's Cyber Community.

In January, during National Mentoring Month, the chapter hosted an opportunity for military and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian cyber senior leaders to engage across organizational lines and impart knowledge at the Boeing Center at Tech Port. Master Sgt. Nicho Chung, USAF, a rising AFCEA Emerging Leader and 2025 AFCEA International Meritorious Service Award winner, spearheaded this landmark event, resulting in an overwhelming turnout of 93 attendees across 42 organizations.

Mentor biographies were shared in advance to highlight leaders' diverse cyber career paths and foster an intentional mentoring conversation at the event. The … Read more

In February, the chapter hosted a Tabletop Cybersecurity Exercise facilitated by U.S. Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

The focus was on how to prepare, respond and recover from attacks that might come from many fronts. The event lasted through the afternoon and brought together approximately 60 participants, from federal, state and local governments, along with relevant industry. This is a highly anticipated activity that leads into the annual Homeland Security Conference.

In March, the chapter participated in Old Mill Middle School South's eighth annual Cyber Defender Day. Students in grades 5-8 visited a variety of stations where they learned about cybersecurity, including cyber defense and ethical hacking and raised awareness for future careers in the cyber defense industry from industry and government leader volunteers through hands-on learning. This learning included:
• 3D-printing displays (see printers in action)
• Capture the Flag (use logic and strategies to beat your opponent in an electronic game)
• Computer Graveyard (take apart and reassemble old computers and electronics)
• CrowPi devices (learn about Raspberry Pi)
• Cyphering Wheel (decode and build simple messages using a variety of cyphers)
• Electronic breadboard build for a small electronic badge (learn circuitry of a breadboard by building an electronic badge)
• Electronics: snap circuits and "Little Bitz" (explore circuits and build electronic ga … Read more

The chapter was honored to host Lt. Gen. Donna Shipton, commander of Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), for the "Annual State of AFLCMC Address" luncheon at the Marriott Hotel in Burlington, Massachusetts, in February. As the AFLCMC commander, Shipton leads the total life cycle management for aircraft, engines, munitions, electronic, computer, network, cyber and agile combat support. The center employs more than 28,000 people with a budget of $304 billion. The State of AFLCMC address covered the achievements, impact and incredible work being done at Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB) and across the community. Shipton also highlighted partnership with industry, academia and federally funded research and development centers as keys to success to the important work being done at Hanscom AFB. Attendees at the "Annual State of AFLCMC" address included a broad range of attendees representing military, government, academia and industry.

The chapter hosted its inaugural Cyber & IT Summit in November at Moffett Field, California. The event was held in the 63rd Readiness Division. Six presentations were delivered by speakers from government and industry in the amphitheater. Sponsors and refreshments were available in the drill hall. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with several participants deciding to join AFCEA!

Col. Corey Crosby, chief, Joint Cyber Centre at the Department of National Defence, provided a briefing on the recently established Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM) during the December luncheon. Col Crosby walked attendees through the CAFCYBERCOM priorities, which are spread across domestic, expeditionary and partners, ensuring cyber operations and cyber mission assurance. Attendees also gained valuable insights into the organizational structure and role of each group involved, including the partnership with the Canadian Security Establishment.