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HAMPTON ROADS CHAPTER - 03/12/2024
In March, the chapter welcomed Capt. Benjamin Goff Jr. of the U.S. Coast Guard. Capt. Goff currently serves as the Business Operations Division chief of the C5I Service Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. C5I serves as a critical element of the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security and stands for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, and Intelligence. The U.S. Coast Guard's C5I Service Center provides information and situation-awareness products and services, depot-level maintenance and repair services, resource transparency and total asset visibility for the U.S. Coast Guard.Capt. Goff described the C5I Service Center's focus areas of sustaining U.S. Coast Guard support systems, implementing technology revolutions and ensuring the service center's success through various services, such as navigation, intelligence systems, communications systems, maritime transportation services, human resources and logistics resources. The U.S. Coast als ... READ MORE |
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LEXINGTON-CONCORD CHAPTER - 01/02/2024
In December, the chapter held the Awards Ceremony at the Minuteman Commons, Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB), Massachusetts, beginning with a warm welcome from Capt. Hansel Suharli, USAF, who emceed the event. The audience was honored with the presence of distinguished Air Force leaders, including Col. Taona Enriquez, Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, Col. Chad Forrest, Col. Riley Pyles, Maj. Gen. Anthony Genatempo, and Scott Hardiman, along with AFCEA members and guests.The first award went to Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Martin of the Massachusetts National Guard for his exceptional coordination and strategic planning, making a significant impact on Homeland Defense and Civil Support missions. Gen. Genatempo presented the next award to Christopher Keeshan for his vital contributions to the Modeling and Simulation Integrated Product Team working with the Boeing Virtual Warfare Center. In the Digital Directorate, Daniel Craig's dedication to the 3D Expeditionary Long-Range ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 11/15/2023
The chapter's Small Business Committee organized a breakfast event that showcased a presentation by Darlene Bullock, executive director of the Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Bullock commenced her presentation by highlighting the DHS mission, emphasizing the commitment to safeguarding the American people, homeland and values with honor and integrity. She explored the operational and support components of the DHS, highlighting its status as the third-largest cabinet department, following the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Bullock continued and reviewed the connection between the DHS and the OSDBU, illustrating the relationship through a flow chart depicting key components such as the contracting activity office, OCPO Division, Direct Oversight, Indirect Oversight and HCA (Head of Contracting Activity).Steps to doing business with the DHS begin with two distinct g ... READ MORE |
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GREATER OMAHA CHAPTER - 08/31/2023
In August, Gary Sparks, program director, Metropolitan (METRO) Community College Cybersecurity Center, Omaha, Nebraska, spent time with the chapter discussing METRO's Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) efforts. Sparks pointed out that the CAE community consists of universities and community colleges nationwide working through Homeland Security and the National Security Agency to earn their CAE designation. Currently, 400 schools have CAE designation. It is common practice for CAE institutions to share their assignments, classes and best practices. Above all, this promotes ethical standards and standardized requirements for CAE certification. Sparks talked about providing the local community with support for grades K-12 through training and providing relatable content. Sparks commented that the local community often turns to educators to understand the cyber threats around them.He elaborated on the CAE designation process and clarified that CAE begins after the program of st ... READ MORE |
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GREATER OMAHA CHAPTER - 05/25/2023
In May, Ethan Cole, deputy regional director, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Region 7, Kansas City, Missouri, spent time with the chapter discussing the CISA role. Cole pointed out that CISA was formed in 2018 with an overall mission to lead the national effort to understand, manage and reduce risk to the nation's cyber and physical infrastructure. He clarified that CISA areas of responsibility mirror the Federal Emergency Management Agency's eight-region breakout. Cole covered CISA's core capabilities relating to critical infrastructure and talked about their four primary mission lines and how CISA is carrying out these missions. Cole talked about how they work out of integrated operations divisions and try to provide information and resources ahead of the curve before it is requested. With limited resources, focus remains on assessing to maximize current assets to stay effective. Cole concluded by emphasizing that CIS ... READ MORE
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PACIFIC NORTHWEST CHAPTER - 05/10/2023
In May, the chapter installed the chapter officers for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Tim Martin, regional vice president, led the ceremony and presented the AFCEA Chapter Flag to Col. Charles D. (Dean) Smith, USA, as the chapter president. Col. Smith thanked Col. Liz Casely, USA, the outgoing chapter president, for her leadership over the past year. Col. Smith previously served as the vice president for membership. Martin also presented the chapter with the Albert J. Myer Award for Individual Member Recruiting for the past year. Also, during this annual meeting, Morgan Zantua, executive director, City University of Seattle's Center for Cybersecurity Innovation, a National Security Agency/U.S. Department of Homeland Security designated Center of Academic Excellence, provided the keynote address to the more than 30 attendees.
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 03/08/2023
In March, Dwight Deneal spoke to a sold-out crowd at the AFCEA NOVA Small Business Breakfast. Deneal is the director of the Office of Small Business Programs for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).In his presentation, Deneal provided an overview of the small business program at the DLA and the upcoming JETS 2.0 contract vehicle. The DLA provides large-scale acquisition services for the U.S. military and supports acquisitions of military supplies. Further, the DLA manages the acquisition of over $48 billion in military contracts per year. Deneal discussed the DLA's strategic priorities, to include small businesses, of which there are four: defending the homeland, deterring strategic attacks, deterring aggression and building a resilient joint force and ecosystem. These priorities translate to four focus areas for the organization: competition, access, parity and equity. Deneal noted that his office supports Small Business programs for all DLA Contracting Servic ... READ MORE |
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GREATER OMAHA CHAPTER - 04/28/2022
In April, Jeffrey Weeks, senior vice president and chief information security officer, First National of Nebraska (FNN), Omaha, Nebraska, spent time with the chapter discussing the intricacies of cyber threats and how best to thwart them. Weeks began by pointing out that FNN is the fourth largest credit card processor in the United States. He commented that he has a workforce of 50 dedicated security professionals, of which five are "ethical hackers." He places their abilities on par with an artificial intelligence detection system used for uncovering nation-state-type attacks. Regarding phishing attacks, Weeks commented that this is one of the primary methods hackers use to gain entry. He clarified upfront that whenever in doubt, delete the email. Once executed, a ransomware email locks the user's system and encrypts their data. The perpetrator will offer a key to break the encryption for a price. The question is, what guarantee do you have that they will follow through? READ MORE |
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NORTH CAROLINA CHAPTER - 08/16/2021
The chapter's ROTC and Veteran's Scholarship Program was held at Fayetteville State University (FSU) in August. During the event, the chapter awarded scholarships to ROTC cadets at Campbell University, North Carolina State and FSU. Also, a veteran at Fayetteville Technical Community College received a scholarship. These awards were in addition to chapter scholarships given to graduating high school seniors and local Teacher STEM Grants.
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WASHINGTON DC CHAPTER - 08/05/2021 The chapter announced its newly elected executive board for 2021-2022. Board members were carefully selected to uphold AFCEA values and to meet mission requirements through advancing information technology, communications and electronics capabilities. Jimmie Adkins, vice president of sales at Hitachi Vantara Federal, will serve as chapter president for the 2021-2022 term. He will be supported by Nick Nilan, director of product development, Verizon, who will serve as chapter executive vice president; and Jessica Hersey, vice president, Capture Operations and Excellence, Leidos, who will serve as chapter senior vice president. The chapter has a rich history of innovative programming that enables collaboration between military, government, industry and academia, aligning technology and strategy to meet mission requirements. The chapter largely focuses on the U.S. Defense Department and intelligence community, as well as homeland security and defense and veteran health-rel ... READ MORE |
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BETHESDA CHAPTER - 06/03/2021 The chapter has announced the winners for the 2021 InnovateIT Awards program, honoring individuals or groups in the federal civilian and health information technology (IT) markets who have combined leadership with innovation to achieve tangible results in the areas of security, automation and modernization within their organizations or across federal IT. "This year's InnovateIT awardees are thought leaders who have demonstrated innovative solutions that meet agency challenges and transform service to the citizen," said Chapter President Naina Leo. 'AFCEA Bethesda is excited to recognize these outstanding leaders who have managed cutting-edge initiatives that advance the mission of their organizations or the state of federal IT.' The 2021 Innovate IT Award finalists include the following: Janet Vogel, chief information security officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, was awarded Government Innovation Leader of the Year. Cal Zemelman, executive dir ... READ MORE |
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TURKIYE CHAPTER - 05/29/2021 In May, the chapter organized a webinar on "Space Technologies and Homeland Security." At the beginning of the webinar, a brief introduction about space technologies was given by Alim Rustem Aslan, professor and head of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Aerospace Engineering Department of Istanbul Technical University. This was followed by an explanation of history and current developments in space studies within Turkey. Aslan also emphasized the relationship between space technologies and national security and explained the importance of the space technologies race and cooperation in the world. The webinar concluded with the participants asking and answering questions in accordance with the principle of increasing shared knowledge. |
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LEXINGTON-CONCORD CHAPTER - 03/17/2021
The chapter kicked off its annual New Horizons Symposium this year, which spanned five days over two weeks in March. Jamie Thurber, chapter first vice president and senior manager of government affairs, Lockheed-Martin, performed master of ceremonies duties for the event, 'Accelerating Change-Strengthening Partnerships-Securing the Future,' which focused on exploring how the Air Force was responding to the mandate from Gen. Charles Brown, USAF, chief of staff, to 'accelerate change or lose.' Thurber welcomed more than 700 registrants and acknowledged 47 sponsors who made the symposium possible, paying special note to double diamond sponsors CACI International, Lumen and Oasis Systems, plus Diamond Sponsors Tricentis and Veritas Technologies. A panel discussion (Leading in Times of Great Change) featuring six former Electronic Systems Division/Center (now Air Force Life Cycle Management Center) commanders opened the first day. Moderated by Phyllis DiTocco, The Boeing Company, and Tim ... READ MORE
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BONN E.V. CHAPTER - 02/24/2021
Quo vadis digitization of the German Armed Forces after the coronavirus? This exciting question, with emphasis on synergies in the area of defense and homeland security, was answered at a hybrid evening event hosted by the chapter in February. Among others, Lt. Gen. Vetter, chief information officer, German Ministry of Defense (MoD), and Lt. Gen. Ansgar Rieks, vice chief, German Air Force, spoke.This was the first large hybrid event hosted by the chapter. It was supported by the partner chapter in Munich and the member company IBM Germany. Almost 300 participants followed an interesting panel debate involving two members of the German Parliament (Defense and Homeland Security Committees) and a senior Chancellery official. All have clearly spoken out in favor of more political attention, greater visibility in the ministries and authorities, more qualified staff at all levels and a radical cultural change (more agile and more willing to take risks), regarding digitizati ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 02/10/2021
In February, the chapter's Third Annual IC IT Day kicked off 2021 with this year's theme of Balancing Security and Accessibility in the Virtual Environment. The day offered a variety of IC Leadership and provided timely insights and opportunity for industry. Sean Caufield, IC IT Day chairman and current chapter executive vice president kicked off the day with the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) Panel "Reimagining Readiness: Building an AI/Emerging Tech-Ready Organization." The panel included Jacqueline Tame, acting deputy director; Jane Pinelis, chief, Test and Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML); and Alka Patel, head of AI ethics policy. The panel was moderated by Kari Bingen, nonresident senior adviser, Center for Strategic International Studies (CSIS). As part of the discussion on the JAIC 2.0 effort, Pinelis provided some insight into a new forthcoming multi-award contract for data readiness assessments that will help connect U.S. Defe ... READ MORE
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TURKIYE CHAPTER - 11/25/2020
In November, chapter members visited HAVELSAN General Manager Mehmet Akif Nacar. During the meeting, the participants provided general information about AFCEA as an organization, member benefits and events.HAVELSAN A.S. is one of the leading institutions of the Turkish defense industry in information technologies and simulators. Considered one of Turkey's largest technology companies, HAVELSAN is a leading brand in the international market with its experience, expert employees, advanced software-intensive solutions and products. HAVELSAN offers turnkey solutions to its customers by bringing together the products of companies that produce technology in the defense, security, informatics sectors and business ecosystem. HAVELSAN's core competencies are in software-intensive systems, including command, control and defense technologies; education and simulation technologies; information and communication technologies; homeland security and cybersecurity solutions.READ MORE |
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WASHINGTON DC CHAPTER - 08/20/2020 In August, the chapter announced its newly elected executive board for 2020-2021. Jo Decker, vice president of business winning and strategy at BAE Systems, who most recently served as executive vice president to the chapter, will serve as president for the 2020-2021 term. She will be supported by Jimmie Adkins, vice president of sales, Hitachi Vantara Federal, who will serve as executive vice president; and Nick Nilan, director of product development, Verizon, who will serve as senior vice president. AFCEA DC has a rich history of innovative programming that enables collaboration between military, government, industry and academia, aligning technology and strategy to meet mission requirements. The chapter largely focuses on the U.S. Defense Department and the intelligence community, as well as homeland security and health related offices (Department of Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs, Military Health). "I have been involved with AFCEA DC over m ... READ MORE |
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DAYTON-WRIGHT CHAPTER - 05/27/2020 The chapter has partnered with AFCEA International for another continuing educational program with the American Public University System to provide our members with a 60-minute webinar titled Evaluating COVID-19 Models using Intelligence Analytic Methods. During this COVID-19 crisis, leaders from the president to local school boards have had to make some very tough decisions based on available information and analysis, including a variety of models used to track and predict the severity of the outbreak. Unfortunately, many of these models have proved to be inaccurate and misleading. In this webinar, Erik Kleinsmith, associate vice president for strategic relations in Intelligence, National, Homeland and Cyber Security at American Military University, and the author of the recent book, Intelligence Operations: Understanding Data, Tools, People, and Processes, will discuss and present methods for adapting intelligence methods to more effectively evaluate these models. No formal ... READ MORE |
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ALAMO CHAPTER - 10/09/2019
In October, the chapter's annual luncheon brought together winners of the chapter and international-level awardees who were recognized for their outstanding contributions in disciplines such as cyber, IT, and intelligence, as well as various categories such as Service, 40 under 40 and Women's Appreciation. There were 29 awards presented. Khurram Qureshi, vice president of awards, has been planning the event for months to bring forth an event dedicated to the award winners. "In the past, we had announced winners in conjunction with one of our monthly luncheons, but these folks work hard and deserved a standalone event." Rick Lipsey, chapter president, stated that the chapter is very proud to be the members' professional organization. "We are the organization that brings together the people involved with cybersecurity and intelligence that supports national and homeland security." Lipsey closed with the importance of recognizing what's going on in the community and the impressive acco ... READ MORE
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HAWAII CHAPTER - 10/08/2019
In October, the chapter hosted a special breakfast and panel discussion co-hosted by the Intelligence, Cyber and Young AFCEAN committees. Panelists included the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard and the National Security Agency.
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HAWAII CHAPTER - 10/09/2018
The chapter invited members from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), the Defense Security Service (DSS), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI for an October panel discussion on insider threats. Christine Lanning, chapter vice president of programs, moderated the discussion and provided questions for the panel to answer. One panelist suggested that most organizations do not have a plan for insider threats and are more focused on workplace violence, active shooters and disasters. The panel mentioned that organizations may concentrate on identifying inside actors and mitigating their risks but forget about those suffering from mental health issues. Panelists agreed that organizations are obligated to get help for these workers rather than just fire them. The panelists also discussed how departing personnel believe that the information and data they produced or worked on becomes their personal property, and they may want to take it with them. But that ... READ MORE
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BELVOIR CHAPTER - 04/13/2018
More than 250 students from various colleges and universities converged on the Woodbridge campus of Northern Virginia Community College for the third annual Innovation Hackathon in April, sponsored in part by the chapter. Students came prepared to lock themselves in for the 36-hour, around-the-clock competition. Challenges were designed to test the skills of those specializing in cybersecurity and secure coding. Event sponsors ranging from small to large business provided the challenges. General Dynamics Information Technology and Rigil Corp., AFCEA corporate members and event sponsors, provided challenges. The chapter, the parent sponsor of the NVCC Student Chapter, was the event's top sponsor. This year, the board conceptualized a challenge-one of the benefits of sponsorship-to address a need for all AFCEA chapters. Students had to create a mobile membership app specific to AFCEA. But before students began their work, they listened to keynote speaker Kenneth Fritzsche of the Offic ... READ MORE
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BETHESDA CHAPTER - 03/14/2018
At March's seventh annual Winter IT Luncheon held by the chapter's Young AFCEANs, more than 20 federal leaders came to discuss doing more with less in small roundtable conversations. Topics ranged from digital transformation, such as development and operations (DevOps) and cloud, to cybersecurity, disruptive technology and data governance, legacy system modernization and government services alignment. Federal guests included chief information officers (CIOs) and program leaders from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; the U.S. departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, and State; the Small Business Administration; the General Services Administration; the Federal Election Commission; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Office of Management and Budget; the Federal Communications Commission; the U.S. Air Force; the Securities and Exchange Commission; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.; t ... READ MORE
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BELVOIR CHAPTER - 09/29/2017
The Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Student Subchapter of AFCEA held its first luncheon in September featuring guest speaker Kenneth Fritzsche, director of the Identity Technology Division in the Office of Biometric Identity Management within the National Protection and Programs Directorate of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The event created a platform for attendees to discuss topics related to the future of cybersecurity within the workforce. Walter Pehrsson, NOVA-Woodbridge information technology assistant professor, is the academic adviser for the new student chapter. It was chartered after members from the parent chapter participated as a corporate sponsor at NOVA's first hackathon event last year. With assistance from Chair of Strategic Initiatives Jeff Thompson, the student chapter has significantly increased its membership from five NOVA students and alumni to 17 since its launch about a year ago, Pehrsson said. "We are all about connecting our students ... READ MORE
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SAN DIEGO CHAPTER - 10/17/2017
During the chapter's monthly luncheon in October, Chapter President Trevor Bender, on behalf of the AFCEA International Educational Foundation, presented a $3,000 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Major Graduate Diversity Scholarship to Lauren Gillespie. Gillespie is a graduate student pursuing a degree in homeland security at the University of California San Diego. Gillespie expressed appreciation for the scholarship and for the opportunity to interact with others who have careers focused on security.
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BETHESDA CHAPTER - 10/19/2017
October's 10th annual Fiscal New Year Networking Event brought together more than 100 government and industry professionals to raise money for the Challenger Center. For 30 years, the Challenger Center has delivered science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education programs reaching more than 250,000 students annually through 43 Challenger Learning Centers. The chapter's Young AFCEANs have supported the Challenger Center since 2013. Simulated STEM missions at the center combine hands-on activities, role-play, simulation and group collaboration to achieve an inspirational goal, such as finding life on Mars. The chapter's Young AFCEANs have invested in a program to transform the powerful education in Challenger Learning Centers into a classroom-based program. The program will increase the reach of the Challenger Center by millions of students. The networking celebration was a popular event, with featured guests Jennifer Hoover of the Department of Homeland Security; Jo ... READ MORE
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HAWAII CHAPTER - 09/12/2017
Rear Adm. Vincent Atkins, USCG, commander, District 14, Honolulu, was the chapter's featured speaker at the luncheon in September. The mission of the United States Coast Guard is to ensure the nation's maritime safety, security and stewardship. The Coast Guard is both a military service and a law enforcement agency. The 14th District's boundaries of responsibility stretch from the Hawaiian Islands and across most of the Central and Western Pacific. The District Commander oversees 25 operational units ashore and afloat throughout the Pacific, which regularly perform missions in maritime safety, protection of natural resources, maritime security, homeland security and national defense. Adm. Atkins mentioned some of the challenges he's faced with one being an aging fleet of cutters. He informed the audience that the District 14 will be receiving several new fast response cutters, as well as a couple of national security cutters. This month, the chapter recognized Technical Sgt. Devonte ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 05/12/2017 The chapter's May luncheon focused on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with a panel discussion led by John Gilligan. Gilligan is the chairman and interim CEO of the Center for Internet Security. Panelists included Randi Kieffer, deputy director of the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, Cyber Threat Detection and Analysis, (DHS NCCIC); Michael Smith, executive director, DHS Office of Selective Acquisitions; and Paul Morris, chief information security officer (CISO) and executive director, Information Assurance and Cyber Security Division, Office of Information Technology, Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The luncheon recognized Young AFCEAN Kaitlin Bulavinetz of the Meyers Group. Bulavinetz is a frequent volunteer and chair of the chapter's Social Media Team. She is energetic and enthusiastic. The chapter's SUPERNOVA was Wendi Hawk of LookingGlass Cyber Solutions. Hawk is a longtime member and a supporter of chapter luncheons and ... READ MORE |
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BETHESDA CHAPTER - 04/20/2017
The chapter’s Young AFCEANs hosted their annual Spring Fling Networking event in April in Washington, DC. There were more than 200 attendees supporting the chapter’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) scholarship fund. With featured hosts from the departments of Health and Human Services, Justice and Homeland Security, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, it was a fun and successful evening. The event featured lively discussions, networking, and a specialty “Spring Fling” drink.
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CZECH CHAPTER - 03/22/2017
The C4ISTAR conference in March was organized by the chapter and the Communication and Information Systems Agency as part of the 100th anniversary of Czech Signal troops. The conference drew attention to the historical origins of the Military Telegraph Service, as well as speakers focusing on the future development of signal troops, communications systems and cooperation between Czech and international organizations. Col. Frantisek Ridzak, CZAF, director, Communication and Information Systems Agency of the Czech Ministry of Defense, opened the conference with a brief history of Czech military signals on its homeland. He then set out the objectives of the meeting, which were primarily to facilitate and stimulate the exchange of expert knowledge and experience. The principal speaker was Lt. Gen. Jiri Baloun, CZAF, first deputy chief of the general staff. He presented an exhibit from the Military History Institute, a 100-year-old field telephone device produced in Japan that was operat ... READ MORE
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LEXINGTON-CONCORD CHAPTER - 12/07/2016
The chapter hosted its annual December holiday social for members and guests at the Hanscom Air Force Base Minuteman Commons. Capt. Nick Setterberg, USAF, master of ceremonies, welcomed distinguished guests, including special guest Lt. Gen. John Thompson, USAF, commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). Following introductions, a moment of silence was observed in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Dave Hiltz, chapter president and Bud Vazquez, New England-Upstate New York regional vice president, followed presenting “Unsung Hero” awards to recipients who made outstanding, but unheralded, contributions to their respective organizations during the past year. AFLCMC Program Executive Officer (PEO) Steve Wert, Battlement Management; Maj. Gen. Dwyer Dennis, PEO, C3I and Networks; AFLCMC Program Management Site Senior Functional Leader, Col. Alfonso La Puma, director, AFNWC/NC; Col. Roman Hund, commander 66th Air Base Group; Sue ... READ MORE
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BETHESDA CHAPTER - 11/17/2016
In November, the chapter's Young AFCEANs held a post-election professional development event called "The Next Four Years." More than 60 attendees listened to an engaged panel of federal and industry professionals discuss two topics: the impact and evolution of presidential transitions and landscape transitions and shifts in the economy. Panelists included Brian Eiler, senior advisor to the under secretary, NOAA; Brig. Gen. Fred Henry, USA (Ret.), vice president, Unisys; Daniel Kroese, chief of staff, Rep. John Ratcliffe (TX-4), U.S. House of Representatives; Brig. Gen. Balan Ayyar, USAF (Ret.), president, Sevatec; Dr. David Bray, chief information officer, Federal Communications Commission; and Darryl Peek, director of operations, Office of the Chief Technology Officer, Department of Homeland Security. Moderated by Randa Fahmy, an internationally recognized expert in global government affairs, the panelists also talked about the impact of the election on government acquisition and n ... READ MORE
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PALMETTO CHAPTER - 09/22/2016
Col. Tony Burris, USAF, director of communications and cyber forces, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region-1st Air Force, spoke to the chapter at the September luncheon. Col. Burris oversees communications and cyber forces integrated into and supporting four direct reporting units, 10 aligned Air National Guard units, a number of active air defense alert sites (including aircraft and air defense artillery) and up to 15,000 active duty, National Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilian personnel. Col. Burris explained how he integrates cyber operations and defense into contingency plans supporting full spectrum operations and defense of air and space operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He is responsible for translating and navigating the cyber-centric requirements through policy guidance, program and resource allocation consistent with Homeland Defense, Defense Support to Civil Authorities and Theater Security Cooperation mission areas.
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TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG CHAPTER - 08/18/2016
The chapter gave a CENTCOM Award in August to Col. Brian J. King, USMC. Col King is the lead officer for the Central Region Communications Conference (CRCC), hosted by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) DCOM. The CRCC is an annual forum attended by senior communications representatives from the Defense Department, the Federal Communications Commission, the Department of Homeland Security and 11 of the 20 area of responsibility (AOR) countries. The colonel also led the effort to establish a viable partner nation Cyber Security Engagement Strategy with five of the key CENTCOM partner nations. He led senior-level discussions and engagements between U.S. and Jordanian armed forces, resulting in the establishment of an effective cybersecurity program within the Jordanian armed forces.
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BETHESDA CHAPTER - 07/21/2016
In July, the chapter's Young AFCEANs held their largest event in Washington, D.C.: the ninth annual Senior Government Executive Dinner. More than 250 people participated in roundtable discussion focused on the theme of "Where do we go from here?" The Young AFCEANs raised more than $25,000 for the AFCEA Bethesda Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Scholarship Fund, benefiting education partners such as Montgomery College, the Universities at Shady Grove and the University of Maryland, College Park, to strengthen knowledge STEM. Agencies represented included the Office of Management and Budget; Environmental Protection Agency; NASA; U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Secret Service; National Archives and Records, Social Security, Small Business and General Services administrations; Federal Communications and Federal Energy Regulatory commissions; and Homeland Security, Defense, Justice, Transportation, Agriculture, Commerce, State; and Health and Human Services departments. ... READ MORE
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SILICON VALLEY CHAPTER - 08/10/2016
An August chapter meeting featured a presentation by a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official as well as a Young AFCEAN and recognition for a longtime association leader. Bob Moorhead, who has been involved with AFCEA for more than 30 years and a chapter president for 10 years, received a certificate of recognition for outstanding service. The chapter's new slate of officers was sworn in. Andrew Waters, one of the chapter's Young AFCEANs, showed off his work with a radio surveillance system in a suitcase. Melissa Ho, managing director of the Silicon Valley Office at the DHS Science and Technology Directorate, talked about how a new entrepreneurial program in the mold of "Shark Tank" is helping startups with commercial off-the-shelf products of interest to the DHS get government funding with a lot less red tape than is typical with government contracts.
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ROME CHAPTER - 05/31/2016
In May, the chapter and ASTER S.p.A, an engineering and consulting firm, held a workshop titled “System Engineering Solutions & Services for Global Situation Awareness” at the Italian Ministry of Defense C4 Headquarters in Rome. Chapter President Lt. Gen. Antonio Tangorra, ITAF (Ret.), introduced the workshop and thanked Brig. Gen. Calogero Massara, C4 Defense commander, for the hospitality. Valerio Pace, ASTER's marketing and sales manager, presented the Italian company operating in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East that designs and implements complex systems for the aerospace, defense and security industries. The systems engineering (SE) firm has a wide-ranging business model that includes critical system design for large technological infrastructures; proprietary technology development and licensing; monitoring, planning and decision-support systems based on open architectures; and training and tutoring. Lucio Tirone, ASTER technical director, presented products and servic ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER - 06/09/2016
In June, Dentons, a global law firm, and the Northern California AFCEA Region held an educational meeting in Menlo Park, California. This meeting was held to support the many small Silicon Valley companies that wish to work with the U.S. government and, in particular, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The structure of this six-plus-hour meeting was set around three separate panels consisting of government personnel, contracts and legal professionals, who expressed to attendees ways in which to work with the U.S. government.
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ROME CHAPTER - 02/24/2016
In February, the chapter along with the company GM Spazio, organized the workshop Innovative Solutions for Model Based System Engineering and Test & Evaluation at Casa dell Aviatore. Chapter President Lt. Gen. Antonio Tangorra introduced the event objectives and thanked the Most Honorable Domenico Rossi, Undersecretary of Defense, for his attendance. Rossi underlined the leading role of space activities, more and more interconnected with Homeland Security and defense. Filippo Gemma, GMSPAZIO general manager, opened the workshop presenting the profile of GMSpazio, a company started in 2005, today active in 10 European countries, whose main activities focus on modeling and simulation systems for complex scenarios. GMspazio is also a main distributor for its commercial partners AGI and Phoenix Integration. Gemma then illustrated modeling and simulation techniques, as well as test and evaluation. He also discussed how M&S products can support industrial engineering in the Life Cycle D ... READ MORE
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SILICON VALLEY CHAPTER - 11/12/2015
The chapter met in November to receive a briefing from Craig Buehler, the director of private-sector engagement for the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center (NCRIC), San Francisco. Buehler informed the chapter how the NCRIC came about shortly after the tragic events of 9/11. It has 70 personnel who staff the intelligence cycle efforts of collection, analysis and dissemination. He discussed the center's mission in detail, pointing out that the NCRIC is only one of many throughout the U.S. and receives suspicious activity reports (SARs) from various police departments, fire departments, emergency agencies funded by the Department of Homeland Security and the general public. This information then, is entered into a fusion center, which feeds other fusion centers throughout the country. All of this mission effort is helping to keep America safe.
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GREATER OMAHA CHAPTER - 09/24/2015
In September, Patricia Tracey, vice president, homeland security and defense, U.S. public sector, enterprise services, Hewlett-Packard, Tysons Corner, Virginia, spoke with the chapter about HP's involvement in organizational transformations. Tracey clarified that transformation alignment is fostered by a company's agility. As companies improve how they conduct development, they examine their processes and enter into a transitional phase. Examining new ways of doing things allows an organization to transform. She emphasized the importance of commercial and government organizations continuing to meet customer expectations during their transition and understanding that not every way they do business will transition easily. Tracey discussed a hybridized approach to transformation where companies make small changes while keeping existing processes in place. Tracey concluded by commenting that the Defense Department is blessed with having people who have a vast array of skills, which she ... READ MORE
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BONN E.V. CHAPTER - 05/06/2015 The chapter's TechNet event in May attracted 2,200 participants, and 106 exhibitors showed trends and solutions for armed forces and homeland security. This year's focus was “Organized IT—Armed Forces and Institutions in a Digitized World.” At the symposium, high-ranking officers such as Vice Adm. Andreas Krause, chief of the German navy, talked about information technology challenges. |
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CZECH CHAPTER - 05/20/2015
The 13th International Fair of Defence and Security Technology (IDET) was held in May in Brno, Czech Republic. The chapter, which has partnered with the fair since its beginning, presented two main activities: a professional educational seminar, “Fundamentals of Cybersecurity for Executives,” and live demonstrations of capabilities in cybersecurity. The objective of the seminar was to impart basic knowledge to executives about cybersecurity in the Czech Republic and the impact of current legislation. Eighty-two people attended the seminar, and almost 50 verified their learnings in a final test and received certificates. The seminar was held under the auspices of the director of the Czech National Security Authority, chief of the general staff of the Czech Armed Forces, the rector of the University of Defence and the rector of the Police Academy of the Czech Republic. Live examples, presentations and shows of the capabilities of AFCEA professional partners in cybersecurity were held ... READ MORE
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CZECH CHAPTER - 05/19/2015
The chapter and its working group on cybersecurity actively supported the international Security Trends conference that opened the International Defence and Security Technologies Fair IDET 2015 in May in Brno. Martin Stropnický, minister of defense of the Czech Republic; Maj. Gen. Jiri Baloun, CZA, first deputy of the Czech army chief of staff; and Dusan Navratil, director of the National Security Authority of the Czech Republic, addressed the conference. Representatives of EDA, Europol EC3, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Czech Fire Rescue Service and NATO attended the conference. The conference program committee, led by Petr Jirasek, chairman, Czech Cyber Security Working Group, prepared an exclusive program divided into three topics: the security situation in Europe; cybersecurity; and state critical infrastructure and the protection of citizens. It was a solemn opening of the technical accompanying program of IDET and confirmed the high standard of events supported ... READ MORE
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WASHINGTON DC CHAPTER - 04/13/2015
Leaders within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) discussed their missions and the key programs they will focus on in 2015 during an April luncheon sponsored by the chapter. Panelists discussed how the use of innovation and technology is leading to efficiencies and better processes in support of DHS' overall mission. They discussed what innovation means to them in key areas including management, organizational change and process, technology and acquisition. The luncheon was held in April at the Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City.The speakers included: Adrian Gardner, Chief Information Officer with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); Mark Schwartz, Chief Information Officer for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); Stephen Rice, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Transportation Security Administration (TSA); Wolf Tombe, Chief Technology Officer, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). The chapter's monthly luncheon series draws between 350-40 ... READ MORE |
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WASHINGTON DC CHAPTER - 04/02/2015
More than a dozen esteemed federal cybersecurity and information assurance officials took part in the 6th Annual Cybersecurity Technology Summit, sponsored by the chapter and held in April at the Capital Hilton. Considered the cybersecurity community's marquee event, which offers continuing education credits, a Technology Zoo competition and networking for the cybersecurity community, more than 600 thought leaders from numerous federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Defense Department, the intelligence community, the White House, FBI, Department of Energy and others from industry, came out to the one-day summit. The event tackled strategies for addressing cyber intelligence, next-generation cyber operations and insider threat. Speakers also discussed the status of cyber work force development and issues impacting tomorrow's evolving threat environment. The summit featured keynotes, discussion panels and breakout sessions. The s ... READ MORE |
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LEXINGTON-CONCORD CHAPTER - 03/03/2015
The chapter hosted its annual New Horizons Symposium in March at the Marriott Newton Hotel, Newton, Massachusetts. Bud Vazquez, board chairman, welcomed more than 480 government and industry attendees to this annual scholarship fundraising event. Master of ceremonies, Jamie Thurber, Lockheed Martin, co-chair of the event with Maryanne Carlson, Quantech, introduced the honored keynote speaker, Lt. Gen. John Thompson, USAF, commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), who opened with his address on "Providing the Warfighter's Edge." Featured business opportunity briefings included presentations from AFLCMC program executive officers, Steven Wert, Battle Management, and Maj. Gen. Craig Olson, USAF, C3I & Networks, as well as from Brig. Gen. William Cole, USA, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Natick Soldier Systems Center, and Dr. Eric Evans, director, Lincoln Laboratory. The agenda also included a presentation from Dr ... READ MORE
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WASHINGTON DC CHAPTER - 01/21/2015
The chapter's Young AFCEANs sponsored a panel discussion in January at Northrop Grumman in McLean, Virginia, on how to successfully engage with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The discussion, entitled: "Engaging with DHS: What You Need to Know," brought together DHS leaders to inform local business leaders, AFCEA and Young AFCEAN members on how to best connect with DHS leadership. DHS eyes FirstNet to expand mobile capabilities. The Department of Homeland Security is also seeking faster development of mobile apps. "We're looking to leverage FirstNet and looking at what it could do," said Wolf Tombe, chief technology officer at Customs and Border Protection, during the chapter panel discussion on DHS procurement and mobile capabilities. "It has huge capability. It could open up communications at the border," where cellular communications can be spotty. "We're invested in FirstNet," said DHS Deputy CIO Margie Graves. Graves and Tombe said FirstNet is j ... READ MORE |
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WASHINGTON DC CHAPTER - 01/22/2015
The chapter's Small Business Committee sponsored a panel discussion with government leaders educating attendees on navigating the complexities of the federal procurement process. "Behind the Curtain: How Program, Procurement and Acquisitions Affect Contracts" was held in January at Bloomberg Government in Washington, D.C. The government panelists advised small businesses to stay ahead of an agency's RFP, to submit strong RFP proposals with graphics and to use a small business advocate.The seminar was held to educate small business leaders on small business set asides, program requests and acquisition details. Panelists included: Kathleen Gregory, procurement analyst and small business specialist, Acquisition Policy and Oversight, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; Roberta Richardson, small business specialist, Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense; Mitchell Ross, director of the Acquisition and Grants Office, National O ... READ MORE |
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PENSACOLA CHAPTER - 01/25/2015
Sailors and other industry professionals mentored local high school students in the inaugural Cyberthon competition in January at the National Flight Academy onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. Hosted by the chapter, agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, businesses and organizations joined forces in a competition designed to test the students on their abilities to use computer skills they learned in their classrooms to defend and defeat cyber attacks on websites. Greg Touhill, deputy assistant secretary for Department of Homeland Security Office of Cybersecurity Operations and Programs, said the goal of the competition is to leverage classes in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and energize the next generation of information warriors. "Cyberthon is designed to put steam into STEM and inspire these high school students to further develop their skills in information technology," said Touhill. "The competition also helps develop teamwork, leadership, ... READ MORE
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