2013 Distinguished Young AFCEAN (DYA) of the Year Honoree
Andrea Loper
Space and Missile Systems Center
Western Region
Ms. Loper was recruited to the Los Angeles chapter to invigorate outreach to young government professionals within the Los Angeles Aerospace community. She engaged the Space and Missile System Center's (SMC) Civilian Development Group (CDG) President and presented the benefits of AFCEA at a CDG general assembly. Andrea continued her campaign for new Young AFCEAN members by hosting networking events for government, military and industry personnel, and encouraging attendees to join AFCEA. Andrea pitches in to assist the Programs function for luncheon meetings, and she led AFCEA's support to the SMC Awards Banquet. Andrea participates in the Chapter's STEM program by signing up volunteers from the CDG for the Richmond Street Elementary School in El Segundo, CA. She hosted two STEM nights in 2013, and the school district will now continue STEM nights. Andrea was elected to be Secretary of the Board to leverage her organizational skills to ensure successful pursuit of chapter activities. She consistently volunteers for Awards Ceremonies for ROTC Scholarship winners from USC, UCLA and Loyola Marymount. Andrea also expanded the Chapter's monthly luncheon speakers by recruiting the Deputy, JFCC Space, for the April luncheon.
2013 Distinguished Young AFCEAN (DYA) Regional Honorees
MSgt Nicole Alley, USAF
10th Intelligence Squadron
Virginia Region
MSgt Alley's leadership, enthusiasm, and involvement has single-handedly increased Tidewater chapter recruitment, membership, and enlisted member participation for all chapter events over the last year, and member retention. She worked with the Chapter Membership Director to host/organize the Annual Volunteer Social recognizing chapter volunteers and corporate sponsors. Nicole regularly recruits, engages the assistance of, and provides guidance to Chapter Young AFCEANs in support of chapter events with arrangement details. She arranged for Young AFCEANs to provide Audio/Visual and slide presentation support for social and luncheon speakers. Each month, Nicole is one of a small team that coordinates Monthly Member Luncheon/Meetings and her direct logistics involvement/support has helped raise and award over $33,000 for chapter scholarships, STEM teacher tool awards, and science fair winner recognition over the last year. For outstanding support, she was recognized as AFCEA Tidewater Chapter AFCEAN of the Month for September 2013. AFCEA’s Washington DC Chapter recognized Nicole as one of their 2013 Spring Military IT Leadership Award winners.
Matthew Carroll
Wyle
New England - Upstate New York Region
Mr. Carroll has been successful beyond measure in his Lexington-Concord Young AFCEAN role. He organized and managed multiple functions, to include specially-focused tours at Logan Airport and Boston's Big Dig. He has taken on key roles leading to the successful execution of New Horizons (600 attendees), the Fellowship STEM awards events, and the Valentines Dance fundraiser. Matt also worked with the Young AFCEANs at Ramstein AFB, Germany, where he received training in Cyber Initiatives. Leveraging this knowledge, he is developing a local training program that will be shared among other AFCEA members. Over the past year, he took on the challenge of building a Chapter sponsorship program. He created and developed an enviable program, and as a result, the Young AFCEANS received their first sponsorships in 2013. Matt coordinated with the head of the Massachusetts Society of Professional Engineers in arranging volunteers for the MathCounts competition held in Boston, allowing AFCEA to help proctor testing and award scholarships to deserving young students.
Zachariah Conover
UrsaNav, Inc.
Carolinas Region
Mr. Conover has been an integral part of the development and growth of the Charleston Young AFCEANs. For the last two years, he has served as the Co-Chair. Under Zach's leadership, the Charleston Young AFCEAN Chapter has been fully engaged in professional development opportunities, collaborating with neighboring organizations and community outreach initiatives. As a result of Zach's leadership, the Quarterly Breakfast series started with an attendance of approximately 20 participants and has grown to over 50 attendees at each event. In addition, the Breakfast Series has received recognition by the Executive Director of SPAWAR Systems Center Atlantic (SSC-LANT), who reached out to his command to encouraged participation in this and other YAF events. This year alone, the Charleston YAFs plan to raise $5,000 for the Military Magnet Academy, a local middle and high school which, despite being surrounded by poverty, has a graduation rate above 97% each year. The donation will help further facilitate the development of STEM-related initiatives to broaden and deepen their students' education.
Anthony Day
Booz Allen Hamilton
Mid-West Region
Mr. Day has demonstrated his capacity to go above and beyond for the Fort Knox chapter and the Young AFCEAN program. Anthony planned and executed three Young AFCEAN events focused on HTML5, IT Service Management and Cloud Computing. These events were well attended by the community, with extremely positive feedback from the participants. Anthony coordinates all the Young AFCEAN chapter events and leads all communications through a variety of channels including web, email, and direct communication. He recruited relevant speakers and coordinated all resources to promote and execute events, contributing to an increase in Young AFCEAN membership, including 12 new memberships in one month. In supporting the Young AFCEAN Program, Anthony mentored several Young AFCEANs to be event speakers and assist with preparation of events. Anthony's mentoring of Young AFCEANs contributed to their representation on the Chapter’s scholarships and special events committees. As a member of the Chapter's Executive Committee, Anthony received specific mentoring from the Chapter President and Executive Vice President.
Amanda Dugger
World Wide Technology
South Florida Region
Mrs. Dugger is always at the forefront of the Tampa Young AFCEAN program providing her thought leadership, her personal sweat equity and a "lead by doing" example. In 2010, Amanda became a Young AFCEAN program committee lead. Her volunteering, dedication and passion for young leadership made her a perfect fit to run the Young AFCEAN Membership Committee. Her recruiting efforts, membership kick offs, and onboarding new Young AFCEANs has resulted in 70 new chapter Young AFCEANs. She is also a volunteer extraordinaire, assisting with several TechNet Land Forces conferences, taking the Christmas gift wrapping lead, and coordinating and managing all volunteers for the yearly Tampa chapter golf tournament. Amanda also purposefully reengages YAs who have unintentionally become less involved or unsure about their chapter membership status. She expertly delivers the AFCEA message and emphasizes the importance of joining AFCEA early in one’s career.
John Foster
Fearless Solutions
Maryland Region
Mr. Foster currently serves as Central Maryland's Young AFCEAN (YAF) President, and formerly served as the chapter's Vice President and VP of Membership. John has helped the YAFs increase attendance at chapter level events by more than 15% on average, growing opportunities to increase new scholarships and improving community relationships. John has enabled a military directed event (Sports Day), developing junior officers and junior NCOs as matrix leaders. He spent four years supporting CMD's monthly luncheons and its annual 5K race. He co-led a networking event at the AFCEA International Cyber Symposium that brought together members from multiple chapters. As the 2011 YAF VP of Membership, John helped establish the YAF Executive Committee Integration lead role and was instrumental in establishing an annual training scholarship through a small business sponsor promoting the needs of the technical membership. He was also Volunteers Lead for the annual Bull and Oyster Roast from 2009 to 2013. John’s contributions to the chapter were recognized this past year with the Semi-Annual Young AFCEAN Award for the chapter; a peer nominated and selected award.
Taylor Gardiner
Telos
Mid-South Region
Ms. Gardiner hit the chapter running at top speed and amazed the Montgomery Chapter membership. She took them from little to no presence in SIGNAL Magazine two years ago to 11 writeups in 2013. She was involved in every part of the Chapter’s signature event, the annual IT Summit (MITS), which this year raised more than $140,000. She orchestrated every planning meeting; assisted with printing and distribution of the program; recorded minutes; managed sponsors; organized the seating for awardees and parents; created and printed table signs and cards; and personally wrote all of the awardee and donor thank you letters. During onsite execution of MITS, she assisted the chapter's various committees in setting up signage, assembly of the booths, supporting speaker presentations by collecting audience questions, and then helped disassemble the booths and signage. For YAF events, including Business Over Breakfasts, Socials, and Activity Day, she assisted in planning, promotion, photography, setup and cleanup. She also designed flyers and t-shirts for the YAF Get Fit Runs. She does everything with a positive, enthusiastic attitude and was the Chapter Young AFCEAN of the Year.
Samantha Goggans
Silver Springs Networks
Texas Region
Mrs. Goggans joined Alamo AFCEA as a corporate sponsor and drove her company's support as the sole sponsor of the YAF's initial and highly successful Young AFCEA Mentor Protégé night. Samantha also signed up when a chapter Deputy Chair of Publicity was needed. Concurrently, she assumed the role of Publicity Chair for the Young AFCEANs where she developed an excellent social media program, greatly increasing the Facebook and LinkedIn audiences. In her first few months, she authored eight SIGNAL Chapter News articles, designed two chapter brochures and created surveys to garner critical membership feedback. In addition, thanks to her efforts, YAF blogging is up over 500%! Samantha is extremely visible and involved in all the YAF activities supporting the greater Alamo Chapter, including registration for monthly luncheons; taking pictures; marketing the chapter; and representing the chapter at key events such as the Cyber Patriot competition, Wounded Warrior Family Ice Cream Social and summer boating trips. Samantha can be seen at promotional events for the YAF Way Ahead Wounded Warrior program, including supporting exhibitors at a local Got Your 6 event. Samantha also recruited mentors and attended the highly-lauded Speed Mentoring event and Mentor-Protégé dinners. She is a trusted mentor of teenage girls involved in the Chapter’s Women of IT event.
Kelsey Kellas
Red River
Southern California Region
Ms. Kellas is a consistent volunteer for the AFCEA San Diego chapter, always willing to chip in and go the extra mile. Some of the exemplary contributions to AFCEA and the community at large that Kelsey has performed include planning and coordinating multiple young AFCEAN events Kelsey organized the dates and locations for the quarterly events, and also helped at the AFCEA Symposium Golf Tournament by coordinating scheduling and event day preparation and execution. Kelsey is co-chairing the AFCEA Symposium Golf tournament for 2014, including fund raising and tournament organization. She volunteered at the NRSW Fleet & Family Support Job Fair to teach a class on "What to do now that you have the interview". She also helped educate transitioning Veterans on the use of networking and social media to help with their job search. In addition to her activities within AFCEA, Kelsey is a true community activist and volunteer. She consistently volunteers to help those in need and is passionate about the foster youth in San Diego.
Dr. Oldrich Krulik
Police Academy Prague
Central Eastern Europe Region
Dr. Krulik was elected as Prague student club president - the second European student club and the first in Central Eastern Europe. He actively takes care of the club's programs and activities. He also participates in different AFCEA events, has presented at conferences, and acts as a panel speaker and chair. Oldrich is a good role model for all AFCEA members through his work and is an inspiration for newcomers. During the last two years he helped to establish the most active and prosperous student club in the region. His student club is very valuable for the local chapter as well as for the Central Eastern Europe region. Oldrich and his colleagues actively participate in all local activities and the European Student symposium.
Lon Lane
K2
National Capital Region
Mr. Lane was the Chair of the DC Chapter Young AFCEANs for 2011-2012, following his Co-Chair responsibilities from 2009-2011, and was on the DC Chapter Board of Directors in 2012-2013 as the Secretary. He is currently the Chair of the Finance Committee ensuring the Chapter and all events stay on budget. Lon was critical to the creation of a Professional Development series for the Young AFCEANs as well as leading the first three events. Lon was the lead on AFCEA DC's premier event, the Winter Gala, last year. Under his guidance, the DC YAF committee was expanded to provide for additional leadership positions including Outreach, Professional Development and Sponsorship. He participated as the YAF on the AFCEA DC executive advisory board providing insight to the growth of YAFs within the organization. Lon has had an active role in each major symposium and event (Winter Gala, Emerging Tech, Cyber, Mobile, Military Awards Dinner) for the past several years. Lon has also been a driving force on the Sponsorship committee driving sponsorship and attendance for events.
Capt Sebastian Leinhos, DEUAF
Air Force Operational Forces Command, German Air Force
Central Europe Region
Captain Leinhos joined the Bonn Chapter Young AFCEAN Board and brought his deep knowledge of collaboration tools. He led the group to use wiki tools for leading the Young AFCEANs contributions, including event planning and decision-making. Within only one year, his wiki has been the single tool for organizing all Bonn Young AFCEAN activities. Captain Leinhos implemented the Young AFCEA Bonn wiki according to the needs of the Young AFCEA board. He helped all members of the board use it and gave introductory sessions. Whenever there was a special need, he adapted the platform and mentored the Board on the changes.
Andrea Loper
Space and Missile Systems Center
Western Region
Ms. Loper was recruited to the Los Angeles chapter to invigorate outreach to young government professionals within the Los Angeles Aerospace community. She engaged the Space and Missile System Center's (SMC) Civilian Development Group (CDG) President and presented the benefits of AFCEA at a CDG general assembly. Andrea continued her campaign for new Young AFCEAN members by hosting networking events for government, military and industry personnel, and encouraging attendees to join AFCEA. Andrea pitches in to assist the Programs function for luncheon meetings, and she led AFCEA's support to the SMC Awards Banquet. Andrea participates in the Chapter's STEM program by signing up volunteers from the CDG for the Richmond Street Elementary School in El Segundo, CA. She hosted two STEM nights in 2013, and the school district will now continue STEM nights. Andrea was elected to be Secretary of the Board to leverage her organizational skills to ensure successful pursuit of chapter activities. She consistently volunteers for Awards Ceremonies for ROTC Scholarship winners from USC, UCLA and Loyola Marymount. Andrea also expanded the Chapter's monthly luncheon speakers by recruiting the Deputy, JFCC Space, for the April luncheon.
Capt Eduardo Malvacio, EA
Argentine Army
South America Region
Captain Malvacio is President of the Argentina Student Subchapter. He has collaborated in disseminating Argentina AFCEA activities in social networks. Eduardo has an enthusiastic attitude, is motivated and smart, and his example attracts new young AFCEANs to the Argentina Chapter, in which numerous military personnel participate. He exhibits leadership qualities in guiding and leading the new young AFCEANs. He is always inclined to help with the planning and participation of chapter events, and has contributed to the creation of a club composed of several young AFCEANs, where there are innovative projects in all branches of engineering, including robotics. He is actively involved in research on cryptology, as well as in organizing conferences related to this specialty, and is personally involved in all activities and events of the Chapter. In addition, Eduardo is a contributor to the Cyber Defense competitions organized by the chapter. A founding member of the club that develops mechatronic engineering applications, he has also engaged several members of the Student Subchapter.
James Muller
HP Enterprise Services
Pacific Region
As the AFCEA Hawaii Young AFCEAN Vice President of Industry, Mr. Muller grew a burgeoning program by enhancing the use of social media to communicate with and enroll a large number of young industry and government leaders. Jim assumed the role and responsibilities of VP for Membership when the standing VP had to step down, and his first action was to identify another individual to fill the YAF VP of Industry position. Jim continues to work with both VPs for Young AFCEANs, government and industry to ensure all Young AFCEAN Model Chapter goals are met and exceeded. Jim designed the new AFCEA Hawaii website, which has received more hits in the last five months than the old website did in its history. He conducts training sessions for AFCEA Hawaii members teaching the most effective use of the website and the social media tools that support the website. Jim is using social media and the website to enhance/expand AFCEA Hawaii's recognition within the DOD, federal and industry communities. He has planned, advertised and is implementing the social event that celebrates AFCEA Hawaii's 60th anniversary.
Gerasimos Papandrikopoulos
The American College of Greece
South Eastern Europe Region
With a strong background in student activities at DEREE–The American College of Greece and as President-Elect of the Student Body, Mr. Papandrikopoulos responded to the Hellenic Chapter’s need for young/active members and created the very first AFCEA Student Club in 2009. During the same year Gerasimos co-founded afceayouth.com; the blog for Young AFCEANs and young individuals interested in getting involved with AFCEA, which has more than one hundred active subscribers. After presenting the first Student Club at the Fourth AFCEA Education Summit in 2011, Gerasimos shared a practical formula for the creation and promotion of new AFCEA student clubs for a global outreach; two years later more than 15 student clubs and subchapters have been created or are in the process of establishing themselves within the AFCEA community. Gerasimos has been mentoring, training and assisting the student club presidents with his experience and know-how since 2009. As a result, the DEREE AFCEA Student Club has been exhibiting an increasing participation in AFCEA events, including TechNet Europe, TechNet International, European Student Conferences and the Global Intelligence Forum.
Dr. Krzysztof Parobczak
Military Technical University
Baltic Region
Dr. Parobczak is one of the European young leaders and co-organizers of the European Student Symposium as well as many student and local AFCEA activities at the Military Technical University. In 2013 he supported the European student symposium in Warsaw and prepared a professional and social program for almost 100 students and Young AFCEANs. In addition, Krzysztof is a very active locally-focused member of AFCEA, responsible for office and administration affairs of the Polish chapter. As a teacher, Krzysztof is an efficient mentor to local AFCEAN and non-AFCEAN young people and students. Most recently he has worked closely with local leaders to create a student club.
SSgt Cameron Smith, USAF
55th Strategic Communications Squadron
Great Plans – Rocky Mountain Region
SSgt Smith has been a major driving force within the Greater Omaha Chapter for the past four years. In support of a recent Air Show, Cameron recruited numerous Young AFCEANs to raise donations toward scholarships for the next generation of STEM leaders. Cameron significantly improved the Young AFCEAN program by bringing other Young AFCEANs to chapter board meetings where they shared their ideas and revitalized enthusiasm. Cameron organized and led the advertising campaign for the Chapter’s LAN Parties, partnering with the University of Nebraska-Omaha's Peter Kiewit Institute and local high schools to create an educational and fun information technology environment. The latest LAN party captured the spirits of over 30 high school students, University of Nebraska-Omaha students, and Offutt Air Force Base Airmen participants. Cameron organized three of the chapter IT tours within the Omaha Metropolitan area. This effort enabled military, government, and contractor personnel to seek mentoring from experts in their fields. Cameron also judged JROTC drill meets for 20 schools from five states, bolstering Air Force and community relations.
Capt Stacie Voorhees, USAF
12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern)
Southwest Region
Capt Voorhees remains integral to Tucson chapter initiatives and growth, and she is a role model and inspiration to local IT professionals. Stacie engaged constantly with AF Cyber/ISR officers and brought several into the Young AFCEAN program via luncheons and personal mentoring. Her collaborative forums include partnerships with New Horizons Training for an impressive Windows8 First Look event. Her outreach to sister chapters in Arizona, Colorado, and Omaha enabled the Chapter’s education program to provide nearly $3,000 in STEM grants/scholarships for community schools and ROTC programs. Stacie personally recruited relevant speakers for chapter luncheons to engage in STEM, emerging technologies, and DoD cyber perspective. Stacie was a driving force for the major golf fundraiser which brought in over $2,000 for STEM efforts. Tucson was designated a Model Chapter in 2013 due to Stacie establishing and leading goals, including scholarship/grant and outreach programs. Stacie regularly shares insight, helping younger members understand that small actions can go far for STEM objectives. Stacie's professionalism, perspective and leadership have also been recognized by the Air Force 3-star commander.
Distinguished Young AFCEANs
Kendra Andrew
Tensley Consulting
Central Maryland Chapter
Immediately after joining the Chapter, Ms. Andrew became an active volunteer at events such as the Annual Bull and Oyster Roast, monthly AFCEA Luncheons, Technology Over Bagels, and the AFCEA 5K Run. She is the 2013 YAF Vice President, spearheading a live streaming broadcast of the YAF Executive Committee meetings and YAF events through Google Hangouts to reach a broader YAF base. In tandem, Kendra serves as Mentorship Night Lead, growing the event from 30 to 45+ attendees with a wait list, and becoming at least one student’s mentor and advisor. Her ability to engage NSA Office Chiefs, Retired Directors, and high ranking military personnel has made this event desirable to the entire community. She is also an active participant in the Women In Intelligence Group. Supporting the AFCEA CMD 5K she aided the food drive table in collecting over 200 food products to donate. Volunteering at the Annual YAF Bull & Oyster Roast for four years, last year she was the Silent Auction Lead and gathered contributions and managed the auction which generated $8,000 for the educational fund. Kendra will be assuming the role of YAF CMD President for the 2014 Term.
Sharon Cassidy
HC Integrated Solutions
Marianas Chapter
Mrs. Cassidy has been with the AFCEA Marianas chapter since its rebuilding in 2008. She was initially the Secretary and then VP, Education and Scholarships for two years, followed by VP, Membership and Awards. Sharon was a coordinator of the 2009 TechNet and has been on the planning committee each year since. Sharon has brought on and mentored many new members who remain as members of AFCEA and she continues to bring new individuals on board. Her roles at the chapter have been varied to include sponsorship, media, advertising, web development, event organization, logistics, speaker committee and accounting. Her exceptional dedication to the Marianas Chapter TechNet 2013 allowed for the awarding of four $1,000 STEM Teacher Grants, four $1,000 scholarships to graduating High School seniors and one $250 grant to an active duty member attending college on his own time. Sharon is a wealth of knowledge for the chapter, knowing all the member's and guest's names, faces and projects they are working on. She has outstanding communication and people skills allowing her to bring new guests to join and she works well with the other chapter officers in promoting events. Sharon is an extremely valuable asset to the chapter and is dedicated to AFCEA's mission.
Brandon Gressett
ProSOL Associates
Alamo Chapter
Mr. Gressett's leadership, military experience, and drive quickly placed him at the forefront of key Alamo Young AFCEAN activities. Leading the Alamo Way Ahead program to help Wounded Warriors reintegrate into STEM-focused areas after leaving the Armed Forces, Brandon leveraged his personal wounded warrior experience to secure participation in the Wounded Warrior communities in Austin and San Antonio. Brandon mentors the program's participants, and secured a position for the first veteran in the program, maintaining monthly contact with him. He also led a YAF team-building river float trip on the Comal River, assists with monthly luncheons and happy hours, and actively participates in nearly all chapter YAF functions. He was handpicked by the YAF President to brief updates to the Board of Directors, sponsors and the Air Force CIO during a monthly luncheon/meeting. Brandon has had crucial involvement in organizing the annual Family Summer Event, and is also a lead volunteer for the Alamo Chapter Event (ACE) Golf Tournament and Operation Comfort benefit. Brandon represents AFCEA at Veterans' Fairs and meetings of the San Antonio Coalition for Veterans and Families.
Keegan Hill
JJR Solutions, LLC
Dayton-Wright Chapter
Mr. Hill helped reintroduce quarterly social events for the Young AFCEANS (YAFs), including attending Dayton's NCAA First Four game with a social dinner beforehand. Keegan assisted Claire Revalee with Power Breakfasts by driving turnout through extended networks. Recently he took over as Co-President of the YAFs with Claire, taking charge of their year-end event, their monthly luncheon scholarship fundraiser, and the finances. Keegan has reached out to AFIT and local ROTC detachments, working to strengthen student outreach for the YAFs. His outreach has also attracted members of community groups to AFCEA events, expanding AFCEA's reach beyond its own community, with UpDayton, Generation Dayton, Wright State Alumni, and SOCHE participating in AFCEA events. Keegan has established himself not only in the local YAF chapter, but in various young professional groups in the Dayton area. He has brought them together at multiple events over the last six months including the Power Breakfast series and YAF at Dayton Dragons.
Christian Hoehner
Van Scoyoc Associates
Bethesda Chapter
Mr. Hoehner strives to drive the AFCEA mission statement into each program. He gladly promotes AFCEA benefits to his diverse professional network. Christian serves as a liaison and provides perspective to broader federal conversations when needed. Christian designed new sponsorship packages and leveraged his knowledge to deepen AFCEA's outreach with Congressional agency executives. As the Industry Liaison last year he focused on streamlining sponsorship processes. He guided the leadership team to recognize industry participant needs and built a contact management system to leverage collective networks, identify consistent industry stakeholders, and avoid the perils of duplicative outreach efforts. He single-handedly raised over $25,000 in sponsorships for AFCEA Bethesda and truly embodies the role of an AFCEA brand ambassador.
2d Lt Timothy Hoffmann, USAF
608 Air Communications Squadron
ArkLaTex Chapter
Lt Hoffmann not only attended all Young AFCEAN luncheons, he took the program on the road and traveled to the LA Tech AFROTC unit where he spoke to over 80 cadets about Young AFCEANs. Tim was instrumental in helping set up three Young AFCEA events in Shreveport, Louisiana, and also organizes the ArkLaTex Chapter's Monthly Professional Luncheon series for over 400 members, doing a superb job scheduling monthly luncheons and maintaining the electronic system for RSVPs from ArkLaTex Chapter members. He provided logistics and technical presentation support for DigiFest's two Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) speakers ensuring the venue would provide a world-class event to the Shreveport-Bossier City community. In addition, Tim raised ArkLaTex chapter awareness by participating and sponsoring an AFCEA aid station during the annual Eighth AF Eight Kilometer Run. Combining his influential role in AFCEA along with his role in the Company Grade Officer organization, Tim was able to recruit 10 new Young AFCEAN members for the year.
Luke Howe
Sagent Partners
Northern Virginia Chapter
Mr. Howe serves as President of AFCEA NOVA's Young AFCEANs. Luke has been an active AFCEA NOVA volunteer since March 2009, and quickly became involved in support of Chapter events and the AFCEA Scholarship Program. Luke has supported all AFCEA NOVA IT Days by helping identify sponsors, acquire speakers, and support event logistics. Luke also assisted with the Valentine's Day Ball, the Mentoring Program with the GMU subchapter and a large variety of Young AFCEAN initiatives. Since 2011, Luke has been the Pentagon Shuttle Captain for AFCEA NOVA, coordinating transportation between the Pentagon to the Chapter event site. Luke works closely with the Chair of the AFCEA NOVA Wounded Warriors Program to raise funds and educate attendees on the importance of supporting Wounded Warriors. Luke received recognition as an AFCEA NOVA Super NOVA and a Distinguished Young AFCEAN. Luke has received a Golden Eagle for his contribution to the 2012 AFCEA NOVA Air Force IT Day, and has worked in collaboration with other AFCEA NOVA volunteers to develop a new format for the Small Business session at Warfighter Support Agencies IT Day.
John Karabias
Hi-Tec Systems
Aberdeen Chapter
Mr. Karabias has been supporting the Aberdeen Chapter for the past several years. He became the President of the Chapter's Young AFCEANs (YAFs) in May of 2013 and the Vice President of YAFs on the Chapter's Executive Committee. He leads a vibrant team of go-getters who are growing and building events, such as the YAF’s 5k, the Crabfeast at Ripken Stadium, a new Leadership Breakfast Series, and a budding partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Harford County, where John serves as an inspiration to the other mentors in the program. The Leadership Breakfasts have been a hit with YAFs seeking guidance from local leaders in government and industry. Currently, John is working with his team to grow their support of STEM in the community. Finally, John is setting the stage for a more dynamic series of social activities to attract new YAFs to the Chapter, especially those within the government. In all, John is a great AFCEAN, leader, and mentor of the next generation.
Leslie McIndoe
HP
Washington, DC Chapter
Ms. McIndoe has been a critical contributor to the AFCEA DC Awards Committee since 2007, and was promoted to Awards Chair in 2012. Leslie oversees the global nomination and awards process for the annual Spring Military IT Leadership Awards Dinner, many recipients of which are Young AFCEANs, collaborating with CIO-appointed leads from each branch of service and other organizations to promote this program and generate nominations from around the globe. She works closely with the Executive Selection panel, which comprises retired Flag and General officers, to determine Award recipients. In addition, Leslie leads the Chapter's overall awards program, which includes monthly awards for AFCEANs and Young AFCEANs, and a quarterly award for STEM Educators. At the Chapter level, Leslie is dedicated to recognizing contributions of peers and colleagues in the AFCEA DC community: DC AFCEANs of the Month, Young AFCEANs of the Month, and STEM Educators. She established new processes for the DC Chapter's awards committee; captured lessons learned; and made improvements to streamline processes. Leslie recruits, trains and mentors Young AFCEANs to serve on the AFCEA DC Awards Committee. She actively promotes the benefits of becoming involved with AFCEA across the military community.
Brittany Paulshock
EOIR Technologies
Aberdeen Chapter
Ms. Paulshock is serving as Director of Programs for the Aberdeen Young AFCEANs (YAFs). Brittany was the lead organizer of the YAF Crabfeast to benefit YAF initiatives in 2013 which she completely reinvented, introducing new features that helped draw more attendees and sponsors during a time of reductions in sponsorship and event participation in the APG community. APG leaders such as the Deputy Commander of CECOM attended the event and lauded the efforts of the Aberdeen YAFs. Brittany was also a mentor as part of the YAFs mentorship program at Edgewood Middle School and selflessly dedicated two mornings a week to the mentorship of a middle school student. Brittany has also been a significant contributor to the YAF Social Media Strategy and Communications Team, helping the YAFs to implement an effective social media strategy. In addition, Brittany has helped to craft marketing material and distribute it at various local events. Brittany's promotion of the Aberdeen YAFs has inspired other young professionals in the area to join and/or contribute to our various events.
MSgt Wendee Roberson, USAF
355th Communications Squadron
Tucson Chapter
Master Sergeant Roberson's dedication and commitment to the AFCEA Tucson Chapter in such a short period is without rival. She arrived in Tucson in 2012 and immediately filled the assistant treasurer position; shortly thereafter she became the go-to person for handling all the chapter's treasury affairs. Wendee did not limit her contributions to only one aspect of the chapter's growth and she is now the Vice President for Enlisted Affairs. She has been vital in increasing industry participation at monthly luncheons and most importantly is a representative to recruit more enlisted military and junior members. She has proven to be a positive influence in the community as she sponsored five Airmen to increase awareness of AFCEA to younger members, ensured the success of the chapter's Windows 8 training day that was attended by more than 100 military and civilians members, and enhanced the professional collaboration between Tucson's military and industry leaders by supporting an immersion of the 162nd Fighter Wing Air National Guard Base operations. In 2013, Wendee helped recruit 15 new Young AFCEANs and her commitment to the Tucson chapter has been commendable.
1st Lt William R. Sinkey, USAF
690 NSS, Det 1
Kaiserslautern Chapter
Lt Sinkey serves as the Young AFCEAN Chairman for the Kaiserslautern Chapter (KMC). He selects the Emerging Leader monthly award recipient, recognizing countless Airmen’s accomplishments. He led multiple KMC Young AFCEAN Chapter events, to include squadron site visits to educate members on the mission capabilities of other organizations, a trip to Cisco Systems, an IBM facility tour, and a HP tour with the AFCEA Central Europe Regional Vice President. William also served as the Chapter's point of contact for the annual Ramstein Bazaar, hosting hundreds of vendors from all of Europe. This event serves as the Chapter's largest fund raising event, building support for scholarships issued to local high schools throughout Germany. William proved an outstanding team leader and mentor.
Eva Spacilova
Hewlett Packard
Czech Chapter
Ms. Spacilova is an active AFCEA member who has taken full responsibility for the Chapter’s finances for more than three years, guaranteeing the accuracy and completeness of all chapter financial operations. In addition, she participates in all the local chapter events, mainly helping with event administration and chapter financial issues. She is a very valuable locally-involved member. She also helps to mentor young chapter members and encourage the members of the Czech Chapter's newly formed student clubs.
Romeo Spino
IntellecTechs, Inc.
Hampton Roads Chapter
Mr. Spino fills an executive position on the AFCEA Hampton Roads Chapter Board of Directors and is in his first year as Young AFCEAN President. He played a key role in the success of numerous AFCEA conferences and events and is a staunch advocate for the growth and sustainment of the AFCEA mission. Mr. Spino has assisted local AFCEA Hampton Roads’ small business partner Timitron with developing an Information Technology and Leadership Training service that allowed Timitron to introduce a new product to their customer base and increase their products of services to their current and prospective clients giving Timitron the ability to capture new business as a key strategic teaming partner.
Timothy St. Jean
C4 Planning Solutions
South Florida Chapter
Mr. St. Jean is at the front of the South Florida Young AFCEAN program with his unassuming leadership, lengthy time investments and a dogged "lead by doing" example. Tim worked with over 10 South Florida Middle School Science and Math teachers to identify a multitude of STEM Excellence award candidates. At a special AFCEA luncheon in their honor, each student received a Certificate of Excellence and a Rising Star trophy highlighting their achievement from the USSOUTHCOM J6 and Chapter President, COL Maria Barrett. Tim was also instrumental in standing up the pilot program Rocket Box. He spent time with after-school science students, briefly taught them Physics, provided model rocket kits for 12 teams of two students to build and customize and then aided their model rocket launches. Tim has worked relentlessly for the annual Chapter golf tournament and spent numerous personal hours soliciting potential silent auction and raffle prizes. To date, Tim has raised over $6,000 in sponsorship donations plus over $1000 in silent auction and raffle items for future South Florida AFCEA chapter scholarship awards.
Veronika Stranska
Servodata s.r.o.
Czech Chapter
Ms. Stranska is a long-time AFCEA member and very active participant in different chapter activities. Veronika always delivers high quality work using a proactive approach. A key add-on value for the chapter is her participation in all membership affairs, including recruitment and retention. During the last three years she helped to increase both membership retention and the total number of chapter members. Veronika is one of the team members who helped to ensure that the Czech chapter is the biggest and most prosperous and active Central Eastern European chapter, receiving the Model Chapter award more than 15 times.
MSgt Paul Vinson, USAF
USAFE-AFRICA/A6
Kaiserslautern Chapter
MSgt Vinson is the Young AFCEAN Co-Chair. He selects the emerging leader monthly award, recognizing countless Airmen's accomplishments and hard work. He also led multiple events involving the Kaiserslautern Young AFCEAN Chapter which spans five bases in Germany. Events include Squadron site visits, a trip to Cisco Systems, an IBM facility tour, and an HP tour with the Central Regional Vice President of AFCEA. The Young AFCEANS were involved in a hacking competition held at the Ramstein Tech Expo. One of the biggest events at the Tech Expo consisted of IT classes taught over two weekends, totaling 32 off-duty hours. Paul was the co-lead for the annual Ramstein Bazaar, one of the Chapter's largest fund raisers to help support scholarships issued to local high schools around Germany.
Capt Robert Walker, USAF
AFLCMC/HBAG
Lexington-Concord Chapter
Captain Walker afforded the Lexington-Concord Young AFCEANs a first-hand view of how to lead and work toward resurrecting one of the signature events: the annual CNS/ATM conference. Prior to this past year, he was the lead on the USAF side, and its unqualified success was a testament to his efforts. Bobby was similarly engaged with the planning of last year's conference, personally putting in more than 10 months of concentrated effort before it was unfortunately cancelled. Undaunted, he is researching sponsorship requirements in an effort to renew this critically important event. Bobby has helped organize and support some of the Chapter's most important events. These have included the annual State of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (LCMC), attended personally by the LCMC Commander (where Bobby was in charge of invitations), and the Chapter’s annual signature event, the New Horizons Conference. Bobby has been extremely successful in his role as mentorship event organizer, including helping grade results and present scholarship awards at the State Math Counts Competition, and helping to find a keynote presenter for the annual ROTC Leadership Luncheon.