AFCEA International Chapter News
MONTGOMERY CHAPTER CHAPTER - Apr 08, 2016

New Executive Officer Shares Vision for Future of Business and Enterprise Systems

In April, the chapter hosted its monthly luncheon, which featured Richard Aldridge, program executive officer (PEO) for the Business and Enterprise Systems (BES), as the guest speaker. The luncheon was held at the Wynlakes Lakes Country Club in Montgomery, Alabama. Eric Sloan opened the luncheon and handed the floor over to Tom Gwaltney to recognize Charisse Stokes for her outstanding achievement of winning the Women in AFCEA award. The award recognizes Stokes dedication to mentoring, promoting and growing women in AFCEA. Aldridge addressed a full house of military, government and industry personnel about his vision for the future BES. He emphasized that he is an unconventional choice for an unconventional portfolio and went on to share how his wide and varied professional experiences provide him the kind of broad scope required to manage BES. In addition Aldridge talked about the importance of being authentic and building trust based on relationships both within BES and with industry. Through trusting relationships, all members will feel free to be more innovative. This is significant because innovation is more important than ever in the current climate of fiscal constraint. In addition to innovation, he discussed his goal to get rid of processes that don't add value to allow the workforce to be more efficient. He also reminded the audience that no one calls when things are going well; they only call when things are going wrong. To emphasize his point, he asked if any of the attendees ever call the power company to thank them for keeping the lights on. Finally, he shared his expectations for how industry partners could help build the strong trust-based relationship he mentioned at the beginning of his speech. He asked that industry deliver what they promise. Finally, he closed with his personal motto “touch the day you will never see.” Aldridge shared the motto's significance and how he intends to incorporate balance in both his personal and professional life and encouraged the attendees to do the same. The chapter thanks Aldridge for sharing his vision and would also like to extend thanks to the Wynlakes Country Club. Lastly, the chapter would like to congratulate Stokes on her outstanding achievement.

Event Photographs:

The Chapter Education Foundation Director Charisse Stokes receives the Women in AFCEA Award from Regional Vice President Tom Gwaltney at the April luncheon.
The Chapter Education Foundation Director Charisse Stokes receives the Women in AFCEA Award from Regional Vice President Tom Gwaltney at the April luncheon.
Chapter President Eric Sloan (l) presents guest speaker, Richard Aldridge, program executive officer, Business and Enterprise Systems, Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, with a token of the chapter's appreciation at the luncheon in April.
Chapter President Eric Sloan (l) presents guest speaker, Richard Aldridge, program executive officer, Business and Enterprise Systems, Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, with a token of the chapter's appreciation at the luncheon in April.

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