January's luncheon was a loaded event for the chapter.
The new chapter president, Caitlin Johnson, CEO and founder of Input Technology Solutions, was sworn in. Johnson is the chapter's first female president since Teresa Duvall. Also, many new members were sworn into the board:
Chelsey Dolan, vice president of Emerging Leaders; Lt. Kaily Cornick, USN, vice president of communications; Kelly Jenne, executive vice president; Palmer Sims, AFCEA regional vice president; Amy Yendall, vice president of membership; Dennis Garcia, vice president of education; James Tilley, vice president of programs; Teresa Duvall, women's outreach leader; Matthew Umphlet, webmaster; Zeib Parvez, treasurer; Vicci Morabito, vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion; Hillary Boyce, chair, Small Business Committee; Larry Minnick, golf chair; Neil Bourassa, historian; Jenniffer Minks, secretary; and Lt. Col. Clarissa Blair, USN, vice president of military affairs.
The chapter had the distinct honor of presenting teacher Adam Lewandowski and students Sebastian Rodrigues and Andrea Aguas of Catholic High School, Norfolk, Virginia, with the STEM Teaching Tools Award, which highlights schools teaching STEM disciplines that support industry's focus on the design, development, manufacture, maintenance and operation of communications, electronics, information technology and intelligence systems. Catholic High School was selected for this award for its focus on STEM teaching and the empowerment of students. Last, but certainly not least, the chapter kicked off 2024 by welcoming back Capt. Christina Hicks, chief of staff of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, commander TENTH Fleet. As the guest speaker, she delivered an amazing speech and answered many questions regarding zero trust, shore and ship-based information systems and security. Her continued support of the chapter is highly appreciated, and the chapter members look forward to continuing to bring in the greatest talents from the Department of Defense (DoD) and information technology professionals.
In attendance were Information Professional Basic Course students, the next group of highly specialized U.S. Navy officers to join the DoD in information security, networks and cybersecurity.
The chapter looks forward to another amazing year in Hampton Roads and hopes to see attendance continuing to grow in Virginia!
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(l-r) Teresa Duvall, outgoing education chair; Andrea Aguas, student, Catholic High School, Norfolk, Virginia; Sebastian Rodriguez, student, Catholic High School; Adam Lewandowski, teacher, Catholic High School; Matthew Umphlet, STEM Teaching Tool Awards chair; and Capt. Christina Hicks, chief of staff of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, commander, TENTH Fleet, pose for a photo at the January event.
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