A New Generation Takes the Helm: The Rise of the Chapter's Emerging Leaders

Since 2021, San Diego has been celebrated as a Model Emerging Leader Chapter, and in 2025 it earned top honors as the Emerging Leader Chapter of the Year in the very large chapter category.

This success didn't happen by accident. The chapter's rise was deliberate and rooted in a vision for fresh energy. "When I first joined AFCEA six years ago, I walked into a room of mostly senior professionals," recalls 2023-2025 Chapter President Matt Beekman. "I knew a younger, more diverse group would invigorate the chapter." Five years later, the chapter's executive committee reflects exactly that vision-vibrant, varied and powered by a pipeline of creative, motivated and empowered leaders.

Step into any committee meeting today and you'll hear the voices of emerging leaders serving in senior roles, running major events, shaping strategy and earning both chapter and international recognition. The San Diego board is comprised of 38% emerging leaders and alumni, a testament to how intentionally the chapter has cultivated its talent. And the momentum continues to build. With record-breaking event revenue and scholarship funds, the board is buzzing with purpose and a shared desire to make an impact.

One of those rising stars is Anthony Olmo, the current vice president of Emerging Leaders. He remembers attending events simply out of curiosity before easing into volunteer roles wherever help was needed. Now, he chairs San Diego's largest event and has become an outspoken champion for the chapter's talent pipeline, ensuring emerging leaders are involved in every major initiative. His passion for empowering new contributors has helped fuel the chapter's rapid growth and its culture of inclusivity.

The chapter is also reaching earlier in the talent pipeline by engaging college students-the next wave of innovators and problem solvers. Thanks to academia and industry relations liaison, Chapter Vice President Daryl Porter, the chapter is launching its first college club at the University of San Diego in 2026. The effort not only attracts new leaders but introduces young minds to the defense and technology ecosystem, planting seeds for long-term impact.

As Beekman passes the torch and steps into his new role as board chairman, it's impossible not to notice the shift he sparked. His leadership helped cultivate a chapter that feels more dynamic, more inclusive and more prepared for the future than ever before. The bench of leaders is deeper. The energy is higher. And the chapter's achievements that were once ambitious goals are quickly becoming its new standard.

And for young professionals looking to grow, Emily Gowdz, the chapter's executive vice president and a driving force behind the Emerging Leader program credits AFCEA with opening doors she never expected, shaping her career and connecting her with mentors and colleagues who championed her potential. She offers simple but powerful advice, "Just show up and have a conversation with a few new faces."

The chapter is young, thriving and breaking records, all while building the kind of leadership community that will shape AFCEA San Diego for years to come.

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