Emerging Leadership Award
Alec Longarzo, Northern Virginia Chapter
Alec Longarzo is an outstanding candidate for the Emerging Leadership award, distinguished by his growth as a leader, impactful roles in both local and broader AFCEAN communities, and significant contributions at the HQ International level. His dedication to mentorship, advocacy, and guidance has made him a trusted ally on the Corropater Board and a role model within the organization. Alec has shown exceptional growth as a leader within the local Emerging Leader community. His involvement has been marked by a strong ability to inspire and engage peers, helping to create a dynamic environment for leadership development. Alec’s proactive approach and dedication to fostering collaboration have been pivotal in advancing the goals of the Emerging Leaders. Beyond his contributions within the Emerging Leader community, Alec has also made a significant impact in the broader AFCEAN community. His leadership extends to various initiatives and roles outside the local chapter, reflecting his commitment to advancing AFCEA’s mission on a larger scale. Alec’s work has been crucial in driving organizational goals and enhancing the overall effectiveness of AFCEA’s programs. At the HQ International level, Alec has played a key role in shaping policies and strategies that benefit emerging leaders globally. His contributions have been instrumental in ensuring that the needs and perspectives of emerging leaders are considered in high-level decisions. Alec’s ability to advocate effectively for the community at the international level underscores his dedication and influence. Mentorship is a cornerstone of Alec’s contributions. Over the years, he has provided invaluable guidance to numerous emerging leaders, supporting their career development and leadership growth. Alec’s mentorship is characterized by his willingness to share knowledge, offer constructive feedback, and champion the professional advancement of others. His dedication to mentoring has earned him the respect of his peers and has significantly impacted the development of future leaders. Alec’s role on the Corropater Board of the Emerging Leaders has further highlighted his commitment to the organization. His advocacy and strategic input have been essential in shaping the direction of the Emerging Leaders program. Alec’s balanced approach and dedication to representing the needs of the community reflect his strong leadership qualities. In summary, Alec Longarzo’s growth as a leader, his impactful roles in both local and broader AFCEAN communities, his contributions at the HQ International level, and his dedication to mentorship make him a deserving recipient of the Emerging Leadership award. His exceptional leadership and commitment to the Emerging Leaders program highlight his outstanding contributions and impact.
Alexandria Swope, Lexington-Concord Chapter
Alex won the Distinguished Young Professional (DYP) in 2022. She has been actively involved with Lexington-Concord AFCEA events since becoming a member in 2021. She is currently serving her second term as Co-President of the Emerging Leaders. EL Leadership: Since winning the DYP award, as Co-President of the Emerging Leaders she revitalized the group by coordinating events and volunteering countless hours to continually improve the chapter. Alex commits herself to the Chapter’s largest event, New Horizons; supporting registration, speaker coordination, and events. She planned the first Emerging Leaders Social to network and recruit new prospects, while promoting AFCEA. Alex’s entrepreneurial effort yielded 25+ new contacts. For the past two years Alex contributed to “Run for STEM 5K”, the EL’s largest event. Alex led the 2023 5K drawing the largest number of participants, over 170 runners, despite occurring during a tropical storm. Alex spear-headed the 5K raffle –directly reaching to local businesses and coordinated new race location which required engagement of Bedford town officials and permitting. Overall, Alex is an extremely impactful member of the L-C EL. She has spearheaded the chapter EL monthly events, reaching new members (growing membership by 30 this year!). She led the Chapter’s Kentucky Derby Gala and took the helm at our MathCounts statewide competition. Community Leadership: In addition to the AFCEA community and STEM events above, Alex volunteers with the Hanscom (AFB) Women’s Forum. Specifically engaging with the local Girl Scouts group to inspire young girls to serve in the Air Force. This directly impacts young girls’ exposure to STEM career fields and positive role models. International Emerging Leaders Contributions: In support of our Chapter and International awards, Alex led 2024 EL award nomination data collection to ensure strong applicants against the EL and DYP awards. She directly reviewed and approved over 25 teacher grants and scholarship applications for those in need and volunteer at WEST 2024. Mentoring: This is one of Alex’s strongest suits! In 2019, she began her Air Force Career as a member of the trainee program, where she was mentored by other Cost Trainees at Hanscom AFB. Realizing the value of her experience, she transitioned from mentee to mentor, acclimating new recruits as they started their government career. She is a thought leader on cost, repeatedly speaks at the Financial Management Newcomer Trainee Meet and Greet, and a known “go-to expert” in the program office. Alex directly provides mentorship through the Chapter’s new Fellowship Mentorship program for selective high school graduates and presented topics such as workplace etiquette. Professional Advancement: Alex distinguishes herself both through AFCEA leadership contributions and her Air Force career. Alex promoted to GS-13 last year. This year she attended the UNC Understanding Defense Industry course to aid in contract negotiations. Alex completed her DoD FM level 2 Certification and is actively working on her APDP Level 2 certificate. In sum, Alex Swope’s contributions to our Lexington-Concord exemplify leadership and it is with pride that we submit this emerging leader for the AFCEA International Award.
Blake Harvey, Northern Virginia Chapter
Blake Harvey, currently serving as VP, Special Activities for the 2024/2025 program year, has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to AFCEA NOVA. His contributions have significantly impacted the chapter and its members, particularly within the Emerging Leader community. In his previous role as VP of Membership, Blake launched the successful Summer Outing event in 2023, securing a co-host and four sponsors. Building on this success, he repeated the event in 2024, adding five new sponsors. He also mentored the incoming VP of Membership, ensuring a smooth transition and continued success in engaging sponsors and new members. Blake spearheaded NOVA’s Micro Mentoring Series, where he secured speakers to share career advice, particularly in Business Development and Capture Management. His mentorship of five early-career professionals provided them with valuable insights that have shaped their professional growth. In leading NOVA’s monthly Membership Networking Events, Blake focused on engaging new members, especially Emerging Leaders, and securing sponsorships. His efforts resulted in the introduction of four Emerging Leaders to key chapter figures, fostering a strong volunteer pipeline in 2022. Blake also secured eight sponsors for these events, which helped promote AFCEA and increase membership. Since 2017, Blake has actively supported the Small Business, Education, Membership, and Emerging Leaders programs. His leadership as Deputy VP of Education and his first term as VP of Membership earned him the Chapter’s Emerging Leader of the Year and Leadership Award. Blake's initiatives, such as moving Quarterly New Member socials to monthly events and engaging corporate sponsors, doubled attendance at socials to nearly 100 participants. At the AFCEA HQ International level, Blake contributed by sharing his expertise as an Emerging Leader in the GovCon industry. In April 2023, he was invited to join a three-person panel for the AFCEA Small Business Committee’s presentation on “Strengthening Your Potential to Win,” where he provided insights on capture, teaming, and competitive strategies during an engaged Q&A session. Blake has also been a dedicated mentor, cultivating a Membership Committee where 67% of volunteers are Emerging Leaders. His mentorship has been instrumental in their professional growth, with two committee members receiving the Chapter’s “Emerging Leader of the Month” Award. His guidance has created opportunities for Emerging Leaders to excel within AFCEA and their professional careers. Professionally, Blake serves as the Vice President of Growth at Red Team Consulting, where he excels in connecting Capture and Proposal professionals with government contractors. His network has brought significant value to AFCEA NOVA, including securing a high-profile speaker for a chapter luncheon. During the pandemic, Blake's innovative thinking led to virtual events that kept the community engaged, such as an industry market intelligence presentation attended by 86 participants. Blake’s outstanding contributions and leadership have been recognized with the AFCEA International Distinguished Young Professional Award in 2022. His continued dedication to AFCEA NOVA and the Emerging Leader community makes him an exemplary candidate for the Emerging Leadership Award.
Christopher Bennett, Alamo Chapter
Distinguished Young AFCEAN (DYA) Award (now known as the Distinguished Young Professional (DYP) Award) Chris Bennett was awarded the 2022 Distinguished Young Professional (DYP) award for the AFCEA Alamo Chapter, South-Central Region, for his leadership and commitment to the Emerging Leaders (EL) team. His efforts in organizing monthly events, sourcing mentors, and bringing valuable speakers have greatly contributed to the chapter's success and growth. Emerging Leader Leadership Since 2019, Chris has demonstrated remarkable growth as a leader and mentor within the EL community. Initially volunteering at monthly luncheons and quickly became the central figure in leading event planning and delivery. Chris has directed various EL events, securing sponsors like Diligent Consulting, VivSoft, and BTAS while managing logistics and marketing. His commitment to mentorship is evident in his work on Mentor Protégé Nights, where he takes charge of coordination, execution, and volunteering. By guiding team members and enhancing event operations, Chris’s leadership has attracted new members, boosted recruitment, and strengthened community engagement, significantly impacting the chapter’s success. Community Leadership Chris has served as the AVP of Programs for about 18 months, however his dedication to the AFCEA community spans over five years. He officially stepped into this role after volunteering at monthly luncheons since 2019, assisting with event setup, managing check-in, and organizing presentation materials. His leadership is evident as he successfully gathered over 20 mentors from government, industry, and academia for Mentor Protégé Night. By leveraging relationships with peers, Chris effectively recruited mentors for various events. His proactive approach and tenacity have greatly enhanced the AFCEA community, showcasing his exceptional leadership skills and earning widespread appreciation. International Emerging Leader Contributions What contributions has the nominee made to the Emerging Leader community at the AFCEA International level? Mentoring Chris received superior mentorship from Shawn Cressman and Justin Newell. At the outset of his volunteering, Chris received guidance from Shawn, former VP of EL, who saw his ambition and potential. Shawn took Chris on as a protégé, imparting knowledge about the intricacies of membership events and planning. This foundational support allowed Chris to become adept in his role, taking on increasing responsibilities and becoming actively involved in various Alamo AFCEA committees such as AVP of Programs. Justin Newell built upon Shawn’s mentorship, and Chris’ evident growth through both experiences is reflected in his contributions and the community he serves and supports, exemplifying his maturity as a leader. Professional Advancement Chris has distinguished himself as a professional in the community through his exceptional leadership and management skills. He steadily demonstrates the ability to lead independently, mentoring others to share his knowledge and support their professional growth. This year, Chris advanced from Business Development Manager at TEKsystems to Director of Talent Acquisition with Namauu Technological & Industrial (NTI), exhibiting his expanding leadership portfolio that he obtained through the AFCEA EL network. His impactful contributions within AFCEA and beyond have garnered the attention of both the community and workforce, who recognize his capabilities as a leader. Chris' enthusiasm and hard work are distinct, making him a deserving candidate for this recognition and a role model for others.
Matthew Umphlet, Hampton Roads Chapter
Matthew Umphlett was awarded the Distinguished Young AFCEAN in 2022, 40 under 40 in 2023, the Meritorious Service Award in 2024. and continues to serve the Hampton Roads Chapter with distinction. An extraordinary contributor, volunteer, and leader, Matthew goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional results. Matthew’s evolution as a front-runner was rapid within the Chapter and he is now considered a core member to our BOD. His strong, consistent leadership skills are key to his success in the HR Leadership team. Beginning in 2021, he served as the Old Dominion University Chapter (ODU)/Emerging Leader Student Chapter President for two years, and throughout COVID, he kept this potentially fragile organization from dissolving. In this role, he was a guide for Cyber Security students and young professionals and encouraged student participation and volunteerism with the HR Chapter. Matthew has been the Chapter Webmaster since 2021 and the 2023 STEM teaching tools award coordinator. As a result, the HR chapter was able to recognize and award two Hampton Roads STEM school teachers. Further, he was the Scholarship chair for the 2024-2025 school year where over $60,000 was awarded to 21 Hampton Roads students. His achievements are a legacy to build upon as a foundation of the Chapter’s youth for years to come. Matthews’s contributions to the HR Chapter and ODU are countless. He has a genuine dedication to education and outreach activities. Even before he joined ODU, he visited as a high school student from York County, VA, arranging a visit to ODU’s Center for Cybersecurity and Education and Research, to include students from an underserved community! He has represented AFCEA Hampton Roads, Emerging Leaders and ODU at several conferences, including a student run cybersecurity CYBERFORGE and the Tidewater Science and Engineering Fair. Further, Matthew has helped the Membership and Awards Committee to increase the emerging leaders’ community. Mathew is an adjunct professor to over 40 students at ODU, where he finds and actively seeks opportunities to guide and mentor cybersecurity students. Further, he is the Faculty Advisor of CS2A (Cybersecurity Student Association). CS2A is meant to empower cybersecurity students to network with one another, expose them to professionals in the cybersecurity field, and facilitate participation in Capture the Flag competitions. He uses this platform to mentor students who are studying to become cybersecurity professionals and help them shape their careers and ambitions. In addition to three successive AFCEA awards, Matthew serves as a volunteer for many different cybersecurity conferences in the commonwealth of Virginia. As a member of the IS Council at VITA, Matthew is a trusted source of information about Cybersecurity and Governance. Matthew Umphlet is truly an exemplary Emerging Leader.
Stephanie Hutch, Hawaii Chapter
Stephanie Malia Hutch is the Founder, President & CEO of Makai LLC, a small business that specializes in C5ISR, DoD weapons systems integration, and modernization of wired and wireless networks. Within four years of founding Makai, Stephanie has grown Makai to nearly $5M in annual revenues and has led Makai to secure prime contracts with the US Air Force, US Army, and US Navy providing cybersecurity and systems engineering support services at the highest classification levels. Stephanie has served in various leadership capacities supporting AFCEA International for over the past eight years. Throughout her time working with AFCEA International, Stephanie has taken on more responsibilities and higher-level leadership roles. She started her AFCEA volunteerism journey by leading Subcommittees with the Young AFCEANs/Emerging Leaders, and then moved on to become the Co-Chair of Women in AFCEA (serving for three years), and Co-Chair of AFCEA Membership Committee (serving for two years). She is currently serving as the Co-President for the Emerging Leaders at the International level. During her time as Emerging Leader Co-President, Stephanie has led the Emerging Leaders to achieve the following accomplishments: • Rewriting the EL Handbook, drafting a ‘How to Start and EL Program’ Addendum, and distributing updated copies to EL Chapter and Regional leaders; • Restructuring ELAC Subcommittees and establishing Subcommittee SOPs; • Launching new EL Chapter programs (i.e. EL Chapter at the Space Coast chapter in Florida); • Establishing Co-President calls with EL leaders around the world; • Promoting and expanding participation in the Disruptive by Design podcast and SIGNAL article; and • Reengaging with past EL leaders to gather best practices and success stories. Stephanie is also the Founder and Chair of the Kekoa Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in O’ahu, Hawaii. Kekoa Foundation’s mission is to promote and enhance the economic position of Native Hawaiians by focusing on STEM education, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation. In collaboration with the AFCEA Hawaii Chapter, Stephanie and the Kekoa Foundation team have sponsored over 150+ JROTC students from ‘Aiea High School to attend the annual TechNet Indo-Pacific Conference. Kekoa Foundation also supports Loko I’a Pāʻaiau, a restoration project of a historic fishpond located in the Kalauao ahupua‘a in the ‘Ewa moku on the island of O‘ahu. The sacred site is currently stewarded and restored by a community-based partnership between the U.S. Navy, the Ali‘i Pauahi Hawaiian Civic Club, the ‘Aiea Community Association, descendants and residents of Pā`aiau, ‘Aiea and Kalauao, and the larger community in Oahu. Loko I’a Pāʻaiau partners with local high schools and universities to host hands-on STEM educational programs where students can learn about oceanography, geology, sustainable agriculture, and traditional Native Hawaiian building and construction practices. As an established leader and networking facilitator in the Defense innovation community, Stephanie currently holds numerous leadership roles with DoD-focused professional organizations. In addition to her support of AFCEA International, Stephanie is also a Director of the Hanscom Representatives Association (HRA). Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s Certificate in Government Procurement from George Washington University.
Victoria Scriba, Central Maryland Chapter
Victoria’s passion and commitment as an Emerging Leader in the AFCEA CMD Chapter has grown along with her development as a leader in the local community. In 2022, Victoria was recognized with the Distinguished Young Professional (DYP) Award. Prior to receiving this Award, Victoria’s diligence and dedication to the program was recognized with the Chapter’s prestigious “Chrissy Bobb Emerging Leader of the Year” Award. This award memorializes a beloved community member and is granted to an Emerging Leader who inspires engagement through spirit and excitement. She has served as a tireless and enthusiastic AFCEA volunteer by leading and providing significant contributions to the Chapter’s programs and events over the last 6+ years. Victoria continues to be an effective leader within the Chapter by currently serving as the 2023-2024 EL President. She also contributes as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to the EL Board and regularly engages and volunteers at events run by the Emerging Leaders and the Chapter as a whole. Victoria has served the local AFCEAn community-at-large by volunteering with Women in AFCEA (WIA) over the past two years. Her accomplishments include orchestrating WIA’s social media and graphics during that time. Victoria also inspires the AFCEA community though her external volunteer wok. For example, she is a member of a Baltimore-based community chorus, Charm City Sings, which provides free concerts to give cities equitable access to high-quality choral concerts. Victoria co-leads chorus events for community outreach and to help its mission to strengthen community through joyful and meaningful connections. To contribute to the Emerging Leader community at the HQ level, Victoria volunteered at TechNet Cyber in 2021, 2022, and 2023. She met and connected with fellow Emerging Leaders to share insights and lessons across multiple AFCEA chapters. She also collaborated with the NoVA, DC, Bethesda, and Belvoir EL Chapters to co-host an inaugural event: the AFCEA DMV EL Joint Networking Social, that is now held four times a year. Victoria led and mentored her own EL Board for the 23-24 Chapter year. She created SOPs for all of her Board’s events to be shared within and beyond the EL Board, and mentored volunteers for each EL event from cradle to grave. Victoria provides reach back and SME support by request to any Emerging Leader. She continues to personally invite new members and potential members to volunteer at events. Victoria has been working in the IC supporting DoD customers for the last 6 years. She has distinguished herself as a professional in her community by demonstrating an array of skills and talents and an ability to quickly adapt to different roles. While her current position is aligned with her company's Contracts Department, she is an asset to her company’s Finance, Program Management, Business Development, and Capture/Proposal teams. She applies her skills and knowledge from her career to support companies in the IC with their own charity goals. Victoria is known throughout AFCEA CMD as a passionate and responsive leader whose diverse strengths make a positive impact to the entire Chapter.
Distinguished Young Professional Award
MSgt Allen Tep, USAF, Hawaii Chapter
MSgt Allen Tep, U.S. Air Force, is the Deputy VP of the AFCEA Hawaii Emerging Leaders Committee. Allen organized chapter and technology sponsors to provide an in-depth, 2-hour training session on modern Cyber topics. He personally delivered Cybersecurity, Zero Trust and Artificial Intelligence training to 50 attendees from Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Cyberspace Systems Squadron, 792d Intelligence Support Squadron, 747th Cyberspace Squadron, 690th Cyber Operations Squadron (690 COS), 56th Air and Space Communications Squadron, and PACAF A3/6 Staff Directorate. In addition to providing attendees 2 CEU credit hours and bridging them with the Cyber community, Allen was able to provide an AFCEA introduction to attendees who were not currently chapter members. Successful recruitment for these members is ongoing. Allen has held the 690 COS Flight Chief position for 8 months and has guided 65 Airmen to complete 128 Cyber Tasking Orders and 40 Wing cyber projects. His leadership has pivotal to his Squadron winning the 2024 Department of the Air Force Enterprise IT Unit Award and his team garnering Numbered Air Force, Wing, and 2 Group coins. In addition, his Flight garnered 3 Airman Below-the-Zone promotions, 20 Squadron awards, a Squadron General John Jumper award for Warfighting Excellence, and 1 Group award. Community and Chapter Contributions Allen directed a beautification project by partnering with 4 non-profit organizations and AFCEA sponsors to restore a natural habitat in Hawaii. He organized 24 volunteers to remove a large amount of debris from a highly utilized beach site, restoring it as an iconic native and visitor venue. In the process, Allen was able to bolster military, industry and local community relationships. In addition, he organized a summer Youth Sports Event by coordinating with a non-profit organization to recruit 33 personnel from the military community to coach and mentor 80 to 200 students per event at various elementary schools across the island of Oahu. Mentoring Allen also served as the Squadron’s Support Flight Chief mentoring 14 members in 4 sections overseeing security operations and client systems support for a $14 billion Cyber Security & Control Weapons System. Moreover, this team provided resource management and information assurance functions for a 118-personnel squadron responsible for executing cyberspace missions and integration across 59 US Air Force bases and 845K users worldwide. Professional Status Allen was elected to serve as the Hickam AFB Top 3 Community Relations Chairman. In this position: (1) Allen liaised with 14 agencies and 319 Senior NCOs to plan and carry out 3 quarterly volunteer events bolstering community relationships through go-green and local outreach programs; and (2) coordinated with a local outreach group to provide a 40-person road guard team to support 3,000 walkers in a city-wide charity event which raised $2 million for Hawaii non-profit organizations. Allen has successfully completed 2 industry courses and the First Sergeant Symposium which broadened his leadership skills and empowered him to lead 118 Airmen attacking 6 security incidents and maximizing 8 Wing hand-over missions. These efforts resulted in Allen being nominated as the Squadron Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award representative. In his prior assignment, Allen has maintained consistent involvement with AFCE, serving as the Treasurer of KMC (Kaiserslautern Military Community) Chapter 158. Allen also solidified STEM programs for 188 students and oversaw the distribution of scholarships to young leaders across 13 sites, earning him a Chapter Emerging Leader award.
Andria Gagnon, Hawaii Chapter
Andria Gagnon is an active participant and mentor within the Emerging Leaders program for the AFCEA Hawaii chapter. She currently serves as the ELAC Vice President of Indo-Pacific Region. She demonstrated her commitment to the technical community by serving as the co-chair for the Women's Outreach Committee. Andria is committed to guiding young women in technology, particularly those in underserved communities. In the professional arena, Andria has made notable technical achievements. As the Federal Account Manager for Banyan Networks in Hawaii, she provides critical technical and communications support for DoD customers. Her work has not only enhanced the security posture of these organizations, but also ensures her customers are fully trained on these systems to allow them the autonomy they need to complete their various missions. Her mission-focused approach creates a collaborative environment between industry and her DoD customers. Andria has also worked to enhance small business interaction in Hawaii. She has leveraged her vast on-island network to create partnerships of local small businesses committed to supporting contracting opportunities being awarded to Hawaii-based small businesses. Together, these partnerships fulfill larger scopes of work to support their customers’ needs. Andria also shows personal and professional initiative and growth by completing her Master’s Degree in Business Administration at Chaminade University this year. Community and Chapter Contributions Andria’s contributions have had a profound impact on her chapter and the broader AFCEA community. She spearheaded a community outreach initiative that partnered with local schools to promote STEM education, helping to change the lives of young men and women looking to begin their careers in information technology. Her efforts have fostered a stronger connection between the chapter and the community, enhancing the chapter’s reputation and influence. Andria has also recognized the long-term struggle and burden placed on our AFCEA community and is committed to build a wellness program through her Women’s Outreach duties to help align the community with skills and outlets to create a better work/life balance in the DoD technology industry. Mentoring Throughout the award year, Andria has provided invaluable mentoring to emerging leaders and young professionals. She volunteers as a mentor, exam proctor, and job placement coordinator for the Puea Learning Center in Waianae, Hawaii. Her efforts there enable the pairing of experienced professionals and businesses with recent program graduates to facilitate knowledge transfer and professional growth. Her dedication to mentoring has helped numerous individuals advance their careers and develop their leadership skills, including hiring two interns for an enhanced learning environment at Banyan Networks and assisting in the placement of an additional 5 student interns were placed with partner businesses.
Anthony Olmo, San Diego Chapter
Anthony Olmo is an accomplished professional recognized for his leadership and contributions to the defense and business sectors. He is a former 40 Under 40 award winner from AFCEA International and a finalist for the San Diego Business Journal 40 under 40. With a Master of Science degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Radford University, Anthony combines academic excellence with practical experience. AFCEA Leadership Roles: Since joining the San Diego Chapter Executive Committee in August 2021, Anthony has made significant strides, first serving as Vice President of Marketing and Communications (MARCOM) and then transitioning to Vice President of Emerging Leaders in October 2023. Under his leadership, the Emerging Leaders program saw a remarkable 300% increase in membership while maintaining a 75% retention rate among existing members. His focus on active engagement, participation in events, and fostering organizational growth has strengthened the program and positioned it as a vital component of the San Diego chapter. San Diego emerging leaders are encouraged dedicate their time to subcommittee membership support roles, volunteer positions, or officer roles within AFCEA San Diego. The mission of Emerging Leaders is to recognize, promote, and invest in the future leadership of San Diego, both personally and professionally. Each international (WEST) and chapter events (Tech Talks, Chapter Networking, QBOB, CRISR Symposium, and NAML) have had a heavy Emerging Leader attendance and volunteering. Several events Anthony has planned himself, such as the C4ISR Golf Tournament and “Industry Leaders” event. The goal of this event was to bridge the gap between industry and our emerging leaders by tasking each seasoned members of AFCEA SD to bring a current or protentional emerging leader from their own company to the event to promote comfortability and networking. This commitment to mentorship has been reflected in the remarkable career advancements and promotions that many Emerging Leaders have experienced over the past few years. As a result, the chapter not only cultivates individual success but also strengthens its community by nurturing and developing the next generation of leaders. Professional Experience: Anthony has over nine years of experience at Insight Global as a Senior Account Manager, where he provided staffing support for government contracts in the DoD sector, collaborating with Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force clients. He recently accepted a director position at Gnostech LLC as a Capture and Business Development Manager, enabling him to advance his career within the DoD industry while continuing to champion Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) initiatives. Impact and Vision: Through his strategic leadership and commitment to community engagement, Anthony is dedicated to empowering emerging leaders and enhancing the effectiveness of the San Diego Chapter, ensuring its continued growth and success in the defense industry.
Carl Chaisson, Central Florida Chapter
Carl Chaisson has exemplified exceptional leadership and innovation through his work in the Emerging Leader program at the chapter and regional levels. His initiatives have expanded participation and engagement among young professionals, increasing Emerging Leader memberships and overall involvement. These efforts underscore his dedication to developing the next generation of AFCEA leaders.
Carl has demonstrated superior technical expertise in the professional arena, particularly in information technology and social media marketing, driving significant advancements in organizational capabilities and public outreach. He led the development and implementation of a new chapter website, registration platform, and internal repository, delivering cost savings and improved operational efficiency. His accomplishments earned him a place on AFCEA International's Technology Committee, where he continues contributing his expertise and inspiring innovation.
Carl's impact extends beyond technical and leadership achievements. His active participation in local chapter activities and successful coordination of Emerging Leaders events have raised significant funds to support chapter programs and scholarships for young professionals. These efforts have strengthened the chapter financially and enhanced its visibility and reputation within the community.
A dedicated mentor, Carl has guided over a dozen Emerging Leaders in the past year, offering invaluable technical and professional development support. His mentees praise his approachability, deep industry knowledge, and genuine commitment to their growth. Many have advanced to leadership roles within the Emerging Leaders program and have made meaningful contributions to the AFCEA community. Carl's mentorship ensures the continuation of AFCEA's tradition of excellence and leadership, fostering a vibrant and dynamic community for years to come.
Carlos Embury, Belvoir Chapter
Carlos Embury's role as AFCEA Belvoir’s Emerging Leaders (EL) Vice President, has not only revitalized the EL community but has also left an indelible mark on AFCEA Belvoir as a whole. Carlos currently serves as the Senior Director of Security for Ignite IT, which shares his vision of mission-first execution and empowering those around us. Carlos's vision, commitment, and tireless efforts to expand opportunities for emerging professionals make him an exemplary candidate for the Distinguished Young Professional Award. One of Carlos's most significant contributions is the creation of the innovative Counterpart Program, which pairs every AFCEA Belvoir Vice President with an EL counterpart. This initiative bridged the gap between experienced leaders and rising professionals, creating a platform for mentorship and collaboration that benefits both groups. By empowering EL members to take on key responsibilities and learn from seasoned professionals, Carlos has cultivated a culture of growth and development within the chapter. This initiative highlights his forward-thinking approach and dedication to ensuring that the next generation of leaders is well-prepared to carry AFCEA’s mission forward. In addition to his strategic leadership, Carlos has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to STEM education and community outreach. His participation in the Code-a-Thon event, where he creatively took on the role of a "Pilot" to engage over 500 elementary school students, exemplifies his passion for inspiring young minds. His enthusiasm made the event both fun and educational, sparking curiosity about STEM subjects in a way that left a lasting impression on the students. This effort underscores Carlos’s dedication to shaping the future of STEM by fostering interest at an early age. Carlos's leadership extends beyond planning and programs—he is also a master of execution. He has been instrumental in organizing and deploying volunteers for every AFCEA Belvoir event, ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes. His meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills have contributed to consistently well-executed events that further AFCEA’s mission. These events, which include government roundtables and networking sessions, have provided Emerging Leaders with valuable opportunities for professional growth while forging connections with senior leaders. Under Carlos’s guidance, these events have not only been educational but have also generated profits that bolster the chapter’s scholarship fund, demonstrating his ability to balance purpose with financial responsibility. Carlos’s impact is perhaps best demonstrated through his leadership at the AFCEA Belvoir Industry Day (ABID). Hosting a session featuring three Program Executive Officers (PEOs), Carlos provided a platform for mentorship and guidance that resonated deeply with young professionals. The session’s success, praised for its insightful discussions and practical advice, is a testament to his skill in facilitating meaningful connections between emerging leaders and senior mentors. In every role, Carlos has proven that leadership is about more than personal advancement—it’s about building a strong, engaged community. His drive, passion, and dedication have not only reinvigorated the EL program but have also played a pivotal role in AFCEA Belvoir’s broader success. For these reasons, Carlos Embury is an outstanding nominee for the Distinguished Young Professional Award, embodying the very essence of what it means to be a distinguished young professional within AFCEA.
Chelsey Dolan, Hampton Roads Chapter
Chelsey Dolan exemplifies outstanding leadership, technical excellence, and a strong commitment to community service, making her an ideal candidate for the Distinguished Young Professional Award. Her impressive career trajectory, which includes significant contributions in both the U.S. Navy and the civilian sector, as well as her dedication to volunteerism and mentorship, highlight her exceptional qualifications for this prestigious recognition. As the Emerging Leaders Chair for the HR Chapter since July 2023, Chelsey has been instrumental in enhancing the program’s outreach and engagement. She has successfully developed initiatives that provide young professionals with opportunities to connect, learn, and lead within the AFCEA community. Her strategic vision and proactive approach have significantly increased the participation and impact of the Emerging Leaders program. Chelsey’s efforts have fostered a collaborative environment that supports both personal and professional growth among the chapter’s members. In her role as a Senior Data Architect and Project Manager at Echelon Services, LLC, Chelsey leads a team of data professionals in supporting the Defense Contract Management Agency in establishing their Chief Data and Analytics Officer office. With over 10 years of experience in delivering complex data projects and programs for clients in the defense, intelligence, and public sectors, Chelsey has demonstrated superior technical achievement. Her core competencies include data strategy, data science, data management, and data visualization, which she applies using industry best practices and agile methodologies. Chelsey’s ability to drive product strategy and execution, coupled with her expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital transformation, has enabled her to deliver innovative solutions that support critical decision-making processes for her clients. Chelsey’s commitment to AFCEA extends beyond her professional achievements. As the Emerging Leaders Chair, she has championed initiatives that offer networking, education, and grant opportunities for Hampton Roads STEM teachers. Additionally, her volunteer roles include serving as the Geography Lead and Newsletter Editor for Booz Allen Hamilton’s Military Spouse Network (MSN), where she advocated for military spouses and provided resources to help them build thriving careers. Chelsey has also contributed to the San Diego Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zone (MSEEZ), where she worked to connect military spouses with career opportunities, demonstrating her dedication to supporting the economic well-being of military families. Chelsey is a dedicated mentor who has gone above and beyond to support Emerging Leaders and other professionals within the AFCEA community. Her effective mentorship is deeply rooted experiences as a Navy veteran, working mother, and senior professional in the tech industry. Chelsey’s involvement in organizations like the HSM-41 Officer Spouses Club, where she has served as Treasurer since 2019, further underscores her commitment to supporting military families and fostering a sense of community. Through her mentorship, Chelsey has empowered many young professionals to pursue their career goals with confidence, offering guidance that reflects her own journey of resilience and success. Chelsey Dolan’s ability to excel in her professional endeavors while actively supporting the AFCEA community and advocating for military families exemplifies the qualities this award seeks to recognize.
Christopher Nguyen, Alamo Chapter
Chris Nguyen has played a key leadership role in the Emerging Leaders (EL) program, contributing to the planning and execution of chapter events. His involvement has spanned from event logistics and planning to advertising and registration management. Chris has volunteered at every EL event, including Mentor Protégé Night, Tech on Tap, and Socials, taking the initiative to source speakers, secure sponsorships, and provide resources for job placement. Chris works closely with his mentor Justin Newell to coordinate event logistics and streamline the planning process. His innovative approach led to the optimization of digital file organization, and he introduced a chronological system for event data management. Additionally, Chris proposed a more efficient round-table process during Mentor Protégé Night by rotating mentors instead of mentees, saving time and enhancing the event’s structure and the committee will be working on the implementation of this process. He is presently focused on founding a chapter in Houston, TX to broaden AFCEA’s reach. He envisions developing a CRM for volunteers, to optimize resource utilization, and ensure that inactive volunteers are re-engaged for future events. His leadership and innovative strategies have played a significant role in enhancing the success and expansion of the EL program. Community and Chapter Contributions Chris's contributions have significantly impacted the Chapter and the AFCEA community by attracting new members and fostering engagement. His volunteer work at the annual Alamo ACE Conference has supported raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for wounded warriors, military families, education grants, and scholarships. He has also assisted with membership efforts and promoted AFCEA and the Emerging Leaders program at the Mayor’s Cup and TekTrek. Chris secured sponsorships from Diligent Consulting for Mentor Protégé Night and from his current employer, VivSoft, to provide speakers for the Lunch-N-Learn including the upcoming October 22nd session, further enriching the community's resources. Mentoring Chris has provided mentorship to fellow EL volunteers by guiding them through the planning and execution of events, ensuring they have the support needed to succeed. He proactively offers support, sharing his expertise in event logistics and community engagement. Chris has received valuable mentorship from Shawn Cressman and has encouraged junior enlisted and officer military members to opt into AFCEA, helping them recognize the value of professional associations. Chris has received mentorship from Justin Newell for EL professional orchestrated and effective delivery of events. Through both mentorships and positive feedback, it has motivated Chris to launch a Houston, TX chapter. Professional Status In just three years, Chris has demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical expertise within the DoD space. Starting as a software developer, he quickly assumed Team Lead duties when a leadership gap emerged. His ability to step in and oversee the onboarding and mentoring of junior developers proved invaluable, leading to his promotion as Senior Full Stack Developer. Chris has also spearheaded critical research and development efforts for electronic warfare capabilities, showcasing his innovation and strategic thinking. His rapid rise and contributions have solidified his reputation as a standout leader and developer in defense technology.
TSgt Cody Goodin, USSF, Rocky Mountain Chapter
In 2024, TSgt Cody Goodin humbly served as the Deputy Vice President of Emerging Leaders at AFCEA Rocky Mountain Chapter (RMC). After returning from a deployment that forced him to step down from his former position as the chapter’s VP of Emerging Leaders, Cody came back with resolve to further the charitable and professional work AFCEA RMC does in the Colorado front range communities. He continued the chapter’s advocacy for robotics by ensuring $100,000 in sponsorships and volunteers for Pikes Peak Robotics, a regional robotics league. Representing AFCEA, Space Force Delta 3, and in partnership with the Department of the Air Force's STEMtoSPACE outreach initiative, TSgt Goodin exemplified stellar leadership as the key orchestrator of 10 regional robotics competitions. He coordinated 217 volunteers from 21 organizations on 3 bases to support 64 teams comprising 320 students across 10 states and Canada. His contributions inspired youths to consider STEM career fields and earned an impact medal along with his nomination for a national volunteer award. Cody also co-chaired the annual IMAGE golf tournament where he partnered with the National Defense Industrial Association and Air Force and Space Association, fostering military and industry relations for 132 participants, ultimately raising $50,000 in scholarships for local STEM programs. TSgt Goodin also contributed to the expansion of Emerging Leaders membership and activity in the RMC. He volunteered in setting up the AFCEA booths at multiple events hosted at Peterson and Schriever SFBs. He also coordinated two Emerging Leaders Happy Hours, and partnered with the Space Operation Command's Year of the NCO initiative to co-host professional development events. There is no doubt Cody had a significant role in the RMC winning the Distinguished Achievement to the Education Community and Model Chapter Awards in 2023. More recently, Cody was elected by the RMC Board to serve as new VP for Military Affairs. TSgt Cody Goodin's exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing STEM education and technology integration make him a deserving candidate for the AFCEA Distinguished Young Professional award. His impactful contributions have inspired countless students and strengthened collaboration across military, industry, and academic sectors.
Connor Dubois, Central Maryland Chapter
Connor has provided leadership and guidance to the CMD Chapter’s Emerging Leader program in several key roles, including VP of Socials, VP of Technology over Bagels, VP of Tech on Tap, VP, and currently as its President. He has consistently advocated for AFCEA at outward-facing events such as socials, mentorship nights, and technology exchanges to encourage young professionals to join the organization and increase its membership. In 2021, Connor led an effort to transform CMD’s “Tech Over Bagels” event to “Tech on Tap”, causing the average attendance to increase four-fold from 10 people to 40. He also focused on improving the quality of the technical presentations so that they now emphasize exciting emerging technologies, which proved to be a major driver of participation and interest. Finally, Connor successfully led the planning for the 2023 Bull and Oyster Roast, the Emerging Leaders’ largest and most popular event. Connor’s superior technical achievements in the professional arena began when he entered the defense and intelligence industry as a Software Engineer at CollabraSpace, where he supported various SIGINT and cyber missions for his IC customer. In 2023, he founded his own company, Pointer Technologies, to realize his vision of an employee-owned, mission-forward business. In just one year, Connor has grown Pointer to 12 full-time engineers, despite a highly competitive hiring environment, who provide capabilities that directly support intelligence analysis. Connor also ensures that Pointer gives back to the community through participation in AFCEA volunteering and mentorship events such as CMD’s monthly luncheons and Summer Intern Presentation Showcase (SIPS). Connor’s positive impacts on CMD and the greater AFCEA community include financial contributions through Pointer’s corporate scholarships and the successful launch of Tech on Tap, which increased the value of CMD’s technology-focused events by enhancing technology exchange. He also modernized the new member funnel at outward facing events by instituting the use of QR code sign-ins and Google Sheets to facilitate communication and participation. As the founder and CEO of Pointer Technologies, Connor ensures that his company gives back to the community by donating time and money to AFCEA, the Fort Meade Alliance, Tee Off for Teal to support ovarian cancer awareness, and the Headstrong Foundation. Over the last year, Connor demonstrated his commitment to mentoring by integrating mentorship into the Pointer Technologies culture. All junior engineers have the opportunity to participate in formal mentorship/training programs with leadership and senior engineers. Connor has also personally mentored three of Pointer’s employees on career growth as well as specific technologies, and participated in SIPS to support the launch and development of young interns. His personal commitment to volunteering and community support and his growing presence in the industry as a technical and business leader continually inspires CMD’s Emerging Leaders.
Ellie Majure, North Carolina Chapter
Ellie has been an integral part in shaping the Emerging Leaders group within the DC Chapter this year. Ellie has put together creative sponsorship opportunities to drive new company involvement in events, and helped spearhead our chapter’s first golf tournament. With Ellie as treasurer, this is the first year our Emerging Leaders chapter became profitable and will help cover STEM scholarships for high school students. Ellie also mentors sales associates at Cisco looking to move into federal Account Manager roles. Her commitment to developing in her own role while also paying it forward makes Ellie a perfect candidate for this award.
Emily Sims, Philadelphia Chapter
Emily Sims is a standout candidate for the DYP award due to her impressive transition from marketing manager to business development at Trinity IT, where she has played a crucial role in shaping the company’s growth strategy. Her dual perspective, combining marketing expertise with a business development focus, has given her a unique understanding of how to align company messaging with strategic goals, helping drive success for Trinity IT in a highly competitive market. Emily’s role in marketing laid a strong foundation for her business development efforts, allowing her to deeply understand Trinity IT’s value proposition and how to communicate it effectively. This experience has enabled her to bridge the gap between marketing and sales, fostering stronger alignment between teams and helping the company expand its presence in the market. Her ability to identify new opportunities and build relationships has been instrumental in Trinity IT’s business development strategy, driving growth and securing key partnerships. Beyond her professional success, Emily is also highly engaged in the AFCEA community and other industry organizations. She is a consistent presence at local and international AFCEA chapter events, showing her dedication to supporting and growing the community. Emily’s involvement is not just limited to attendance; she is an active participant, always ready to lend a hand and contribute to the success of the events. Her enthusiasm for AFCEA’s mission and her commitment to building connections within the industry have made her a valued member of the organization. Emily has also demonstrated her leadership and event management skills by taking an active role in planning and executing events for both AFCEA and other industry organizations. Her organizational talents and attention to detail have ensured that these events run smoothly, creating opportunities for networking, professional development, and collaboration. Whether she’s involved in the logistics, marketing, or overall coordination, Emily’s contributions to event planning have been crucial to their success. In addition to her work with AFCEA, Emily’s involvement in multiple industry organizations further highlights her commitment to professional development and community building. She consistently shows up to support industry peers and foster new relationships, making her a respected figure across various networks. Her passion for engaging with different sectors and finding ways to connect people reflects her dedication to the growth and success of the broader industry.
Fernando Browning, Dayton-Wright Chapter
As a leader of AFCEA Dayton-Wright Chapter's Emerging Leaders (formerly Young AFCEAN) group, Fernando skillfully leveraged his extensive experience and knowledge in processes acquired from his role at HQ Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) to guide and mentor members. His dedication to sharing knowledge and offering actionable strategies empowered the group to confidently navigate challenges and work towards their goals. Leveraging his connections to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Fernando enriched the experiences of group members by providing access to valuable resources and networking opportunities that supported their growth and career advancement. He also took his role as a mentor to junior members seriously, consistently demonstrating professionalism and serving as a positive example. Through his exceptional leadership, he fostered a productive and collaborative environment, playing a pivotal role in the development and success of the young professionals group.
Fernando contributed significantly to the Dayton-Wright Chapter's Wright Innovation Technology Summit's (WITS) success by securing most DAF speakers, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills and dedication to fostering valuable discussions. His tireless efforts also extended to securing moderators and panel members for three panels and a keynote speaker, showcasing his ability to coordinate and communicate effectively with various stakeholders. A significant accomplishment was leading the effort to gain the attendance of the AFMC Deputy Commander as a keynote speaker, requiring strategic planning and persistent communication to ensure their participation.
As the 2024 recipient of the Distinguished Young Professional Award, Fernando exemplified the leadership and vision recognized by this honor. He brainstormed solutions for addressing the unique challenges of having DAF and non-DAF speakers in attendance, ensuring WITS remained inclusive and valuable for all. His collaboration with numerous individuals to gather all necessary information for speakers was instrumental in streamlining the event planning process and ensuring a seamless experience for esteemed guests. Fernando has also generously volunteered his time and expertise to serve as a Wright State University (WSU) PACK (Positivity, Assistance, Community, Knowledge) mentor from 2022-2024, providing unwavering support to students throughout their university journey. His commitment included regular, uplifting correspondence with assigned students, offering valuable guidance and encouragement to help them navigate academic and personal challenges.
His experience extends beyond academia, having mentored coworkers in leadership roles within his office at HQ AFMC. Fernando's leadership skills also shine in his ability to co-lead teams in achieving logistics policy and process goals, all while mentoring new team members and facilitating a smooth transition. Through his commitment to mentorship and leadership, Fernando continues to inspire and empower those around him. Fernando's dedication to his alma mater, WSU, has been recognized through his service as a board member for the WSU Alumni Association, where he represents and advocates for the interests of fellow alumni and works collaboratively with other board members to shape the strategic direction of the association. His passion for education and supporting students extends to his role on the Scholarship committee, where he helps evaluate scholarship applications and makes recommendations for financial awards, ensuring deserving students have the resources to pursue their educational goals.
Additionally, Fernando's expertise in the defense industry led to his invitation to serve as a moderator for a Defense Acquisition University panel discussion on "A Risk Based Approach: What Does that Mean for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) and Parts Management (PM)?" In this role, Fernando facilitated a dynamic and insightful conversation amongst panel members, sharing his knowledge and experience in logistics to provide valuable insights into managing DMSMS and PM. Through his professional involvement in these various capacities, Fernando continually contributes to the betterment of the academic and professional communities.
Gideon Youn, Belvoir Chapter
Gideon Youn is an exemplary young professional who has significantly contributed to AFCEA International and the Belvoir Chapter’s Emerging Leaders (EL) community. As the Programs EL Lead, he has played a pivotal role in planning and executing numerous events, including the highly successful AFCEA Belvoir Industry Day (ABID). His tireless work on ABID directly facilitated the chapter's ability to raise over six figures for scholarships this past season, showcasing his impact on both the chapter's mission and the future of STEM education. In his role, Gideon is directly involved in planning every event that the Emerging Leaders host. His meticulous attention to logistics and coordination ensures that each event runs smoothly, setting a high standard for success. His contributions go far beyond simple event support; he is at the forefront of every stage of planning, from concept to execution. This commitment not only reflects his passion for AFCEA's mission but also his belief in the power of community engagement to drive professional and personal growth. Gideon’s influence is not limited to event planning. He has been an active mentor, particularly in his work with Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) students. His guidance and support have been invaluable in helping students navigate their paths into the professional world, providing them with the tools, insights, and confidence necessary to thrive. Gideon’s efforts have strengthened the bond between the Belvoir Chapter and the future generation of professionals, ensuring a pipeline of talent that will continue to drive innovation within the industry. Under Gideon’s leadership, the Belvoir Emerging Leaders have grown from a small faction to a dominant force within the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) community. His strategic vision and ability to motivate others have been crucial in expanding the chapter's reach and influence. By fostering a collaborative, dynamic environment, Gideon has helped cultivate a sense of camaraderie and purpose within the EL community, encouraging participation, volunteerism, and a commitment to giving back. Beyond his AFCEA involvement, Gideon brings a wealth of experience and dedication from his role as the Director of Growth Operations at GCyber, an IT and cybersecurity services company supporting the Federal Government. His hands-on technical background, strategic leadership skills, and service in the United States Army provide him with a unique perspective that he applies to his work within AFCEA. A Service-Disabled Veteran, Gideon holds a bachelor's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and has been recognized with several prestigious military awards, including the Army Achievement Medal and Army Commendation Medal. In addition to his professional commitments, Gideon volunteers as a youth soccer coach, dedicating his time to promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and strong work ethics in the next generation. This involvement further highlights his dedication to community development and the values he strives to impart on those around him. Gideon Youn is a valuable and deserving nominee for the Distinguished Young Professional Award. His leadership, dedication to volunteerism, mentorship, and commitment to community growth set a high standard for emerging professionals. He exemplifies the AFCEA ideal that being a leader is not just about career advancement, but also about serving others and giving back to the community.
Jenny Acot, Belvoir Chapter
Jenny Acot is a shining example of what it means to be an outstanding young professional within AFCEA International. Her multifaceted contributions to the Belvoir Chapter and the Emerging Leaders (EL) community make her a deserving candidate for the Distinguished Young Professional Award. Through her dedicated volunteerism, strategic sponsorship efforts, commitment to STEM education, and mentorship, Jenny has significantly advanced AFCEA’s mission and positively impacted the EL community. Jenny has been an invaluable volunteer at AFCEA events, particularly at TechNet. Her willingness to go above and beyond to support event operations is evident through her active involvement and leadership. At TechNet, she not only helped run the event seamlessly but also played a crucial mentoring role for younger Emerging Leaders. By guiding them through their responsibilities and providing confidence-building support, Jenny ensured that the EL volunteers could engage effectively with senior professionals. Her ability to create an inclusive, encouraging atmosphere is a testament to her leadership and dedication to developing the next generation of AFCEA leaders. In addition to her event support, Jenny has been a driving force behind securing valuable sponsors for the Belvoir Chapter. Her efforts in building and maintaining sponsor relationships have been instrumental in providing the necessary resources to support Emerging Leader events. This work has directly contributed to the chapter’s ability to host high-quality programs that benefit both the EL community and AFCEA at large. Jenny’s strategic thinking and proactive approach in this area have not only strengthened the chapter’s financial foundation but have also ensured continued opportunities for networking, education, and professional growth among members. Jenny’s contributions extend to inspiring future professionals through STEM outreach. She has been the key organizer for STEM events at Fort Belvoir Elementary Career Day, where she has worked tirelessly to create engaging activities that introduce students to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Her commitment to these events reflects her dedication to building a pipeline of future talent, fostering early interest in STEM careers, and supporting the broader goals of AFCEA. By taking on this leadership role, Jenny has made a lasting impact on young minds and reinforced the importance of STEM education within the community. Moreover, Jenny’s role as a mentor within the Emerging Leaders community is one of her most profound contributions. She consistently offers guidance and support to newer EL members, helping them develop the confidence needed to engage with senior professionals at events. Her willingness to share her experiences and provide mentorship has helped create a nurturing environment for young professionals within AFCEA. This commitment to lifting others up has contributed to the growth and success of the EL program and solidified Jenny’s reputation as a leader who genuinely cares about the development of her peers. In summary, Jenny Acot exemplifies the qualities of a distinguished young professional. Her volunteerism, success in securing sponsors, dedication to STEM outreach, and role as a mentor have made a significant and lasting impact on the Belvoir Chapter and the wider AFCEA community. For these reasons, she is a highly deserving nominee for AFCEA International’s Distinguished Young Professional Award.
Justus Groth, Bonn e.V. Chapter
Justus Groth stands out as an exceptional candidate for the Distinguished Young Professional Award due to his transformative leadership, professional technical achievements and significant contributions to the AFCEA community. His impact has been profound and far-reaching, making him a beacon of excellence within the AFCEA organization. Justus has demonstrated unparalleled leadership in the Emerging Leader program. As the Marketing Lead for Emerging Leaders Bonn from 2021 to 2023, he revolutionized the program's branding and outreach. He spearheaded major events, redesigned the EL logo, and helped the chapter to adapt it for the entire Bonn chapter, significantly enhancing the program's visual identity and appeal. His innovative approach to marketing, including professional video editing, has increased the EL’s visibility. Since June 2023, Justus has served as the EL Chapter Lead, where he has grown the community to an impressive 230 Emerging Leaders. He has managed generational change within the core team, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity of leadership. Under his guidance, the chapter has established and continued high-impact events in Bonn and Berlin, fostering public visibility and attracting new talent. As EL representative in the chapter member of the board, Justus maintains a close exchange with General Fleischmann and the AFCEA Bonn leadership. This high-level engagement has brought innovation to existing events and established new formats to foster networking and event elements, further elevating the chapter's impact and reach. In his professional role as a Business Technology Leader at IBM Client Engineering, Justus has guided public sector clients, including defense organizations in Germany, in adopting cutting-edge technologies. He has led numerous client engagements, provided the latest technology updates, and demonstrated thought leadership in areas such as generative AI and IT Automation. His technical expertise and strategic vision have been instrumental in driving technological advancements and improving operational efficiency for his clients. Justus's contributions extend far beyond his immediate chapter. As a driving force behind TechNet Transatlantic EL breakout, he has played a pivotal role in connecting EL chapters across Germany and Europe with AFCEA International. Justus's ability to bridge gaps and create synergies has been a game-changer, enhancing the reach and impact of the EL program. Justus has been a mentor, providing guidance and support to numerous emerging leaders within the AFCEA community, especially in the AFCEA Bonn ELA core team. His mentorship has not only helped individuals grow professionally but has also cultivated a culture of leadership and innovation within the EL program. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders is evident in the growth and success of the EL community. Justus inspires, challenges, and empowers those around him, making a lasting impact on their careers and the AFCEA community. In conclusion, Justus Groth's transformative leadership and significant contributions to the AFCEA community make him a standout candidate for the AFCEA International Distinguished Young Professional Award. His work has had a profound and lasting impact on the EL program, his chapter, and the broader AFCEA community, embodying the values and mission of AFCEA International.
LT Kailey Cornick, USN
Since joining AFCEA in June 2023, LT Kailey Cornick has emerged as a highly valued and impactful member of the Hampton Roads Chapter. She was introduced to AFCEA at a chapter luncheon as a guest and Executive Assistant of CAPT Steve Correia, Commanding Officer Naval Network Warfare Command, Commander Task Force (CTF) 1010. From there, Kailey’s involvement in the chapter has grown exponentially! Kailey’s energy in the EL program is boundless. She contributed significantly to the 2023 and 2024 Maritime IT Summits, notably with the Women’s Senior Leadership Panel, where she managed logistics, and communications. She actively volunteered at both 2023 and 2024 Golf STEM Classics, from setup to photographing/posting the social media content. As an Information Warfare Officer and Information Professional, Kailey excels in her technical role. She is a qualified Battle Watch Captain and managed the Navy’s primary network enclaves in support of over 750,000 users globally. Kailey's leadership was pivotal in organizing the inaugural Information Professional Officer's Symposium, attended by over 375 officers. She orchestrated the logistics for 250 guests at the 2023 Change of Command for CTF1010. Kailey now serves as the Information Systems Security Manager for Commander, U.S. SECOND (C2F) Fleet, charged to ensure the staff can meet its mission of command and control of the maritime defense of North America. She is the Information Assurance Officer, managing 1,100 assets and endpoints, including Coalition Networks to ensure communications with allied nations. As the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework Manager for C2F, she ensures robust training of the workforce to meet ever-evolving cyber and information security needs. In November 2023, Kailey stepped in as Acting VP of Communications, becoming the VP in January 2024. She revitalized the chapter’s social media presence across Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, enhancing member engagement, particularly with emerging leaders by maximizing platforms to which they are connected. LinkedIn analytics for the chapter page show an average increase of 161% for page visitors every 30 days, with approximately 21 new followers every 30 days, an increase of 163%. Kailey fosters engagement with other chapters, promoting their events on the HR social media. By engaging with large, small, women-owned, and veteran owned local businesses, Kailey increases the chapter’s focus on inclusion, diversity and military communities. Kailey has authored articles for AFCEA luncheons, including a feature in SIGNAL magazine and led the first annual Hack at the Cape, a STEM-focused high school hackathon. Committed to mentoring future leaders within AFCEA, Kailey led the 2024 Operational Leadership Panel for the Summit. She developed questions, coordinated with panelists, and was moderator of the panel. As a result, she created valuable platforms for emerging leaders to connect and learn. She is organizing a January 2025 Women and EL event. LT Kailey Cornick’s exceptional leadership, technical achievements, and commitment to mentorship make her an outstanding candidate for the Distinguished Young Professional Award. Her rapid rise and impactful service within AFCEA, combined with her dedication to learning—holding an M.S. in Cybersecurity from Old Dominion University and multiple certifications—underscore her passion for excellence.
Kathryn Reitenbach, Central Maryland Chapter
During the 2023-2024 chapter year, Kathryn served as AFCEA CMD’s Emerging Leaders Vice President of Membership. She was then invited to continue on the Board as the Emerging Leader Vice President for 2024-2025 with plans to assume the role of President in 2025-2026. Kathryn led several initiatives to boost Emerging Leader membership. These included personal invitations to individuals within her network, a commitment to following up with prospects after events, and the establishment of Standard Operating Procedures for future Membership VPs to maintain high quality by implementing her proven best practices. Kathryn also co-chaired the AFCEA CMD 5K After Party for the second consecutive year, and successfully increased both attendance and fundraising to build on CMD’s record-breaking achievements during the 2022-2023 year. Kathryn particularly enjoyed assisting the President in selecting the 2024-2025 Emerging Leader Board because it allowed her to identify and empower promising young leaders who will contribute to the chapter’s continued success. Kathryn’s superior technical achievements in the professional area are multifaceted. As a Business Development and Grown Manager in a 220-person company, she recently led and successfully delivered a winning co-prime proposal to support a $1.3 billion dollar procurement. She also serves as a valued team member to the company executives, whose trust and confidence in Kathryn is demonstrated by granting her opportunities to manage corporate communications, lead company all-hands meetings, execute employee engagement initiatives, and represent the company at a variety of industry and non-profit events in the community. She is a key contributor to the growth of the company, delivering approximately $770M in prime proposals and a significant number of successful prime contractor bids. The positive impact of Kathryn’s contributions to CMD and the greater AFCEA community is best demonstrated by her successful launch of a chapter initiative. Toward the end of the chapter year, she was entrusted with leading a new event: the AFCEA CMD Grand Prix. This inaugural karting event raised $6,700 for CMD and received enormous praise from the AFCEA community, whose members relished its energetic, informal, and playfully competitive spirit. Its success was evidenced by the fact that the second event scheduled for this AFCEA year sold out during sponsor registration without any additional advertising, reflecting the AFCEA community’s strong enthusiasm, excitement, and support. Kathryn considers mentorship of fellow AFCEANs or prospective AFCEANs to be a crucial component of her tenure as Membership VP and she has shown that she can successfully support the growth of individual members. Kathryn introduced a colleague to AFCEA events as an attendee before successfully encouraging her to volunteer at key events led by Kathryn, such as the AFCEA CMD 5K and AFCEA CMD Grand Prix. Her colleague was then selected by the Emerging Leaders President for the 2024-2025 Emerging Leader Board and is now being trained to lead one of our key events, the AFCEA CMD 5K After Party. Kathryn has consistently demonstrated success a role model whose positive impacts and upbeat enthusiasm inspires CMD’s Emerging Leaders and the local AFCEA community as a whole.
Matt Klein, Northern Virginia Chapter
Matt Klein has demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical expertise in his roles within AFCEA NOVA and the professional arena. As Vice President of AFCEA NOVA Emerging Leaders (EL), and previously as Communications Chair, Matt has been instrumental in guiding the chapter’s growth and success. He oversaw chapter messaging, promotion, and member engagement, often stepping in for the Emerging Leader chapter president to lead meetings and events. His leadership extended to organizing a LinkedIn hands-on workshop attended by more than 40 participants, where he focused on branding, networking, and content strategy best practices. Under his guidance, the AFCEA NOVA EL LinkedIn group grew to more than 340 members, with nearly 94,000 post views in the past year alone. Matt regularly collaborated with the Emerging Leader President on new initiatives and mentored new team members, providing strategic guidance crucial for the chapter’s success. His efforts also included inviting more than 1,000 connections to join the AFCEA NOVA EL LinkedIn page, subsequently fielding inquiries on AFCEA membership and involvement opportunities. In his professional career, Matt transitioned from the Growth & Communication Lead for CACI’s Agile Solution Factory to his current role at MITRE as the Principal Group Lead for Outreach & Engagement. At MITRE, he leads a team of eight communications professionals in developing stakeholder engagement strategies for the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE). His work involves technical writing for cybersecurity publications, event planning, and digital campaigns. Matt has led efforts to increase awareness and collaboration among government, academia, and industry partners, as well as initiating new campaigns for Cybersecurity Awareness Month. He also implemented a JIRA instance to enhance team transparency and efficiency, and managed key initiatives focused on partnership development and collaborator feedback. Matt’s impact on the AFCEA community extends beyond his chapter involvement. He was selected for the AFCEA International Marketing Task Force, where he contributed to developing marketing strategies. He published two articles in SIGNAL magazine’s "Disruptive by Design" section, was interviewed for the SIGNAL Disruptive by Design podcast, and was featured in the inaugural AFCEA Insights Newsletter on LinkedIn. His achievements were recognized with his selection as an AFCEA International 40 Under Forty Award recipient. Matt is a dedicated mentor. He mentored the new Communications Chair during their transition into the role and led a team of eight, overseeing a large summer intern program at MITRE. His guidance in planning meetings for AFCEA events and engagement initiatives, as well as sharing knowledge on career development and community engagement through workshops and training sessions, has had a lasting impact on those he has mentored. Matt Klein's contributions have significantly strengthened the AFCEA NOVA chapter and the broader AFCEA community, making him a standout candidate for this award.
Michaela Onuferova, Czech Chapter
Michaela's leadership, technical expertise, and dedication to both her profession and the AFCEA community make her an exceptional candidate for this recognition. Leadership and Guidance for the Emerging Leader Program Michaela has taken a pivotal role in shaping the AFCEA Emerging Leaders program for the AFCEA Czech Chapter. Her vision is to strenghten the young AFCEAns community, empowering the next generation of AFCEA leaders and professionals and enabling the military/public sector, academia and private sector young-in-career professionals to exchange ideas and learn from each other. Superior Technical Achievement in the Professional Arena Professionally, Michaela is a standout advocate for Artificial Intelligence and digitization. As an Account Executive at Microsoft, she drives digital transformation in the public sector, helping government entities harness the power of AI for increased efficiency and innovation. Additionally, Michaela is a dedicated speaker on AI and digitization, sharing her expertise at conferences and events to inspire others. Her dual role as a Microsoft employee and an Active Reserve in the Czech Army uniquely positions her to bridge technology and defense, enhancing her contributions to both sectors. Impact on the AFCEA Chapter and Community Michaela has made significant contributions to the AFCEA Czech Chapter, particularly through digitizing the chapter’s flagship event, the Signal Corps conference. This transformation has ensured smoother execution of the conference, as well as clear data on the audience's preferences and visits of partner exhibitions. Furthermore, Michaela is currently working on additional process digitization efforts within the chapter, continuously advancing its operations. She remains committed to fostering connections and enhancing the chapter’s influence. Michaela's achievements and dedication to both her profession and the AFCEA community, combined with her service as an Active Reserve of the Czech Army, make her an outstanding candidate for the AFCEA Distinguished Young Professional Award.
Molly Christie, Kansas City Chapter
Molly Christie has demonstrated strong leadership in many areas since becoming an Emerging Leader. First, Molly has been an invaluable contributor to the Panels and Events Subcommittee that supports the Emerging Leaders Advisory Council (ELAC). In her role as a member of this subcommittee, she has actively supported the development and selection of panel topics for the Emerging Leaders’ Disruptive by Design panels presented at WEST and TechNets Cyber and Augusta. Second, Molly’s initiative to support the revitalization of the Kansas City Chapter is inspirational. As both the Emerging Leaders President and Secretary of this new chapter, she has taken a leading role within the chapter that deserves recognition. For instance, last November she coordinated and moderated a panel on the “Data-Centric Joint Force” featuring military leaders from Army Futures Command and Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Thirdly, Molly co-hosted a Signal Magazine “Disruptive by Design: What You Need to Know About AFCEA’s Emerging Leaders” webinar. This webinar that Molly helped orchestrate, featured several Emerging Leaders who mentored those new to the EL community. This included events and resources for Emerging Leaders and how to progress as an IT professional early in their career. Molly also brings technical contributions in the field of Artificial Intelligence from her experience with software companies serving national security clientele. In her current role, she is utilizing Large Language Models and Generative AI to accelerate and optimize workflows. In previous roles, Molly has also served a security company and as a Department of Homeland Security contractor, furthering technology, security, and governmental operations. As a previous Distinguished Young Professional award winner, Molly is very much deserving of this award for her many contributions to AFCEA and the EL community.
Nicole Decker, Alamo Chapter
Over the past year, Nicole has been a key contributor to the success of the Alamo Chapter's events and initiatives. She currently serves as the Chapter’s Vice President of Membership. She played a pivotal role in organizing the annual Mentor Protégé Night with gift preparation, check-in coordination, and supporting the Chapter VP for Emerging Leaders with other critical event requirements. Nicole assisted with planning, organization, and execution of the Tech-Xchange series in Austin, TX. Her proactive social media efforts for both Mentor Protégé Night, Tech-Xchanges, and Social Hour networking events assisted in boosting attendance and engagement. She has proven her commitment to creating a supportive and collaborative environment by ensuring all attendees of events feel welcomed and included.
Nicole’s contributions extend beyond the Alamo Chapter, positively impacting both the AFCEA community and the broader San Antonio area. As an active member of the EL and Membership committees, she has driven engagement and growth while enhancing outreach by engaging with local San Antonio organizations. Her involvement in transition career fairs at Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB, and Fort Sam Houston underscores her commitment to connecting with the community. Additionally, she has volunteered with the Scott AFB Chapter at TechNet Mid-America, highlighting her dedication to development with AFCEA as a whole.
She continues to contribute to future events, including planning the 2025 EL and Membership programs. Through mentorship from leaders such as Tony Burris, Shawn Cressman, Jason Hall, Justin Newell, and Bill Robinson, Nicole has deepened her expertise in business development, government contracting, proposal writing, and innovation, which she leverages in her current role.
Nicole has rapidly distinguished herself in the government IT industry. Starting as a technical recruiter for Abacus Solutions Group in 2021 and quickly advancing to Director of Recruiting while taking on business development responsibilities to expand Information Technology Service Management capabilities within U.S. Government agencies. She credits the mentorship and guidance she has received through AFCEA for her rapid advancement and actively strives to pass on her knowledge through mentoring others in her community.
Patrick Henson, Atlanta Chapter
Patrick Henson joined in May 2022, and immediately moving to a life member, he became active at the chapter level as well as in the Region and at the National level. He became a member of the AFCEA Atlanta Board of Directors and volunteered for the unfilled position of Emerging Leader Vice President for the Atlanta Chapter – a role he has taken to heart. in his role, he has helped to successfully host a couple of Emerging Leaders events. In addition, when the need has arisen at the Homeland Security Conference, or other sessions, he has stepped up to help make the events successful. He will step up and create an environment where others feel free to join in, or he can help set the standard and create a space for others to follow. He continues to look for opportunities to help make others successful. After graduating from Georgia State University, Patrick went to work at SJ Technologies where he has served for almost ten years. He rose quickly at the firm rising from Business Development to Director Business Development to Chief Operating Officer (COO), holding the last position for over two years at this time. As the COO, he has played a pivotal role in steering the company’s strategic direction and ensuring operational success. As a dynamic COO, he leads companies through growth, transformation and day-to-day business operations. Patrick is an expert in risk management and strategic planning with tactical expertise honed over an extensive government contracting career. He led SJ Technologies to secure and execute multi-million-dollar government contracts, delivering cutting-edge solutions enhancing national security and efficiency. Under his leadership, the company achieved remarkable growth and established itself as a trusted partner in the cybersecurity domain, earning accolades for its innovative approaches. His optimization strategies consistently have driven costs saving and operational efficiencies. He is talented at forging partnerships to meet objectives and moving companies forward. Patrick is very deserving of the Emerging Leader Award. Patrick is the image that AFCEA needs, a calm, focused leader that is helping to move Emerging Leaders and the organization overall forward.
TSgt Paul Leavens, USAF, Kaiserslautern Chapter
This year, Paul and his team organized three membership seminars at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, hosting 60 junior enlisted members and engaging senior leaders. The seminars emphasized mentorship, NCO records review, IT skill development, and the importance of cybersecurity within the Department of Defense. Under his leadership, a $13.4K committee budget was established, nine social events were planned, and the chapter earned recognition as the 2024 Model Chapter, its first since 2021. Paul’s stewardship enabled his team to actively participate in the Frankfurt Transatlantic conference, where they manned booths, registered participants, and supported panelists. This event marked AFCEA International's first in Frankfurt, uniting NATO and U.S. leadership. The committee sponsored and transported 18 members to attend the two-day event. He is committed to the Cycle 4 STEM program, which has raised funds for scholarships and sponsorships for 11 years. This year, his team raised $14.5K and will be featured in Signal Magazine. The chapter prioritizes STEM engagement, particularly with local DoDEA schools. In May, they sponsored the Ramstein High School robotics team’s trip to the World Championships in Houston, Texas, covering travel expenses and activities, including a NASA visit. Additionally, they raised funds to award $14K in scholarships, fund five certifications, and sponsor one student's travel for a three-year program with the University of Porto’s European Space Organization. The Emerging Leaders also hosted the Summer Expo’s opening social, featuring Brig Gen Joy Kaczor and distributing over $1K in prizes and a complimentary meal to attendees. TSgt Paul Leavens led a team of 22 Airmen and collaborated with three agencies to resolve a critical network issue affecting the SENTINEL Weapon System, contributing to the destruction of $400M in enemy equipment and earning him the DAF’s Cyber Systems NCOY Award. As the NCOIC of the group's executive cyber team, Paul supported 94 members and 12 senior leaders, streamlining the group’s DV coordination process with a new SharePoint tool, saving 95 hours per quarter and improving collaboration. Paul also spearheaded the group’s first direct Defense Health Agency medical connection, reducing medical wait times from two months to two weeks for 829 Airmen. His efforts earned the team the GEICO Military Service Award and the JINSA National Leadership Award. Additionally, he worked with USAFE/A6 to install four cryptographic endpoints, creating a new primary network path for three geographically separated units. This action strengthened foreign relations during unrest in the Middle East, ensuring critical intelligence was relayed to CENTCOM. Paul also repaired a network outage, restoring signal intelligence capabilities, safeguarding a $13B U.S. asset, and protecting 5,000 lives.
Polly Mineva, Northern Virginia Chapter
Polly Mineva has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the AFCEA NOVA community. As the AFCEA NOVA VP of Information for the past two years, Polly’s leadership in communications has significantly increased the chapter’s visibility and engagement. Managing LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, Polly created 3-8 posts weekly to promote 74 AFCEA NOVA events, webinars, and 10 IT Days. Her strategic efforts drove remarkable growth in LinkedIn membership, from roughly 3,500 in 2022 to 6,601 in 2024—a notable increase of nearly 89%. Polly’s content generated 142,318 views in the past year alone, substantially boosting event registrations and extending the chapter’s reach across the government and industry. Polly’s impact extends beyond social media, as she actively supports the Emerging Leaders group and has been a mentor to four young women, providing critical guidance on navigating a male-dominated industry. Her mentorship, particularly through the IES Women in Sales Leaders Forum, has directly resulted in two of her mentees securing new job offers. In her professional career, Polly has excelled as the Director of Capture at Metronome, where she drives strategic growth initiatives for the federal government and has thrived since May 2024. Her rapid ascent in the industry is a testament to her technical acumen and leadership skills. Previously, at BridgePhase, AFCEA International’s Small Business of the Year 2024 awardee, Polly was instrumental in expanding the DoD portfolio through strategic prime contracts on DoD Platform One. Polly’s dedication to AFCEA NOVA is evident through her far-reaching volunteer contributions across multiple committees. She has played a pivotal role in organizing key EL and WIN events and has supported the planning of the USSF, USAF, and Army IT Days. Polly's efforts have gone beyond event logistics—she has been instrumental in securing speakers and recruiting Emerging Leader volunteers to ensure the success of these initiatives. A standout moment in 2023 was when Polly secured the first sponsor (MITRE) for the Emerging Leaders committee, setting the stage for an impactful year focused on increasing young professionals’ engagement in AFCEA NOVA. She also stepped in at a critical time to secure Theresa Therry, Acting Chief, DAF Category Management and HAF Services Division, as a speaker for an AFCEA Small Business program when the program chair was without one, further demonstrating her proactive leadership. Her volunteerism extends to AFCEA DC, where she has contributed to the success of the annual gala and led her company’s AFCEA DC Toys for Tots drive, collecting over 100 toys. Polly’s hands-on approach and unwavering commitment to service reflect her deep passion for AFCEA NOVA and its mission. Her leadership has earned her the AFCEA NOVA Emerging Leader of the Year award in 2024 and the Meritorious Service Award in 2022. She was also recognized as the Emerging Leader of the Month in both September 2023 and November 2021. Polly's AFCEA NOVA positions include: • Vice President, Chapter Affairs (2024/2025) • Vice President, Information (2022-2024) • Emerging Leaders Organization (2021-Present) • Women in NOVA (WIN), Membership Chair (2021-2023) • Small Business Committee volunteer (2022)
Ryan Mahoney, Northern Virginia Chapter
Ryan Mahoney is engaged at the local chapter level and at the AFCEA International level. Ryan has made a significant impact on the AFCEA NOVA Emerging Leaders (EL) chapter since stepping into a leadership role as Vice President of the Emerging Leaders organization. Under his guidance, the chapter has grown from 20 members to nearly 100 active Emerging Leaders—a 400% increase in participation. His leadership has not only expanded the membership base but also enhanced the chapter's organizational structure by establishing an executive board of six Emerging Leaders. This board helps guide the chapter's strategic vision, ensuring continued growth and alignment with the professional needs of young professionals in the defense and technology sectors. Ryan's focus on professional and leadership development is evident in the success of the chapter's programming. In the past year alone, AFCEA NOVA has hosted five sold-out events specifically tailored to Emerging Leaders. These events address essential topics including career guidance from government professionals, professional headshot opportunities, and networking at the Nationals baseball game with USCG attendance. Each event offers Emerging Leaders the chance to connect with peers, industry experts, and mentors, strengthening both their personal and professional networks. The chapter has also seen a 50% increase in volunteer participation under Ryan's leadership, with 30+ Emerging Leaders actively contributing to the planning and execution of these events. In addition to growing membership and volunteer engagement, Ryan has driven an increase in corporate sponsorships for Emerging Leaders events. Over the past year, four new sponsors have come on board, enabling the chapter to continue offering high-quality events and expanding networking opportunities for young professionals. In February 2024, Ryan accepted the role of Co-President of the Emerging Leader Advisory Council (ELAC) at AFCEA International. ELAC plays a critical role in shaping the global strategy for all Emerging Leader chapters across AFCEA. The council's mission is to provide guidance, mentorship, and a platform for collaboration among chapters worldwide. As Co-President, Ryan helps steer initiatives that drive leadership development, professional growth, and networking opportunities on an international scale. His contributions to ELAC are vital in ensuring that Emerging Leaders worldwide have access to the resources and support needed for professional success. Beyond his role with Emerging Leaders, Ryan has been an integral part of the AFCEA NOVA Naval IT Day planning committee for the past three years. His involvement includes organizing volunteer support, with over 15 Emerging Leaders contributing to logistics and panel organization, and curating high-quality panels aligned with the Department of the Navy's mission. Under his guidance, participation from Emerging Leaders in Naval IT Day has grown by 30%, further cementing the event as a valuable platform for both junior and senior professionals. Ryan Mahoney’s leadership, dedication, and strategic vision have been invaluable to NOVA’s chapter and the wider AFCEA community. His ability to foster growth, create meaningful professional development opportunities, and contribute to high-profile events demonstrates his leadership across the AFCEA community. Ryan received the AFCEA NOVA Leadership Award 2024 and AFCEA NOVA Emerging Leader of the Month (October 2022).
Shaleen Braley, Washington DC Chapter
Shaleen Braley currently serves as the AFCEA DC VP Programs, and she is a VP in the Oracle Government Defense and Intelligence Group’s Program Management Office and serves as the Portfolio Manager within the Cyber and Intelligence Tower. She is a U.S. Army veteran with a background in portfolio management and has extensive experience leading large IC cyber initiatives for global customers. She has worked on some our nation’s most critical programs leading teams of 350+ in portfolios totaling $3B+ during her tenure of program delivery. Shaleen currently has 6 programs in her portfolio and leads more than 85 people. Shaleen has been supporting the AFCEA DC chapter since 2021. As the current AFCEA DC VP Programs, she identified leads for each monthly luncheon before the first Board meeting. She created a division of labor to simplify the actions needed from the luncheon leads allowing them to focus on panel ideation. Shaleen identified themes/abstracts/titles for all the luncheons and received approvals at the first EAC meeting for the program year. She created a sponsorship approach resulting in 71% of the total luncheon year’s sponsorship goal in the first 3 months of the program year. Last year, Shaleen created a scalable volunteer committee framework that resulted in a chapter-wide mechanism to track Board member volunteer engagement, created a mechanism for the ELC to make decisions about who in the chapter needed to support gaps, and filled all major volunteer/committee roles by mid-year. Shaleen supported the STEM Career Day for On Ramps at McKinley Tech in DC supporting underserved STEM students. She also trained the 2024 AFCEA DC Tech Summit speaker committee on how to plan panels/sessions for the Tech Summit, including creating reusable documentation to benefit the broader chapter. Shaleen encouraged 2 individuals to join the AFCEA DC Emerging Leaders in 2023 and has followed their journeys to present day. She has helped mentor those EL members and they are currently supporting the luncheon series as Luncheon Leads and/or committee members. Additionally, Shaleen actively mentors within Oracle. She especially loves to mentor women in technology navigate early career decisions. Shaleen has led major IT transformations in her career. She works with some of our nation’s most critical and sensitive missions. Since joining Oracle, Shaleen has had the opportunity to support the Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability (JWCC) PMO as an executive, from RFP to program award and readiness. While managing the JWCC, she also managed a second PMO. She was then asked to take over a challenging sensitive program which led to her taking over a portfolio and account. She has also had the opportunity to moderate several high-level panels at high visibility events. As you can see, Shaleen has been an active leader and mentor within AFCEA DC both to the chapter and to the EL that have created a lasting impact. She has achieved great success professionally and we are fortunate to have her in our community!
Stephanie Shangraw, Lexington-Concord Chapter
In her first year as a Young AFCEAN, Stephanie has proven her leadership skills through her participation in numerous events. She promoted growth and success of local young STEM leaders by volunteering at both the State & New England Regional MathCounts competitions in Massachusetts during which she directly aided in the selection of individual and team winners by scoring test answers from over forty schools – representing a chapter impact that spanned the region. Additionally, she positively influenced Stephanie co-led his year’s AFCEA’s Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program, which provided 5+ recent high school graduates participating in the Fellowship program with a 4-week mentorship; focusing on providing guidance and the tools around interviewing, professional development, on line presence and soft skills associated with both their internships and future academic and professional growth. Community & Chapter Contributions: In addition to spearheading the MathCounts Regional and State events, and her dedicated support to the AFCEA’s Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program, Stephanie was a valuable asset to the AFCEA Lexington Concord (L-C) EL team at many other events. She created 15+ holiday cards for Veterans overseas, so they could be provided with thanks during the holiday season. She also led the creation of an Excel document to formally organize all requirements, timelines, and nominations for the AFCEA-LC awards, currently in use by the VP of Awards to ensure a common understanding of the necessary requirements for upcoming award submissions and serve as strategic planning tool for AFCEA Chapter leadership. In addition to creating this valuable resource, she led the interview and authorship of the award write up for the Distinguished Award for Excellence in Engineering. This demonstrated a commitment to the Chapter and also exhibited an ability to engage with senior government officials leading technical DAF portfolio delivery. Technical Achievement: Stephanie was promoted to a GS-11 position this year where she supports 4 Air Force AWACS E-3 Aircraft modification programs. She is on track to complete the trainee program in anticipation of a GS-12 promotion at the end of the year. She has made professional development a priority by seeking out 70+ hours of professional development and earned her Department of Defense Financial Management Level 2 Certification. She also continues to deepen her academic credentials and received her Master of Business Administration from Endicott College in Massachusetts, graduating with a 4.0 GPA! This builds on her undergraduate Bachelors of Arts in Mathematics degree. Mentoring: Having a talent for mentoring is an understatement! Stephanie started off as a Palace Acquire (PAQ) trainee in 2021 and while still being a trainee, has helped other PAQ trainees with mentorship and guidance in their positions. She often reaches out to new trainees to provide them with advice and guidance which gives them a strong foundation for success in the trainee program and beyond. As someone that always offers to help and provide her extensive knowledge, she ensures trainees new and old have the tools and information they need to succeed in the trainee program. In sum, Stephanie Shangraw’s contributions to our Lexington-Concord Chapter have been no less than extraordinary!
Yves Jasper Janssen, Bonn e.V. Chapter
As an IT Consultant at PwC Germany and an Army reservist, Yves has demonstrated exceptional dedication to AFCEA Bonn e.V. and the defense sector. His military service, engagement with NATO, and academic background have significantly impacted both the defense community and AFCEA. Since joining AFCEA Bonn e.V., Yves has played a critical role in fostering connections among small businesses, the German military, and industry professionals. He led the Emerging Leader initiative for the 2024 AFCEA Specialized Exhibition, bringing together 17 Emerging Leaders and 4 Organizations, identifying 12 startups with defense applications, which were successfully presented and mentored at the exhibition. Yves also guided startups in presenting their products and services to military users, leveraging his field experience to ensure practical defense solutions. Furthermore, he facilitated an investment for a startup specializing in detecting explosive ordnance. At PwC Germany, Yves specializes in advising on defense and security issues, particularly in supporting Germany's efforts to meet NATO's New Force Model commitments. As PwC's internal point of contact for military communication systems and reserve-related topics, Yves has become a trusted advisor. Currently, He leads a project management team focused on digitizing medical services in defense. His strong network within AFCEA and proactive leadership have earned the trust of clients, positioning him as a key player in achieving both operational and strategic goals. As a Sergeant and later Lieutenant, Yves served with the 2nd Company of the Reconnaissance Battalion 3 in Lüneburg. As a Platoon Leader and Cavalry Scout Commander, he trained and developed up to 60 soldiers. His reservist duties included managing brigade-level pre- and post-deployment logistics for NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in Lithuania. During crises, Yves was responsible for casualty logistics in NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, coordinated relief efforts following major flooding events in Germany, and led a military detail in organizing a vaccination center during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yves earned a degree in International Business with a focus on Economics in Emerging Markets from Maastricht University. His thesis, which explored the relationship between military expenditure and economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, received top honors, demonstrating his deep understanding of global security and economic drivers. Yves also actively strengthens the AFCEA community by recruiting young members and mentoring Emerging Leaders in both military and civilian sectors. His work with NATO’s CIOR, including organizing the StratCom Seminar in Bonn, promotes industry-military collaboration and supports young professionals in securing scholarships from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. Through his leadership, technical expertise, military service, and dedication to mentoring, Yves has made a lasting impact on the AFCEA community and exemplifies the qualities of a Distinguished Young Professional.