SIG Elections 

Below you will find the candidate statements and bios for the incoming 2013-2014 SIG Chairs & Vice Chairs. Please note that we will not hold any elections due to having only single-slate nominations. The list is alphabetical by SIG name.

 Acquisition Management SIG Chair
Jeremy Arensdorf, Jefferson Consulting

Candidate Statement

As budgets are tightened and the public demand for government programs and services remains steady, the broader acquisition community will continue to be called upon to play a larger role in achieving savings while executing agency missions. For this to be successful, government and industry must collaborate to identify and implement solutions that are innovative, practical and results-focused. The mission of ACT-IAC makes it the perfect vehicle to foster that collaboration.

In over eight years of working with government agencies and private sector companies at Jefferson Consulting Group, I’ve focused on the intersection of multiple elements within acquisition: human capital, processes, regulations and management tools.  From the tactical level of developing a Performance Work Statement or a proposal to the strategic level of developing and implementing initiatives and programs, I’ve seen how important it is for government and industry to understand one another. 

Through my participation as Vice Chair of the ACT-IAC Acquisition Management (AM (SIG) over the past year, I’ve worked with our Chair and membership to develop and execute events to foster collaboration between government and industry.  From our monthly meetings to our initiatives supporting OMB’s Myth-busting initiative, we continue to bring the government and industry communities together to tackle complex challenges. If elected Chair of the AM SIG, I will work with ACT-IAC leadership, the AM SIG Vice Chair and membership to:

• Grow engagement from small and large companies and federal agencies in the SIG to share ideas and help shape initiatives within the broader acquisition community. 

• Continue supporting initiatives that address the evolving needs of our community and that bring government and industry stakeholders to the table.  These collaborative programs must provide opportunities to learn from each other and develop actionable solutions to address needs and issues throughout the community.

• Ensure that resources are available through the ACT-IAC portal and coordinated with governmentwide portals, such as OMB’s MAX, to provide leading practices and lessons learned on major topics of interest for both industry and government. 

I would be honored to serve as the AM SIG Chair, and would appreciate your vote and support.

Bio

Jeremy Arensdorf is a Vice President at Jefferson Consulting Group where he manages the firm’s government practice, Jefferson Solutions, under Solutions’ President Al Burman. He supports federal agencies on a host of acquisition and management initiatives. These include assessing an agency’s acquisition organization, developing performance-based acquisitions, developing messaging, branding and marketing plans, and monitoring and providing analysis of acquisition legislation and policy. Jeremy also leads Jefferson’s proposal efforts, and provides procurement expertise, proposal support, and orals coaching to Jefferson's commercial clients.

Jeremy is Project Management Professional (PMP) certified, and participates in a number of acquisition-related associations.  For the past year, he has served as the Vice Chair for the ACT-IAC Acquisition Management SIG.  For the past two years, he has served as a panel co-lead for Acquisition Excellence 2012 and 2013 and led a panel for ELC.  He is a committee member of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), has assisted in the Professional Services Council’s biannual Procurement Policy Survey, regularly participates in the TechAmerica Procurement Policy Committee, and led the development of a TechAmerica survey of government-industry communication for the Department of Homeland Security.

Jeremy received a Bachelor of Arts degree with high distinction from Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska.

Acquisition Management SIG Vice Chair
Steve Krauss, Censeo Consulting

Candidate Statement

As the Federal IT community struggles to improve both effectiveness and efficiency in the face of severe budgetary challenges, the ability of federal agencies to obtain maximum value for every dollar spent through improved acquisition management has become a pervasive theme in the ongoing dialogue between government and industry.  The ACT-IAC Acquisition Management SIG has the opportunity to play a unique role in partnering with both industry and government to promote creativity and collaboration, highlight thought leadership and best practices, and identify solutions of value to people on both sides of the government/industry divide.

I would like to see the Acquisition Management SIG play a more active role in this evolving area, both in terms of developing programs that help to educate members of the community, and in continuing to conduct and promote research that shines with the potential of leading the community towards new and more effective solutions.

I bring with me a track record of action, success, and results within the context of Federal IT industry associations such as ACT-IAC and AFCEA.  As Vice-Chair of the Acquisition Management SIG, I will work with the Chair to expand participation in the SIG and grow the team’s activity level, as appropriate, to enable ACT-IAC to play a greater role in the dialogue that exists around this extremely important topic area.

Bio

Steve has over 20 years of combined professional experience in business operations, commercial and government IT, and supply chain logistics. He has led large organizations with a focus on process and organizational efficiency and achievement of organizational financial goals. Steve has worked in the government contracting market for over 10 years and he is well-versed in government procurement processes and the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).

Steve is heavily involved in the ongoing dialogue to improve government-wide acquisition and contracting processes through his work with organizations such as ACT-IAC and the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA).  Within ACT-IAC, Steve has been active along a number of dimensions. He

• Is an IAC Fellow as a member of the 2005 Voyagers Class. 

• Served on the 2012 Executive Leadership Conference Planning Committee as a track chair for one of the conference’s four planned tracks.

• Served on the planning committee for the 2013 Acquisition Excellence Conference.

• Participated in the ACT-IAC Institute for Innovation’s 2012 Quadrennial Government Technology Review (QGTR) as a contributing writer for the QGTR’s white paper on business-IT alignment.

• Has been active within the Acquisition Management Shared Interest Group, where he led the writing of a white paper summarizing the results of the SIG’s Mythbusters Survey.

Steve currently sits on the Advisory Council for the AFCEA Bethesda Chapter.  He served as chapter president for that organization from 2009 to 2011 and won a Fed 100 Award in 2011 for his leadership of the chapter’s efforts.  Prior to that, Steve held several positions on the chapter’s board.  He also co-founded and became the first chair of the chapter’s Young AFCEA Committee in 2005.

Steve joined Censeo from Pragmatics, Inc. where, as Director of Corporate Development, he established the company’s business capture processes and helped the company nearly double its revenue over a two-year period. Prior to that he spent eight years at GTSI Corp, where he served as Director of Enterprise Computing Solutions and Program Management, and prior to that Steve spent eight years at the Hewlett-Packard Company.  Steve holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering-Economic Systems and B.S. in Computer Systems Engineering, both from Stanford University.

Collaboration & Transformation (C&T) SIG Chair
Linda Garcia, SAP

Candidate Statement

Today, the United States federal government is faced with the imperative to increase government mission execution, as well as the mandate to reduce costs and increase efficiencies.

While the government has made significant progress in many areas, a number of converging, emerging forces make achievement of these goals challenging, increasing the need government transformation.  These forces include:

• Consumerization of technology

o Mobility

o Social

• Big data

• Cloud

• Human cap changes

Technology can be used to help transformation.  The Collaboration and Transformation SIG looks at programs and needs from the starting point of mission needs and goals.  We start with the requirement that government be competitive in providing services to citizens, employees and other agencies, as well as finding actionable intelligence to be used in supervisory, regulatory, and investigatory programs.  We concentrate on information sharing, shared services, lines of business, knowledge management, innovation and governance, leading to greater collaboration and transformation. 

We will not only continue to emphasize external collaboration and transformation efforts (across lines of business, across stovepiped programs, agencies, governments, government to industry and government to citizen), but also internal collaboration and knowledge management within ACT-IAC.

As Chair of C&T SIG, I will stress enhancing our value to the ACT-IAC organization, the ACT-IAC members, and agency technology and mission, as well as expanding and growing the C&T SIG value, through increased recruitment, collaboration and information sharing.

Bio

As a Senior Director for SAP National Security Solutions (SAPNS2), Linda Garcia represents individuals and agencies that are part of the Intelligence Community and advocates for secure, minimally obstructive, cost-effective and innovative technology solutions for all government mission.   Her prior experience as an attorney in the United States Navy Judge Advocate General Corps and as a civilian federal government attorney, gives Ms. Garcia a unique knowledge of government missions and drivers for success.  In addition, as a senior manager/executive at Oracle, Adobe and Deloitte, Ms Garcia has developed a strong understanding of government objectives, IT's impact on government missions, and the complexities of implementing technology in the government.  At SAPNS2, she works with Intelligence Community organizations and stakeholders to align mission requirements with technology solutions and to ensure successful, cost-efficient and secure solutions across the industry.

Collaboration & Transformation (C&T) SIG Vice Chair
Rachana Kulkarni, Creative Information Technology, Inc.

Candidate Statement

Collaboration with the government and Industry and transforming our agencies to be state of the art technology places is one of my passions. I have always believed that the government and industry can work together as a team and become more effective and efficient. 

Today, the United States federal government is faced with the increase efficiencies while reducing costs across all areas. The government has made significant, progress in many areas and is looking for ways to make more.

A number of converging, emerging technological advances are requiring that government transformation increase. These forces include:

• Mobility

• Social Media

• Big data

• Cloud

Technology can be used to enable mission, but only if the starting point is mission.  The Collaboration and Transformation SIG looks at programs and needs from this perspective.  We start with the need for government to be competitive in providing services to citizens, employees and other agencies, as well as finding actionable intelligence to be used in supervisory, regulatory, and investigatory programs.  We are focused on information sharing, shared services, lines of business, knowledge management, innovation and governance, researching and publishing best practices leading to greater collaboration and transformation.

In addition, we not only focus externally to improve collaboration across lines of business, across stove piped programs, agencies, governments, government to industry and government to citizen, but also to increase collaboration and knowledge management within ACT/IAC.

As the Vice-Chair of C&T SIG, I will not only focus on enhancing our value to the ACT/IAC organization, the ACT/IAC members, and agency technology and mission, but also expanding and growing the C&T SIG value, through increased recruitment, collaboration and information sharing.

Bio

Rachana Kulkarni, a member of the executive leadership team at CITI, has traveled a 24-year career path—both as an engineer and as a manager—by which she has gained a uniquely broad background as well as a deep knowledge of IT software development, systems integration, and services. Consequently, Ms. Kulkarni possesses a keen understanding of the technological, business, and human factors that influence whether or not an IT product or service is delivered on time, under budget, and to the complete satisfaction of the customer.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering from the College of Engineering in Karnataka, India, Ms. Kulkarni worked in India as a college faculty member and as an electronics design engineer. Later, at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) in Adelphi, Maryland, she earned a master’s degree in computer systems management. She holds the industry certifications PMP® (Project Management Professional) and CBIP (Certified Business Intelligence Professional).

Ms. Kulkarni’s technical and leadership skills have moved her through progressively higher levels of responsibility within a wide variety of organizations in academia, the commercial market, and the government market (state and federal). She has both assisted and led complex IT projects for very large companies such as Unisys and Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) as well as for small companies such as CITI.

Currently at CITI, she directs and oversees numerous software development efforts for the U.S. Department of State, to which she brings her characteristically sharp focus on adherence to schedules, quality assurance, and attention to customer priorities. While she has a high standard of performance and ethics, she is an empathetic leader and takes care of her people.  She is well-liked by her customers, bosses, co-workers and subordinates.  Over the course of her career, Ms. Kulkarni has been the recipient of numerous customer awards for quality and technical excellence, reflecting her professional expertise and commitment to the quality of her work. Most recently, she graduated from the ACT-IAC’s Partners Program, the technology industry’s flagship executive development program for "rising stars" in government and industry with high potential for future advancement.

Cybersecurity SIG Chair
Bob Post, Crossroads Cyber Solutions, Inc.

Candidate Statement

I am submitting my name for Chair of the Cybersecurity Shared Interest Group (SIG). Cybersecurity has emerged as a top concern for the administration and executive branch agencies. Cybersecurity was mentioned in the President’s State of the Union Address and quickly followed by an Executive Order and Presidential Policy Directive. Legislation to revise the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) is already underway in Congress. Clearly, this increased emphasis on cybersecurity will become a significant factor touching any number of government initiatives over the coming years. The IAC must have an active Cybersecurity SIG that is ready to collaborate with their government counterparts in addressing security challenges posed by increased threat capabilities, introduction of new technologies into the Federal Government infrastructure, and new business processes.

I believe that for the Cybersecurity SIG to be most effective, the Chair needs to possess three qualities. First, the Chair must have the functional expertise in cybersecurity needed to identify and draw in the expertise resident within the IAC member companies. Second, the Chair needs to commit to spending sufficient time to reach out to constituents and get them to participate. Third, since cybersecurity doesn’t exist in a vacuum, the Chair needs to be committed to collaborating with other SIGs, Working Groups, and Task Forces.

I have over 25 years of experience working as a support contractor to the USG. Since 2000, I’ve focused on working with Federal clients in the areas of cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection. I’ve supported clients in establishing cybersecurity programs, meeting FISMA compliance requirements, and addressing the security challenges that accompany each shift in technology.

I understand that revitalizing the Cybersecurity SIG will require an investment of time on my part and I am willing to commit to spending time working with the IAC membership and government counterparts to develop and implement a meaningful program of initiatives and activities. As the sole owner of my company, I offer stability since I’m not subject to transfer, lay-off, or changes in corporate priorities.

Last, based on my experience I understand that it is essential that cybersecurity be integrated across multiple initiatives. To achieve that integration, collaboration with the other SIGs, Working Groups, and Task Forces is essential. If elected Chair, I’m committed to working with these groups and our government counterparts to implement the vision of IAC – To be the premier authoritative source for innovation, collaboration and leadership in the government IT community – within the area of cybersecurity.

Bio
Robert Post is President and CEO of Crossroads Cyber Solutions Inc. where he works with clients to develop and implement security strategies tailored to their organizations specific needs. He has over 28 years of professional experience in cybersecurity, operations security, continuity of operations, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency preparedness.
Prior to founding Crossroads Cyber Solutions, he was a Senior Vice President with Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. where he led a 300+ person team delivering cybersecurity support to U.S. Federal Government civilian departments and agencies. Mr. Post assisted clients in meeting the requirements of Presidential Decision Directive 63, the Government Information Security Reform Act, the Federal Information Security Management Act, and Homeland Security Policy Directive 12. Services provided include security engineering, certification and accreditation, and security program development.
Prior to joining Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., Mr. Post was a Consultant with Brogan Associates Inc., where he provided operations security support to U.S. Government classified programs. He served as a Counterintelligence Agent with the U.S. Army.
Mr. Post is a Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP). He has a BA in Criminal Justice from Stonehill College, an MBA from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and a Graduate Certificate in Telecommunications and Information Systems from Johns Hopkins University. Mr. Post has also completed coursework with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Executive Program.

Candidate Statement

I am the Director of Cybersecurity Practice Operations, focusing on cybersecurity practice development for HP’s US Public Sector business. I created the practice development approach to establish HP’s cybersecurity practice within US Public Sector—unifying capabilities, strategy, growth plans and investments across six market segments. To establish executive buy-in, I  led the development of HP’s cybersecurity taxonomy to provide an overarching understanding of the cybersecurity challenge and to baseline the company’s portfolio, public sector book of business and go-forward strategy. She represents public sector cybersecurity in ongoing corporate initiatives and investment planning.

In my career I’ve worked with numerous government, commercial and international clients, leading national and international client engagements with a special focus on the public sector and financial services industries.

The ACT-IAC Cybersecurity SIG offers a unique opportunity to engage with key leaders in government and our industry partners to affect improvements our nation’s cybersecurity posture, tackling issues critical to the government, critical infrastructure and the security of our economy. I’d like to build on my previous experience within the Cybersecurity SIG (as Programs Chair and then Vice Chair) to drive more content and collaboration across the SIG. Specifically, we have a broad range of talented companies represented within the SIG, talent that can contribute to developing programs and events valuable to members and important to the government.

I would work to ensure highly engaged Government Advisory Panel members to guide and champion our work. I would also help collaborate with relevant, inter-SIG working groups, other committees and government leaders to ensure our SIG’s timely and valued contributions.

I’m impressed with the members of our SIG and hope to promote specific work that intersects with their interests and the various missions of the government.  I have built relationships within the ACT-IAC membership, as well as with the executive staff; I know we have the support of the entire community to expand the impact of the Cybersecurity SIG for the benefit of all, and would be honored to serve as Vice Chair.

Bio

Cheryl Soderstrom is the Director of Cybersecurity Operations for HP’s U.S. Public Sector business. Soderstrom created the practice development approach and led the establishment of HP’s cybersecurity practice—unifying strategy, capabilities, growth plans, workforce management and investments across six market segments within the public sector.

To provide a common understanding of cybersecurity that incorporates both business and technical views, Soderstrom championed the development of HP’s cybersecurity taxonomy. Providing a comprehensive understanding of the cybersecurity challenge in common language, Soderstrom used this taxonomy to baseline the company’s portfolio, public sector book of business and go-forward strategy, and has shared it with international colleagues and key public sector clients. She represents public sector cybersecurity in ongoing pan-HP corporate initiatives, portfolio development, investment planning and market messaging.

Throughout her career, Soderstrom has worked in multiple capacities across the business, including software development, account management, regional staff leadership, alliances, and industry consulting. She brings more than 25 years of experience in applying business strategy and consulting services to industry and government clients with expertise in strategy and business model development, enterprise performance management, digital government, business webs, and organizational development consulting. Previously, Soderstrom led large information technology planning and development programs, enterprise business operations, and global implementations. Soderstrom has worked with numerous government, commercial and international clients, with a special focus on the public sector and financial services industries.

Soderstrom earned a Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College and has completed numerous professional and leadership development programs, including at the Darden School of Business. She has represented HP in primary think tank research programs related to strategy and governance in the digital economy, customer fulfillment networks and the Hypernet revolution. In addition, Soderstrom has received five letters of commendation from the U.S. government.

Emerging Technology SIG Chair
Victor Koo, K3 Solutions

Candidate Statement

I have worked with this SIG for the last four years and I believe in the importance of its mission and the impact we can have on the federal government.  My current responsibilities as Vice Chair include leading the preparation and coordination of program events throughout the calendar year in accordance with the ET SIG agenda.  I also oversaw the development of a wiki for the ET SIG that allows IAC industry partners to highlight emerging technologies that have been successfully applied in government agencies.  In addition, I drafted a standard operating procedure for the ET SIG that helps the leadership team understand their roles and responsibilities and define how we can work with our Government Advisory Panel to achieve the greatest results.

I believe my technical experience as a project manager/systems architect, who has successfully led the development of software engineering systems for customers in the Departments of Homeland Security and the Treasury, would enable me to share vital lessons learned with the SIG.  I can share insights on existing solutions and technologies in software engineering and on the challenges I’ve faced managing complex federal government projects. 

Bio

As an experienced project manager, I have successfully led several software development projects for Fortune 500 companies and federal government agencies.   In my current role, I oversee our software development practice.  I have recently worked with our projects to redefine our Agile software development processes and create a robust process framework that was recently re-registered as ISO 9001:2008 compliant and appraised at CMMI Level 3.  In addition to serving as the IAC ET SIG Programs Chair, I am involved in other organizations such as AFCEA and PMI.  My involvement with these organizations offers me a forum to share ideas about IT innovations that can improve the services we deliver to the federal government.

Emerging Technology SIG Vice Chair
Sandi Van Valkenburg, CGI Federal

Candidate Statement

As an experienced IT professional, I have actively participated in the Emerging Technology SIG for 3 years, and understand the group’s mission to provide basis and understanding for emerging technologies to the federal government.   I currently lead the Agile Committee, where our current efforts are focused on developing a series of Executive Reports on Agile topics to provide to agencies and the CIO Council.   In this role I have not only steered topic selection, but have assisted with coordinating feedback and recruited new members to complete the effort.  I have a technical background that spans development and operations and maintenance activities, allowing me to translate the applicability of a given technology or methodology to a business problem, agency, and the SIG. 

Other activities within ACT-IAC that I have participated in or supported include completing the Voyagers Program in 2012, serving as a 2013 Excellence.gov judge, supporting the Fellows Program Committee, supporting the 2012 MOC Mobility Track, assisting with the design and development of the Advanced Mobility Working Group’s collaboration site, participating in the Communications Committee, supporting the IAC IT Dashboard Project, and participating in the requirements gathering session for the ACT-IAC website.  Through these activities I feel that I have a solid understanding of the mission of ACT-IAC and can carry that through to new SIG recruits and existing members.

Bio

I have over 17 years’ experience delivering complex technology solutions to the federal government.   In my current role, I lead CGI’s cloud services team in support of the GSA Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies, and previously supported numerous large scale development efforts at USPS.  I hold a Masters in Information Systems, and received my PMP in 2007.  Along with my participation in ACT-IAC, I have also supported efforts with AFCEA, specifically serving as the sponsorship chair for the recent Smart Technologies and Sustainability program.

Enterprise Architecture SIG Chair
Pete Wilson, ICF International

Candidate Statement

The global political and economic climate has presented both private industry and Government with complex challenges that must be addressed. Organizations must be ready to make tough decisions how to optimize their service delivery and performance while building a foundation for future performance gains. I believe that enterprise architecture is vital to making good decisions that meet these challenges.

Enterprise architecture (EA) serves to inform and empower people. As a product, the enterprise architecture is a powerful tool for analysts and planners to understand the enterprise and how it is structured to perform. Further, it is an important means to communicate how an enterprise will meet future challenges in an efficient and effective manner. As a service, an EA program delivers real value through communication, analysis, reporting, and -- most of all - collaboration with stakeholders. The EA service organization facilitates effective planning, good decision making, and real transformation.

Today, many compelling technologies are being integrated with government operations. Cloud computing, mobile technologies, and the infrastructure to connect people and protect information are but a few opportunities that call upon architects to assess alternatives and promote the best way forward. Industry’s voice during this period is vital to the success of government. The EA SIG serves as that voice and offers government leaders a resource that can help them plan for change.

The ACT-IAC EA SIG also serves an important role in the promotion and evolution of EA. As financial and performance demands continue to challenge the Government, the EA SIG actively collaborates with Federal leaders to offer advice, develop useful products, and shape the state of the practice. Collectively, we seek to align our purposes and drive innovative solutions to the meet challenges faced by Government.

For the past year, I have been proud to serve as Chair for the EA Shared Interest Group. In this role I have worked to organize and deliver compelling additions to the EA body of knowledge through 2 key projects: The Smart Lean Government Practical Guide and the EA Program Manager’s Playbook. These two projects will offer new perspectives, methods, and tools that will help the Federal EA community tackle Government’s most pressing challenges. These projects build upon our prior work and can serve as a platform for helping agencies integrate and use the FEA 2.0.

Should I be elected as the SIG Chair, I will continue to drive engagement in these important activities. I will also seek to align our efforts to the next version of the FEAF by collaborating with our Government Advisory Panel and OMB leaders. Finally, I will promote and encourage cross-SIG collaboration so that we can engage a broader community within ACT-IAC and across government. Doing so will amplify the contribution of the EA SIG membership and offer other experts an opportunity to enrich our products and value to our membership.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to working with you all as we move forward.

Bio

Peter Wilson is the Technical Director for Information and Program Management at ICF International. He has more than 19 years of diverse project management, program management, and IT consulting experience in commercial, non-profit, healthcare, and government organizations. Mr. Wilson is a corporate advocate and spokesperson for effective program and project management practices, presenting at the 2010 PMI North American Congress and at PMIWDC chapter tools sessions. He is actively involved within the Industry Advisory Council’s Enterprise Architecture Shared Interest Group as Chair and was formerly Chair for the development of enterprise architecture competency standards.

Enterprise Architecture SIG Vice Chair
Tom McCullough, Lockheed Martin

Candidate Statement

Bio

Pending

Human Capital SIG Chair
Bill Fischer, Serco

Candidate Statement

For the past 10 years, I have advised multiple Federal clients on envisioning and driving transformational strategy, learning and human capital initiatives that transcend organizational boundaries, including the HR Line of Business, e-Clearance and VA for Vets.  My specific areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, Executive Consultation and Facilitation, HR and IT Outsourcing Business Planning, Human Capital Strategy and Alignment, Change Management and Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning.  During the past 5 years, I have actively supported the ACT-IAC HC SIG, where I chaired a Social Media Policy study and authored the paper on best practices for ACT-IAC –HC SIG.  I hold a MA in Communication, Culture and Technology from Georgetown University.

Bio

Mr. Fischer is a management consultant with expertise in executive consultation and facilitation, human capital strategic alignment and organizational learning for private and public sector audiences.  As an Executive Consultant, Mr. Fischer has successfully partnered with CXO leadership teams on human capital strategic planning, HR and IT Outsourcing, change management, knowledge management, organizational learning and project execution.  As Vice President for Serco’s Strategy, Learning and Human Capital Business Unit, Mr. Fischer oversees 30+ active projects which focus on aligning human capital and learning strategies, staff, systems, and culture with results-based management.

Human Capital SIG Vice Chair
Lisa Taylor, Deloitte

Candidate Statement

I am excited to announce my candidacy for Vice Chair of ACT-IAC’s Human Capital SIG.  Since joining the organization in 2008, I have felt a deepening passion to promote and embody its mission to bring industry and Government executives together to exchange information, support professional development, improve communication and understanding, solve issues and build partnership and trust, thereby enhancing Government’s ability to serve the nation’s citizenry.  

Throughout my tenure with the group, I have actively engaged in contributing to the group’s intellectual capital including co-authoring a white paper, “Social Media in the Federal Workplace: Rules of Behavior, Policies and Best Practices,” which is an articulation of best practices for safely and securely using social media in the federal workplace.  I am also supporting the development of a white paper “Competencies for the Next Generation of IT Managers” and will continue to contribute to the group’s eminence as we move forward.

As Vice Chair, I would like to work on increasing government participation with the Human Capital SIG and will work with my leaders and colleagues to develop strategies to accomplish this goal. 

Working collaboratively with fellow SIG members, I promise to have an open ear to new and innovative ideas, promote and sustain the organization’s mission, and continue to assist our government entities in creating a proactive and technologically advanced work environment for the men and women who ensure our nation’s health, security, and prosperity.

Bio

Lisa Taylor is a manager in Deloitte Consulting LLP’s Human Capital practice.  Focusing on organizational transformation and strategy, she has a wide range of consulting and management experience covering organizational optimization and design, change management, training, performance management, business process re-engineering and process improvement, strategy, financial management, systems analysis, and internal controls.  Additionally, Lisa is a leader and key contributor to proposal and business development efforts that have resulted in numerous new projects, leveraging of previous client relationships, and teaming/partnership arrangements. Lisa has her MBA in Finance and an MA in International Development and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Human Capital Strategist and Project Management Professional.

Throughout her tenure, Lisa has supported both government and commercial clients, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), British Telecoms, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), and Neustar. She is also active in the at-large industry community by participating in the American Council for Technology – Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC), Human Capital SIG; International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA- HR); Human Capital Institute (HCI); and American Society of Quality (ASQ).

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys international travel, cycling, drinking wine, and cooking.

Networks & Telecommunications (N&T) SIG Chair
Wray Varley, CenturyLink

Candidate Statement

Focused Leadership…Enthusiasm… Teamwork!   These are three of the key qualities that I believe I brought to the position of Chair of the Networks & Telecommunications SIG this past year. I bring a diverse background in telecommunications that allows me to offer the Networks & Telecommunications SIG a vendor-neutral and broad perspective on network, security, management and technology challenges facing both industry and government. Comfortable with wide-ranging topics and subjects related to trends in cybersecurity, IP, green technology, web hosting, and professional services, I will partner with industry and government to tailor the activities of the Networks and Telecommunications SIG around the topics that best align with the needs of the IAC and government communities. 

The IAC N&T SIG members can be assured of my contributions in the following areas:

• New Perspectives - I have the experience to work collaboratively with industry partners to leverage their leadership towards new and exciting program offerings that will enhance the advisory capacity of the SIG. I will work with industry and the Government Advisory Panel (GAP) to “kick start” the SIG programs, explore creating new subcommittees, and partner with other SIGs on relevant topics.

• Building on Past Successes – I bring the leadership experience and discernment to recognize the characteristics that have made the Networks and Telecommunications SIG the longest-running and most successful of the IAC SIGs, and will apply this to future programming and events.  Every member company should agree that the investment made in the SIG returns commensurate benefits. 

• CenturyLink Corporate Commitment – CenturyLink has held many leadership positions in IAC and continues a long tradition of supporting IAC as evidenced through my candidacy.  Our organization’s leader, Diana Gowen, and fellow colleague, Wayne Davis, have successfully spearheaded several IAC initiatives.  I have the advantage of the full support and considerable resources of the organization. 

I believe the N&T SIG made great strides this past year when I was the Chair for the first time. With an unwavering determination to succeed, combined with the long-standing dedication, commitment, and support of CenturyLink Government to the mission of the IAC, I am eager to continue my role as Chair of the Networks & Telecommunications SIG.

Bio

Wray Varley has over 25 years of telecommunications experience and has worked in the federal government sector since 1994. In his current role as Vice President, Sales, CenturyLink Government, Varley directs the Advanced Programs, and the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice & Department of Energy sales teams which includes all of the national security contracts. Previously, Varley led the sales and business development for all civilian government agencies, including NASA, Department of Energy, Treasury and the General Services Administration (GSA).

Prior to joining CenturyLink in 2001, Varley spent the vast majority of his career with Bell Atlantic (now Verizon Communications). During his tenure there, he gained a wide range of telecommunications experience as an installer and installation supervisor, as a staff manager with operations and sales oversight; and finally as a direct sales representative. When Varley left Verizon, he had sales and revenue responsibility for all U.S. government civilian agencies. He also worked in director positions at two information technology organizations, Veridian Information Solutions (now a part of General Dynamics) and Sytel, Inc., where he developed its federal and enterprise business.

Networks & Telecommunications (N&T) SIG Vice Chair
Tom Cuneo, Vision Technologies

Candidate Statement

I have decided to run for Vice Chair of the Networks & Telecommunications SIG to continue the work that SIG Chair Wray Varley and I have done since I was appointed to the position earlier this year.

I have been an active member of the N&T SIG since 2001. For the past seven years, I have served as Chair of the Wireless Committee, where I have engaged numerous government thought leaders to serve as speakers and panelists for SIG programs. My experience has shown that this is the best way to recruit new members to the N&T SIG Government Advisory Panel.

In 2008, on behalf of the N&T SIG, I helped organize a government-only GSA Smart Buildings seminar that featured 400 attendees for an all-day program. This event was well-received in government and sparked dialogue about green buildings that continues today.

In 2009, I planned the N&T SIG Wireless Committee’s Future COMSATCOM Services Acquisition (FCSA) program event with Charlie Edwards of DISA and Kevin Gallo of GSA. This event featured an acquisition overview where DISA and GSA collaborated together, and chose the Wireless Committee as the venue.

Currently, as part of the SIG leadership, I am again collaborating with Kevin Gallo and GSA as the SIG has created the NS2020 Working Group. The NS2020 Working Group is based on the Advanced Mobility Working Group model and will advise GSA and its customers on best practices for the contract that will eventually replace GSA Networx.

The N&T SIG is the longest-standing SIG in the organization and has a strong Government Advisory Panel, which works closely with SIG leadership. I bring seven years of experience working with the GAP and will continue to engage in activities that align to the needs of our GAP, as well as our SIG members.  Collaboration with our GAP and inclusion of all SIG members are key factors in the success of the SIG. I bring a unique large, medium and small business perspective to the SIG as a company founder, an entrepreneur and an employee.

Since being appointed Vice Chair, the SIG has seen an increase in meeting attendance and I would like to continue the momentum which we have created through topical programs and pertinent government speakers.

Bio

A veteran of 35 years in the Federal IT and telecommunications community, Tom Cuneo currently serves as Vice President at Vision Technologies, Inc. where he oversees all Federal business development and Sales PMO activities.  Prior to joining Vision in 2012, Tom served in senior executive positions at Netcom Technologies (Senior Vice President), Government Telecommunications (Vice President and a founder), Federal Services, Inc. (Executive Vice President and a founder), Computer Equity Corporation (Vice President and a founder), Federal Technology Corporation (Vice President), C3 Inc. (now Telos) (Director and employee 8) and Optical Scanning Corporation.

Tom is an active member of the Industry Advisory Council (IAC), Independent Telephone Pioneer Association (ITPA) and is past President of the Loudoun Valley Band Parent Association.

Small Business SIG Chair
Kim Purlia, Purlia Parris, LLC

Candidate Statement

With almost 30 years in Business Planning, Corporate Development, and Government Acquisition & Procurement, there has never been a more exciting time for the Small Business community, especially in the IT marketplace.  Between changes in major legislation, procurement policy, and business implementation – Small Businesses are in a formidable position for the future.  Government has changed, and I’m dedicated to ensuring our Small Business Members have a forum to collaborate, explore, mentor, plan, and utilize their resources to be the best business solution providers to their government partners; and to form a foundation for the Next Generation Business. 

As the ACT Board and IAC Executive Committee continue to implement solid strategies for partnership, address challenge areas and initiatives, and identify gaps and risks in today’s technical landscape, the Small Business SIG is at the cornerstone for continuing the dialogue and providing improvements to all challenges – especially those which impact the SB community. 

We’ve experienced some amazing ACT-IAC conferences, forums, programs, and sessions in the 12 months, and my goal is to provide a team of thought leaders to:

1) Drill down into these topics, issues, and challenges to enable our Members to have real-world examples, case studies, and business models to help them achieve their goals

2) Identify a group of projects to “take on the issue” and work with the Government Advisory Panel to bring solutions to the table

3)  Support the other SIGs and their working groups

With your approval, I welcome the opportunity to work with our membership and stakeholders to continue to bring effective program plans and platform for addressing and solving these challenges; developing great relationships across our membership with our Government Advisory Panel; and ensuring our SB Members are well prepared to the changing environment.

Bio

Kimberly Purlia has over 28 years in Government, Private Sector, and Commercial organizations as a results-oriented, solution provider.  She specializes in taking “Big Picture” strategies and implementing plans, approaches, and procedures to achieve tactical execution.  With a diverse background, Ms. Purlia has worked in business organizations supporting Homeland Security, Federal Civilian and Defense, and Intelligence Programs; and has expertise in key solution areas including Government Acquisition & Procurement, Requirements Development and Management, Risk Analysis & Mitigation, and streamlining effective Program Management solutions.

Ms. Purlia has worked for and supported large and small organizations and currently consults in the primary areas of Strategic Capture Management and Business Planning, and “connecting the dots” between government and industry partners.  She is a retired Intelligence Officer with the US Navy, having served as a Naval Attaché, Nuclear/Biological/Chemical Weapons of Mass Destruction (NBC WMD) Analyst, and management positions included Policy Development, Requirements Development & Management, and Acquisition & Procurement operations; and managed programs in excess of $1B.  She established, implemented, and managed budgets for multiple organizations up to $500M in annual spending (including specialized Congressional funding); provided cost analyses and implemented cost-saving measures; while matching National and Agency requirements for effective use of funds.

Small Business SIG Vice Chair
Michael Townsend, SAIC

Candidate Statement
The Congressional and White House focus on small business has resulted in new programs, updated policy and new regulations designed to ensure small business participation in government procurements.  New legislation and customer requirements have increased contractor accountability for contractual commitments and small business goals have become an evaluation factor in CPARS.
To support the small business community to position and ready themselves for the increase in opportunities the ACT-IAC Small Business SIG should provide mentoring, information sharing and training to support awareness and growth to our small business members. The knowledge that I have gained over my years as a small business advocate and mentor supporting a large prime contractor well positions me for this role. I bring a large business prospective of what is needed in a small business seeking work with a large prime. My existing relationships with the federal government OSBDU directors and other large prime small business development offices will allow me to reach back for participation in our information and outreach events. I have been an active supporter of the Small Business SIG and appreciate the value that it can bring to the small business membership and community.