2021 Blacks In Government National Officer Installation Program

BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT® INC.

National Officers Installation

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON

300 ARMY NAVY DR. ALEXANDRIA, VA 22202

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021 | 6PM

Message from Honorable Jones…

Greetings BIG Members, Corporate Sponsors, Partners, and Supporters: What if I told you that I am living out my childhood dream?

Hand to God, I promise you I am. No, of course, I did not grow up wanting to be BIG National President. But, by 6th grade I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. And, by the time I arrived at Georgetown Law, I knew I wanted to be a government lawyer and I proclaimed it proudly my first week there. Having been an avid student of American history, I wanted to do my part to ensure that our government is always on the right side of civil rights, protecting its citizens and providing equal treatment under the law.

Discovering the BIG organization upon entering government and now being entrusted to lead it, allows me to pursue that dream more fully. But I know I do not stand alone, and I know I cannot do this alone. An Egyptian Proverb says, “One foot isn’t enough to walk with.” A Congolese Proverb says, “A single bracelet does not jingle.” And a Ghanaian Proverb says, “Numbers can achieve anything.” With those proverbs as guiding principles, I know there is so much we can do together. Yes, there really is strength in numbers.

While we cannot come together physically in celebration of the installation of the 2021 National Officers and National Board Members and recognition of the National Committee Chairs and National Appointed Positions as we traditionally would, I still feel the love and unity and even the embrace of support from afar. I stand on the shoulders of giants who had the vision to create this fine organization and I will serve them and all of you proudly.

Cheers to you all for a magnificently BIG 2021!

Best Regards,

Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq. National President Blacks In Government

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2021 National Executive Committee Newly Elected Officers Honorable Ms. Shirley A. Jones, Esquire National President Ms. Deena Sheppard 1st Vice President Ms. Mazella Thomas 3rd Vice President Ms. Paula E. Davis National Secretary Mr. Duane Hill National Assistant Treasurer

2021 National Board of Directors Newly Elected Officers Ms. Atricia Irons Region I

Ms. Joanne Palmer Region II

Ms. Johnita Pitts Region III

Mr. Famous Johnson Region IV

Ms. Shirron Brown Region V

Honorable Ms. Katherine Cage Region VI

Ms. Robin McDaniel-Beck Region VII Mr. Edward Wilson Region IX

Mr. Michael Smith Region VIII Ms. Erin Small Region X

Ms. Marion V. Allen Region XI

Program Mistress of Ceremony: LaShan L. Haynes National Protocol Administrator President, EPA William D. Barber, Jr. Chapter, Region XI

Opening Remarks

Honorable Dr. Doris P. Sartor Immediate Past National President General Chappie James Chapter, Region IV

Invocation

Donna Coleman-Johnson Past President New Kemet Harambe Chapter, Region V

Greetings

Glynis M. Hill National Board of Directors EPA William D. Barber, Jr. Chapter, Region XI

Recognition of Distinguished Guests

Mistress of Ceremony

The Importance of Public Service Video

Government Officials/Public Servants Installation of Officers

National Executive Committee

Presidential Oath/Passing of the Gavel

Honorable J. David Reeves Past National President 2009-2012 Robert C. Weaver (HUD) Chapter, Region XI Honorable David A. Groves Chair, National Delegates Assembly Veteran Affairs HQ Chapter, Region XI Honorable Dr. Doris P. Sartor Immediate Past National President

Introduction of Keynote Speaker

Mistress of Ceremony

Keynotes Address

Cynthia D. Dunn “Cin-dee” Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Internal Revenue Service Tax Exempt and Government Entities (TE/GE) IRS New Carrollton Chapter, Region XI

Closing Remarks

Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esquire National President GAO-USACE Chapter, Region XI

Benediction

Mistress of Ceremony

BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT® INCORPORATED IN 1976

BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT was organized in 1975 and incorporated as a non-profit organization under the District of Columbia jurisdiction in 1976.

BIG functions as a knowledgeable, problem identifying and solving organization for Black civil servants. It is dedicated to: (1) establishing and operating socioeconomic, political, and cultural programs which enhance the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for Blacks; (2) eradicating all vestiges of unlawful treatment towards Blacks; (3) eliminating institutionalized racism which oppresses Blacks and reinforces barriers to full and equal citizenship for Blacks; (4) encouraging pride and motivation in Blacks so as to promote achievement of full potential and recognition of societal contribution; (5) sponsoring a national effort to promote the wellbeing, education, and professional development of Blacks; (6) acting as an advocate for equal employment opportunities and conditions which affect Blacks. This shall include, but not be limited to, administrative and personnel selections, recruitment, placements, promotions, upward mobility programs, and other similar areas.

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Goals & Objectives 1. To be an advocate of equal opportunity for Blacks in government.

2. To eliminate practices of racism and racial discrimination against Blacks in government.

3. To promote professionalism among Blacks in government.

4. To develop and promote programs which will enhance ethnic pride and educational opportunities for Blacks in government.

5. To establish a mechanism for gathering and disseminating infor mation for Blacks in government.

6. To provide a nonpartisan platform on major issues of local, regional, and national significance that affect Blacks in government.

Honorable B. Faye Stewart National Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer Regional Council President Houston Area Chapter, Region VI

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Message from Honorable Dr. Sartor…

Greetings BIG Family As an organization, over the past year, we have been called upon to witness history, to be the conscience of America, and serve as advocates for our members and constituents. We are at war with a novel virus— COVID-19; battling the virus of injustice; and dealing with systemic racism reflected in disparities in health care, criminal justice, civil rights, education, and in so many others areas.

Throughout it all, BIG has turned challenges into opportunities.

Inherent in nearly every challenge are opportunities for renewal and transformation. We stood committed to promoting equity, excellence, and opportunity for all. We gave voice to the underrepresented and promoted social justice.

More than ever, Blacks In Government is needed due to the many inequities that still exist and the relevancy of our mission, “To enable all present and future Black employees in Local, State, and Federal governments to have the ability to maximize their career opportunities and provide a mechanism for inclusion, growth, and advocacy.”

Congratulation to our 2021-2022 National BIG President, Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esquire, who has been elected to lead our great organization. I salute her and the other newly elected leaders. Leaders play the most vital role in the achievement of organizational excellence.

In passing the torch to our next team of leaders, I am confident that they will build a more powerful and impactful organization.

We need every Blacks In Government member to support our organization at the chapter, regional, and national levels. It is up to us to remain committed to the Preamble of our National Constitution, which reads in part, “We believe that Blacks in government should have the opportunity for full, complete and equitable access to jobs, education, advancement, housing and health services, and that they must have recourse in adverse situations without discrimination because of race.”

This is our organizations underlying philosophy. Always remember, we are stronger together.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as the 14th National President of Blacks In Government. I look forward to serving with the new administration as we move toward our BIG vision of being a memberfocused, world-class enterprise, recognized for excellence.

Dr. Doris Sartor Honorable Dr. Doris Sartor Immediate Past BIG National President Blacks In Government

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Mistress of Ceremony Ms. LaShan L. Haynes President, EPA-William D. Barber, Jr. Chapter National Protocol Administrator Blacks In Government, Inc.

LaShan Haynes, began her career at the Environmental Protection Agency in August 1986, as a high school junior, under then what was then the “Stay-In-School” program. Her undergraduate studies were in computers and information systems, therefore in 1995, she applied for and was accepted into the agency’s upward mobility program as an Information Management Specialist managing the IT Helpdesk in the Office of Solid Waste. Now the Office of Resources Conservation and Recovery, LaShan is a Program Analyst with responsibilities that still include IT Support and Management, but also as a Document Control Officer for RCRA Confidential Business Information, the Alternate Designated Ethics Official (ADEO), COR and Records Management Liaison.

In 1996 while attending the Blacks In Government (BIG) National Training Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, LaShan at the conclusion of the EPA Agency forum immediately signed up as a member of the EPA-William D. Barber, Jr. Chapter, and shortly thereafter, became a Life/Gold Plus Member. The training sessions, information sharing and networking on every level along with the history, mission, goals, and objectives of the organization encouraged me to join.

Since becoming a member, LaShan has been of service in the following capacity: • Served as Chapter Correspondence Secretary • Served as Chapter Recording Secretary under five (5) Administrations.

• Served on the Chapter Planning and Communications Committees • Served Chapter Vice President (2013-2015) • Regional Representative for the Chapter (2006-present) • Region XI Program and Education Committee (2014-2016) • National Elections Committee (2009) • Region XI Recording Secretary (January 2016-2019)) As President, one of LaShan’s priorities is to further the mission and objectives of BIG and EPA, which she believes together is helping to protect human health and the environment by ensuring the equality, advocacy, and excellence of those employees who serve and the communities in which they serve.

LaShan is a native Washingtonian and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems Management from Southeastern University (Washington, DC) and Master of Public Administration from University of Oklahoma, both with honors.

Guest Speaker Cynthia D. Dunn, Director Internal Revenue Service, TE/GE Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Cynthia D. Dunn currently serves as the Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Tax Exempt and Government Entities, within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Cynthia has held this position in Washington, DC since 2004. She started her federal government career in 1980 as a GS-01 Clerk Typist under the Stay-in-School Program. She began her career in the field of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity in 1992.

Before her exciting career in the IRS, Cynthia also held several employment positions at agencies such as Export-Import Bank, Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Defense.

Cynthia attended the University of Maryland - College Park and the European Division, Nuernberg, West Germany. She honorably holds multiple life memberships with the following National EEO organizations: Blacks in Government, Deaf in Government, Federal Asian Pacific American Council, Federally Employed Women, National Image, Inc. and Society of American Indian Government Employees.

Cynthia is a proud recipient of the 2018 “Woman of the Year” award given by the National Image, Inc. (NII), the recipient of the 2018 “Champion for Diversity” award given by Federally Employed Women (FEW), and the recipient of the 2019 “Spirit” award given by the Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE). Cynthia resides in Waldorf, MD. She has two sons and five grandchildren.

In addition to Cynthia Dunn’s multiple years in the federal government, her hard work and dedication has given her the opportunity to present and provide resourceful information for those who are looking for guidance in their careers. Cynthia has conducted training sessions consistently since 2004. Those who attend the sessions will gain amazing insight on how to be successful in the workplace.

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NATIONAL BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT® 2020 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Salutes

National Blacks In Government National Blacks In Government 2020 National Executive Committee 2020 National Executive Committee

Salutes 2021 NEWLY/RE-ELECTED NATIONAL LEADERSHIP Salutes 2021 Newly Elected/Re-Elected National Leadership 2021 Newly Elected/Re-Elected National Leadership

2021-2022 NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2021-2022 NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Region I Region I Ms. Atricia L. Irons Ms. Atricia L. Irons Region III Region III Ms. Johnita Pitts Ms. Johnita Pitts Region RegionVV Ms. Shirron Ms. ShirronBrown Brown Region VII Region VII Ms. Robin Ms. RobinMcDaniel-Beck McDaniel-Beck Region RegionIXIX Mr. Edward Mr. EdwardWilson Wilson Region RegionXIXI Ms.Marion MarionAllen Allen Ms.

Region II RegionM. II Palmer Ms. Joanne Ms. Joanne M. Palmer Region IV Region IV Mr. Famous Johnson Mr. Famous Johnson RegionVIVI Region Honorable KatherineCage Cage Honorable Katherine RegionVIII VIII Region Mr. Michael Smith Mr. Michael J. J.Smith RegionX X Region Mr. ErinSmall Small Mr. Erin

2021-2022NATIONAL NATIONAL EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2021-2022 COMMITTEE National President National President Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esquire

Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esquire National First Vice National First Vice President

National Third Vice National Third Vice President

National Secretary

Ms. Deena Shepard

Ms. Mazella Thomas

Ms. Paula Davis

President

Ms. Deena Shepard

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President

Ms. Mazella Thomas

National Secretary Ms. Paula Davis

National National Assistant Assistant Treasurer

Treasurer

Mr. Duane Hill

Mr. Duane Hill

National Delegates Assembly Team

CONGRATULATES

NATIONAL ELECTED OFFICERS and NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Honorable David A. Groves Chair Honorable Mary K. Thomas Deputy Chair

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Congratulations!

Region III Officers Dr. Lynwood Townsend President

Larraine Brown Vice President

Amy Hooks Secretary

Dian Carr Treasurer

Mark Stone Financial Secretary

Alicia Guyton Parliamentarian

Regional Directors Johnita "Jackie" Pitts

Dale Scott

Blacks In Government RIII Agape Chapter Baltimore, MD

HONORABLE CALVIN STEVENS REGION IV COUNCIL PRESIDENT

CONGRATULATIONS! TO THE 2021 NATIONAL ELECTED OFFICERS OF BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT

Honorable David A. Groves Chair Honorable Mary K. Thomas Deputy Chair

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Congratulations To Blacks In Government’s

15th National President

Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq.

The Officers and members of Region VI, Stand together in Solidarity and Celebration with our Newly Elected National President, Officers and National Appointees. We are praying for you and wish you Godspeed for the upcoming term!!!

Unified in the Fight Region VI Honorable B. Faye Stewart Region VI Council President National Treasurer

Congratulations To Blacks In Government’s

15th National President

Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq.

It is with great pleasure and honor that I congratulate our newly elected National President and the entire National Executive Committee. I look forward to seeing what your leadership will bring to our beloved Blacks in Government.

Gwenda J. Lowe Region VI Board Member National Board of Directors

t s e i t ear

H

CONGRATS ON YOUR SUCCESS

REGION XI

Moving Forward With A Purpose

Honorable Shirley A. Jones,Esq. National President and

Marion V. Allen National Board of Director And to All Newly Elected National Officers & National Board of Directors

WE ARE PROUD OF YOU

CONGRATULATIONS! HONORABLE SHIRLEY A. JONES, ESQ. NATIONAL PRESIDENT NATIONAL ELECTED OFFICERS AND NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Marion V. Allen, Director Immediate Past Council President, Region XI Passion > Purpose > Progress

“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is about growing others.”

—Jack Welch

Congratulations!

To the

Honorable Shirley A. Jones,Esq. National President &

Marion V. Allen Region XI Board of Director It has always been a pleasure serving under your leadership and we look forward to continuing.

Love,

William & Melinda Speight

Congratulations!

President Shirley A. Jones, Esq. The GAO-USACE Chapter is honored to Congratulate our very own member…

National President The Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq.

You consistently and clearly communicate your vision for Blacks In Government and we stand with you as you take our Organization to the next level.

We are needed.

We are relevant and we stand ready to help BIG continue to fulfill it’s Mission.

Congratulations!

President Shirley A. Jones, Esq. & Director Marion V. A!en

Determination is what kept you focused and you had the will to keep going.

We are truly appreciative of your friendship, support and leadership. We wish you both well and continued success in your newly elected and deserving positions. The newly elected and appointed chairs should feel encouraged to know your passion and commitment to BIG is unwavering.

The Price's

Sponsored by:

J. Vincent, Kristina, Pippa & Pyeper

BID

BRANDIDENTITYE A BRANDING & DESIGN FIRM

BRANDIDENTITYE.COM

Congratulations to the 2021 BIG ELECTED NATIONAL OFFICERS

PENTAGON CHAPTER

President:

Honorable Mary K. Thomas

1st VP:

Frank Q. Williams

2nd VP: Treasurer: Secretary:

Phyllis A. Black

Honorable Farnese J. Hicks

Michelle Kearny

Regional Council Representatives: Honorable Gerald R. Reed Michael Wilson Honorable Farnese J. Hicks

*All Members*

Congratulations!

Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esquire National President Blacks In Government Marion V. Allen Region XI Board of Director BIG is very fortunate to have you at the heim. The NGA-BIG Chapter has always been able to count on you for guidance and we are glad to share this momentous occasion with you. May God Bless you as you lead this mighty organization.

All the Best!

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Chapter

To Honorable Jones…

Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq.,

Honorable Jones,

With your new appointment comes a new mantel of responsibility. One you will wear with style and grace as this particular mantel was tailor-made for you. When I met you in 2010, I knew a day would come where you would lead the fine organization of Blacks In Government. Your heart beats for BIG. Your passion and purpose for our organization illuminates at every opportunity you get to share our history and your story to include every speaking engagement, meeting, and networking event. I remember vividly when you came to our chapter meeting as a guest speaker to talk about BIG and how you expressed that BIG is bigger than both you and me. It’s not an individual organization. From that day on, I began to learn and adopt our history and our guiding principles. In my professional career, my duties as a BIG member, and my personal life. I sought mentorship and met like-minded individuals who shared the same passion and vision to see our organization grow and excel. I have seen your transition and growth. You are not only an advocate for our organization but a true champion, mentor and friend. Congratulations on achieving the highest leadership position within our organization. Wishing you and your staff a successful term, where your vision, passion, purpose and heart continue to beat and lead BIG into 21st century excellence!

It gives me great pleasure to Congratulate, The Honorable Shirley A. Jones Esq., as the next Blacks In Government National President.

It’s a Win-Win, for the Organization. BIG is blessed to have elected a long time Member who has been on the front lines of advocacy for many years. As a Senior Executive Service (SES) Member at the U. S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). and the first African American female in the agency’s history to be appointed to the position of Managing Associate General Counsel, within GAO’s Office of General Counsel (OGC), Ms. Jones continues to shatter the norms...

Your Mentee and Friend, Tiffany Andrews Defense Intelligence Agency Chapter

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The Honorable Jones has been a longtime advocate, standing in the gap to provide equitable educational, training and career advancement opportunities to develop leadership skills for all members.

I am excited, proud and honored to stand with my dear friend as she leads this organization to higher heights. Honorable Jones you consistently and clearly communicate your vision for Blacks In Government and I stand with you as you take our Organization to the next level.

Rochelle Bryant, Incoming Finance Committee Chair 2nd Vice President & Regional Representative GAO-USACE Chapter Past National Assistant Treasurer

Larraine Brown Region III Council Vice President President/Membership Chair Agape Chapter, Region III

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To Director Allen…

My mentor and friend Marion,

Congratulations Director Allen!

Stepping into a new position is an exciting feat, and I’m delighted you have this opportunity to serve as our Regional Director! Knowing you, you’ll shine more in this new position than you already do! I’m extremely grateful for the support and mentorship you have provided me over the years. I have learned so much from you to include doing things in decency and in order and patience. You have given me an opportunity to learn and grow in BIG. You have always supported me and challenged me to serve with excellence. I am confident you will work hard to see our organization go to new heights!

Congratulations on your newly elected position.

Few people inspire me, but this Woman of Power is among those few.

With a close-up view of your progression as a great Leader through preparation, hard work and determination, we’ve grown together as BIG leaders encouraging each other through friendship.

You are a Woman of Power that encourages, builds and lifts up those around you, putting integrity first.

Calling you friend is an understatement, I call you sister. I couldn’t be prouder of you, not because of the leadership you will provide to Region XI alongside your CoDirector, my Sister/friend Director Hill, but that you will be on the front lines of taking BIG to the next level with “A Passion and A Purpose”.

Tiffany Andrews, Defense Intelligence Agency Chapter

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Rochelle Bryant, Incoming Finance Committee Chair 2nd Vice President & Regional Representative GAO-USACE Chapter Past National Assistant Treasurer

Honorable Gerald Reed Presidential Advisor Past National President 1999-2002 BIG Pentagon Chapter, Region XI

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As a mother, Cheryl observed his actions as he attempted to mask his disappointment

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The CARL T. ROWAN CHAPTER of Blacks In Government - Celebrating Twenty Years of Service and Advocacy - 2001-2021 - CONGRATULATES Our New National Officers and Thank Our Outgoing National Officers for their dedicated service to our organization.

Happy New Year To One and All!

Congratulations and best wishes to our incoming National President, Executive Officers, Board of Directors and Committee Chairs.

Region III Directors Johnita “Jackie” Pitts & Dale Scott REGION III

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Donna Coleman-Johnson Past President New Kemet Harambe Chapter, Region V

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National Training Institute August 23-26, 2021 IN PERSON OR VIRTUALLY

Oxon Hill, MD