BIG Region XI 2015 Gala Program

Region XI Executive Committee

Shirley A. Jones, Esq., President

Marion Allen, 1st Vice President

Jesse Sharpe, 2nd Vice President

Marie Perry, Recording Secretary

Dr. Contress Braxton, Corresponding Secretary

Rochelle Bryant, Treasurer

April Powers-Matthews, Financial Secretary

John Hunter, Parliamentarian, Posthumous Emeritus

Lamonte Johnson & William Speight, Sergeant-At-Arms

Board of Directors

Dr. Hezekiah Braxton

Wesley Jarmon

BIG RXI Council

PO Box 2931

Washington, D.C. 20013

www.bigrxi.org

The Regional Council represents Chapters located in the Washington Metropolitan area.

Where Has All the Time Gone

by Lycia

Welcome Message from The Regional President

Where has all of the time gone? I'm not just referring to this year but the past 4 years. My, how time has flown by! But, yes, it has been just shy of 4 years that I have served as your Region XI Council President and yes, this is my 4th and final time presiding over this magnificent awards ceremony in this capacity. Of course, it has been an honor and a pleasure each and every time.

Importantly, this is far more than just an end of the year party. Rather, this James E. Wood Holiday Awards Gala gives us an opportunity to come together as a Region to celebrate our collective accomplishments and to highlight select chapter and individual achievements. And, with that and so much more in store, this night promises to be the "Night of Elegance" it was billed to be throughout the year.

In closing, I never tire of saying that joining BIG has been one of the most important career development decisions I have ever made. It has allowed me to meet many of our wonderfully dedicated members and to serve alongside strong, yet sensitive leaders. I hope you will join me tonight in thanking them in a BIG way!

Best Regards,

Shirley A. Jones, Esq.

BIG

Region XI Council President

2012-2015

Master of Ceremonies

Programme

Michael McCrimmon

Region xi fundraising chair

Welcome Ms. Shirley A. Jones, Esq. RXIC President

GAO-USACE Chapter

Invocation Dr. Hezekiah Braxton Region XI Director

Dinner Served

Introduction of Special Guests

Recognition of RXIC Officers and Committee Chairpersons

RXI Council Awards Presentations

Michael McCrimmon

Ms. Shirley A. Jones, Esq.

Ms. Shirley A. Jones, Esq.

Council Involvement Award

Chapter Involvement Award

President’s Leadership Award

Community Service Award

Chapter of the Year Award

Agency Impact Award

Membership Chapter of the Year

Improved Chapter Award

Special Awards Presented by RXIC President

Acknowledgements

Closing Remarks

Michael McCrimmon

Fundraising Chairperson

Washington Navy Yard Chapter

Ms. Marion Allen

RXIC 1st Vice President

HHS WDC/CPC Chapter

Region XI President - Elect

Master of Ceremony

Michael McCrimmon began his government career as a stay in school at the Justice Department while attending McKinley High School in Washington, DC. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia in 1982. He obtained his Masters of Science in Administration with a concentration in Federal Government Program Management from Trinity University (2011) located in Washington, DC.

Michael began his government career as a stay-in-school employee at the Justice Department in 1975. After graduation from college, he worked at the National Institute of Health in the Materials Management Department. After being told of a Logistic Management Specialist internship offered at the Department of Navy, he applied, got accepted in the program and has been with the Department of Navy for over 26 years. He is a graduate of the Defense Systems Management College in 1997 where he completed the Advanced Program Management Course and he is also Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certified Level III in Acquisition Logistics and Program Management. Currently he is the lead Japan Logistician in the Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems International Programs and FMS office (PEO IWS 4) at the Department of the Navy.

Mr. McCrimmon is an active member of the Washington Navy Yard Chapter of Blacks in Government (BIG) where he as been the President since 2013 and the Regional Representative to represent the chapter at meetings and conferences regionally and nationally since 2012. He is also active in the Region XI Council as the Fundraising chairperson for the Region. He was selected and graduated from the Blacks in Government (BIG) Darlene Young Leadership Academy in 2012 which is currently in partnership with Morgan State University. He is one of the founding members of the National Historical Black College and University Alumni Associations, Inc. (NHBCUAA) which was featured in the August 2013 edition of US Airways magazine. Michael has been the Washington DC local alumni chapter President of the Virginia Union University Alumni Association for two years (2005-2007), Virginia Union University National Alumni Vice President for two years (2007-2009), President of the Virginia Union University National Alumni Association for four years (2009-2013) and a member of the Board of Trustees at Virginia Union University for four years (2009-2013).

Special Acknowlegements

Fundraising & Gala Planning Committee

Michael McCrimmon, Chair, Washington Navy Yard

Marion Allen, HHS WDC/College Park Complex

Earl Matthews, Washington Navy Yard

Geneva Butler, FCC Benjamin Hooks

April Powers-Matthews, DIA

Kristina N. Williams, Coast Guard Chapter

Rochelle Bryant, GAO Chapter

Jesse Sharp, Department of Education

Shirley A. Jones, GAO Chapter

Renaee Allen, Veteran Affairs

Souvenir Booklet

Kristina N. Williams, Coast Guard Chapter

Jesse Sharpe, Department of Education

DJ/Music

Vincent “Dj Zone” Price

Photographer E. & C. Photos

TV/Media Production

Robin Dorsey, The Impact with Robin Dorsey

Banquet Services

Congratulations & Thank You!

Please join our Region XI Council in congratulating our newly elected officers for 2016-2017:

Marion Allen, President-Elect

Jesse Sharpe, 2nd Vice President (retaining his current position)

April Powers- Matthews, Treasurer-Elect

LaShan Haynes, Recording Secretary-Elect

Please also join our Region XI Council in giving a BIG thank you to our outgoing officers for their service in their respective positions:

Shirley A. Jones, Esq., President, 2012-2015

Marion Allen, 1st Vice President, 2012-2015

Marie Perry, Recording Secretary, 2012-2015

Rochelle Bryant, Treasurer, 2012-2015

April Powers-Matthews, Financial Secretary, 2015

One of America’s Most Influential Organizations

Blacks In Government® (BIG) was established in 1975 and incorporated in 1976 by a small group of African Americans at the Public Health Services which is a part of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare in the Parklawn building in Rockville, Maryland. The organization was viewed as essential to the Black civil service employee, based on a wide assortment of racially motivated problems faced by the HEW Black employees in Rockville. Initially, it was thought that the umbrella organization would address only the problems at the Federal level. However, it was soon determined that State, County, and Municipal Black employees were faced with the same general type of employment problems.

Nonetheless, Blacks In Government was organized in 1975 and incorporated as a non-profit organization under the District of Columbia jurisdiction in 1976. BIG has been a national response to the need for African Americans in public service to organize around issues of mutual concern and use their collective strength to confront workplace and community issues. BIG's goals are to promote EQUITY in all aspects of American life, EXCELLENCE in public service, and OPPORTUNITY for all Americans.

In Honor of James E. Wood

JAMES ELBERT WOOD, REGION XI AWARDS COMMITTEE CHAIR

(November 12, 1957 - September 24, 2013)

In 2013, the Navy Metro Chapter experienced a tremendous loss. Mr. James Wood lost his battle with a long term illness. Mr. Wood was one of the original charter members of the Navy Metro Chapter and immediately became extremely passionate about the Blacks in Government (BIG). He quickly became a Life Member, but he wasn’t just a member on paper; he was committed to BIG and all that it stands for and he demonstrated his commitment through his dedicated service to the organization. He was one of the most active BIG members you would ever want to meet! While quiet and soft-spoken, he could really get fired up about BIG!

Each year, he has served BIG in some capacity. He served in various leadership roles at the Chapter level and often at the Regional level from the time Navy Metro Chapter stood up to the day the day he passed away. At the Chapter level, while continuously serving as one of the Navy Metro BIG Region XI Chapter Representatives, he served at various times as the Navy Metro Chapter President, the Chapter Vice President, the Chapter Treasurer, and as a National Training Conference (NTC) Delegate. He had a presence on the Region XI Board, having served as Treasurer or Financial Secretary at various times during in his career. He often chaired or co-chaired Region XI committees, such as the Awards and Program Committee. Regardless of whether the agency funded it, he attended practically every National Training Conference with the exception of the 2013 conference when he was too ill to attend. No job was too big, too small or too hard for him; he even served for several years as the Chair or CoChair of the NTC Logistics Committee! Now that’s dedication! But he didn’t have to be the Chair or Co-Chair to serve; he was also known to join and serve on other committees as well, such as the Fundraising Committee and no doubt others.

On the job, during his career, he served as an advocate for African Americans. He strived to increase the number of African American scientists and engineers at the Carderock Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (CDNSWC) formerly known as the David Taylor Research and Development Center, serving as a recruiter and making sure that the Center was reaching out to African American students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He would often meet with the senior management on behalf of the BIG Chapter and the African American community at the Center. He paved the way for many African Americans at CDNSWC; he made a difference!

You would think that he wouldn't have had time for anything else, but that wasn't the case. He performed community service in Washington DC and in addition to BIG, he was a very family oriented person. He was extremely devoted to both his immediate family as well as his extended family. Although his family lived in North Carolina, he never missed an opportunity to lend his support. He never missed a graduation or major family event. He was always there to mentor and guide his sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews and made sure they stayed on the right track, encourage them to pursue higher education, expose them to opportunities and experiences outside the rural area he grew up in; and provide them with fatherly advice to assure that they would become the best very best that they could be.

He will be missed by many…Gone but not forgotten.

In Memoriam 2014-2015

Ms. Gwenerver Gail Moore, EPA/ William D. Barber Jr.

Mr. John Hunter, FMS Chapter

Mr. Hilario Duncan, HHS WDC College Park

Ms. Sanya Warren-Ham, Retired Members Chapter

Ms. Thailia Griffin-Mercer, Ronald H. Brown Chapter

Mr. Lawrence Frazier King, Sr., Benjamin Banneker Chapter

Ms. Othel Freeman,NOAA Chapter and

Mr. James Harden "Pat" Daugherty, One of five co-founders of Blacks In Government

Always in our thoughts forever in our hearts

Blacks In Government Region XI Council 2015 Awards

1. Region XI Council Involvement Award: This award is presented to a member with a distinguished record of service to the Region XI Council (e.g. served on committees, held office, made contributions to good order and discipline during meetings, attended regular meetings and demonstrated leadership).

2. Region XI Chapter Involvement Award: This award is presented to a member with a distinguished record of service and involvement with their chapter (e.g. served on committees, held office, made contributions to good order and discipline during meetings, attended regular meetings, and demonstrated leadership).

3. Region XI Chapter President’s Leadership Award: This award is presented to a member who has served or is currently serving as President of a BIG chapter in RXI for at least 12 consecutive months with a record of accomplishment and leadership that reflects his/her dedication and commitment to the principles of BIG.

4. Region XI Outstanding Community Service Award: This award is presented to a chapter or individual member with a record of accomplishment in the community that reflects his/her dedication to the principles of BIG.

5. Region XI Chapter of the Year : This award is presented to a chapter in recognition of distinguished overall performance throughout the entire year as evidenced by chapter activities conducted throughout the year, participation in programs and education competitions and other regional and national activities, as well as membership drives. This is the highest recognition award that can be received by a chapter during the year.

6. Region XI Agency Impact Award: This award is presented to a chapter that has made significant impact at their perspective agency. This chapter has promoted BIG through seminars, special meetings with agency leaders, special interest group events, equal opportunity initiatives, and has been otherwise actively engaged in establishing a positive position of BIG within their agency.

7. Region XI Membership Chapter of the Year Award: This award is presented to the chapter that has shown the largest increase in the percentage of its members for the calendar year. This award recognizes the chapter for their efforts to promote membership at all levels (Regular, Life, Gold, and Associate), participation in membership drives, and retention of current members.

8. RXI Most Improved Chapter Award: This award is presented to the chapter that has shown remarkable improvements throughout the year. Specific areas of improvement include, but are not limited to: overcoming membership and officer vacancies, restructuring leadership roles, establishing relationships with managers, participation in the development of initiatives for young professionals, and current submission of required documents/reports to the RXIC.

Patrons

Congratulations to Region XI and a special congratulations to my beautiful daugher, Rochelle Bryant. Lillian Russell

Many Thanks and Appreciation to Our President Mike Burt for all your tireless efforts and dedication. Coast Guard Chapter | biguscg@gmail.com

Thank you for continuing to lead BIG Region XI in the right direction U.S. Department of Education, Wanda Gill, President

To my "ROD" crew, you been rockn with me from Day one! Love you guys! Roc B!

From all of our hearts, thank you BIG RXI for standing guard for hard working black folk in government. Jesse Sharpe and Preston Family

From the 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County, Inc. We support you! 100princegeorges.org

EACH ONE TEACH ONE. In support of BIG Region XI. Roots Activity Learning Center | 202-882-5155

Michele T. Peyton, Independent Avon Representative 202-396-2908 | Text: 202-746-0912 | www.youravon.com/mpeyton

Rochelle, We Love You - Great 4 Years! You Are The Bomb.com Mr. & Mrs. Keys

Thank You For Thinking BIG!

Honorable Mary K. Thomas, President, BIG Pentagon Chapter

To those dedicated Regional Representatives who sat in the Council meeting month after month encouraging and supporting me a 1000 thanks to you. RXIC Treasurer

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Thank You!!!

Madam President

Shirley A. Jones Esq.

Your impeccable leadership and determination has been infectious to those around you. The Benjamin Banneker Chapter of BIG appreciates all you have done to help make us successful and continue to Strive Towards Excellence in all we do. Again, Thank You!!!

Benjamin Banneker Chapter Theme: “BIG - B elieve, Inspire, and be G oal Driven”

“2015 Tribute and Dedication in Loving Memory of Grover L. Bulluck”

Words can’t express my sincere gratitude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My grandfather, Grover was extraordinary and my #1 supporter and provided encouragement and words of wisdom throughout my life to work hard, and have determination and self-confidence in all that I sat out to achieve and was my confidant. He was a truly amazing singer of the gospel, educator, motivator, speaker, patron, caregiver, vintner, gardener, worshiper and believer in Christ. He will always be cherished as well as the “Bulluck” family heritage including his upbringing from Rocky Mount, NC in which the wonderful memories and time spent visiting and learning family history was invaluable. All he touched throughout his lifetime will always remember him. Christmas celebrations were one of his top and memorable annual family traditions, so this was a great time to express my utmost appreciation during the Holiday Gala joyous occasion!

Love Granddaughter, Chanteshea T. Bulluck

“Keepyourdreamsalive.Understandtoachieveanythingrequiresfaithandbeliefinyourself,vision, hardwork, determination,anddedication.Rememberallthingsarepossibleforthosewhobelieve”QuotebyGailDevers Blessings and Happy Holidays to All

Happy Holidays

From The Department of the Treasury - BIG Chapter

Treasury - BIG Chapter extends Happy Holidays wishes to Region XI Council Leadership and Region XI Chapters.

Regards, Treasury - BIG Members & Fawntrella Thompson, President

Executive Committee

Michelle Batten, President

Lamonte johnson, Vice President

Jerry jackson, Recording Secretary

Jeffrey Carty, Corresponding Secretary

Debra Williams, Assistant Corresponding Secretary Dr. Terrance Ward , Treasurer

April Powers-Matthews, Financial Secretary

Edward Jones, Community Outreach Chair

Vernard Madden & April Powers-Matthews, Plans & Programs Chairs

Shelia Quashie, Memebership Chair

Tonia Smith, Legislative & Policy Chair

Tiffany Andrews, Regional Rep

Greggory Hendricks, Regional Rep

April Powers-Matthews, Regional Rep

Lisa Purvis, Chaplain

Daniel Hill, Public Relations

National Oceanic and At mospheric Administration (NOAA)

Chapter Blacks In Government

P.O. Box 14361

Silver Spring, Maryland

HHS WDC College Park Complex

To Our Esteemed Regional Council President

Shirley A. Jones, Esq.

“Put yourself in a state of mind where you say to yourself, ‘Here is an opportunity for me to celebrate like never before, my own power, my own ability to get myself to do whatever is necessary.” quote by Dr. Martin Luther King.

Thank you for your vision, commitment and foresight to make Region XI a model region. Wishing you all the best in your next assignment!

Seasons Greetings

From The Department of the Treasury - BIG Chapter

Seasons Greetings to Region XI Council Leadership and Chapters.

Regards, Treasury - BIG Members & Fawntrella Thompson, President

FMS-BIG Chapter wishes Happy Holidays to all Region XI BIG Chapters. We especially want to say "Thank You" to Ms. Shirley Jones, our Region Council President, for 4 years of much appreciated and dedicated service to Region XI and to BIG.

The EPA-William D. Barber, Jr. Chapter, of Blacks In Government, would like to thank you for your commitment and dedication as Region XI Council President, and also for your continued support of our Chapter. We wish you much success as you continue your journey to dream BIG!!

CONGRATULATIONS SHIRLEY AND ROCHELLE ON YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO REGION XI! THE GAO-USACE CHAPTER IS PROUD OF YOU AND ALL OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

Bill and Melinda Speight

President Shirley A. Jones

President Shirley A. Jones

For your dedication, leadership, and influence you have had on all the Region XI chapters over the past four years.

For your dedication, leadership, and influence you have had on all the Region XI chapters over the past four years.

For your dedication, leadership, and influence you have had on all the Region XI chapters over the past four years.

Love and Respect, National Institutes of Health Chapter

Love and Respect, National Institutes of Health Chapter

President – Gayle Gwyn

President – Gayle Gwyn

Love and Respect, National Institutes of Health Chapter

1st Vice President – Johnny Lindsay

1st Vice President – Johnny Lindsay

President – Gayle Gwyn

2nd Vice President – Earl Simmons

1st Vice President – Johnny Lindsay

2nd Vice President – Earl Simmons

Treasurer – Carl Clay

Treasurer – Carl Clay

2nd Vice President – Earl Simmons

Treasurer – Carl Clay

Recording Secretary – Bashira Charles

Recording Secretary – Bashira Charles

Corresponding Secretary – Felicia Shingler

Recording Secretary – Bashira Charles

Corresponding Secretary – Felicia Shingler

Corresponding Secretary – Felicia Shingler

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Sandra P. Swinson President

Robin D. Matthews

First Vice President

Dr. Sidney W. Samuel

Second Vice President

Charles G. Young Recording Secretary

Hallie Rene’ Glascoe Treasurer

Lisa J. Hawkins Assistant Treasurer

Sylvia A. Johnson-Herring Immediate Past President

36th Annual

Charles G. Young Parliamentarian

STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Robin D. Matthews Program and Planning

Dr. Sidney W. Samuel Membership

Vacant

Affirmative Employment/ Equal Employment Opportunity

Thomas P. Burke Communication and Public Relations

Harolena T. Lowder Fundraising

SPECIAL COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Tawanna H. Watson

Health and Wellness

Catherine M. Hackett Member Grants and Awards

Cheryl A. Sims

Scholarship Program

SPECIAL APPOINTEE

Dr. Sidney W. Samuel Chaplain

REGION XI COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES

Dr. Gwendolyn J. Bridgett

Barbara Johnson Cox

Patricia A. Martin

Phillip L. Board (Alternate)

BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT Department of Labor Chapter

BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT VA HEADQUARTERS CHAPTER

Wishing Region XI much success on it’s James E. Wood Holiday Gala

We also extend a thousand “Thank You’s” to Ms. Shirley Jones for her exceptional and outstanding leadership as Regional XI Council President. Your dedication, commitment, and servant heart will be surely missed. We wish you ALL the best!!!

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