19th Annual Leadership Development Workshop

Stedman Graham CEO, S. Graham and Associates

Traci DiMartini Human Capital Officer, Internal Revenue Service

Lisa P. Grant Deputy Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives

BG (Ret.) Bernard Banks, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Leadership Development & Inclusion, Northwestern University

Marcus L. Hill Principal, Hill Management Consultancy (HMC) LLC

The Honorable Ventris C. Gibson Director, U.S. Mint

Jason A. Briefel Director of Government and Public Affairs, Shaw Bransford & Roth

Kimberly Walton Founder, DiverseUSA, LLC

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PRESIDENT

Tyra A. Dent (SES Retired)

VICE PRESIDENT

Rachel Torres (SES)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Michelle Clark

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

Abdelali Elouaradia (SES)

TREASURER

Carol Rose (SES Retired)

GENERAL COUNSEL

Kerry A. Neal, Esq. (SES)

PARLIAMENTARIAN

Roxie J. Jones (SES Retired)

CHANCELLOR

Gisile Goethe (SES)

SECRETARY/HISTORIAN

Onika Coke-Munoz (SES)

DIRECTORS:

COMMUNICATIONS

Quan M. Boatman (SES)

MEMBERSHIP

Michele Hodge (SES)

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Monica Temoney (SES Retired)

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

James McDonald (SES)

Jeffrey “Jeff” Cleveland

LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Greetings Workshop Attendees!

We are truly honored that you have decided to join us for the African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA) 19th Annual Leadership Development Workshop. On behalf of the AAFEA Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome you to this years’ workshop, where our theme is Leading in a Reimagined Workplace. I want to thank our sponsors and partners whose generous support has made this workshop possible. I also want to thank our workshop planning team, Vice President Rachel Torres, Executive Director, Michelle Clark, Event Manager, Brittany Jackson, and our entire workshop support team (contractors and volunteers) who have given of their time and expertise.

This year’s workshop is designed to ignite our individual and collective creativity as we reimagine the future of federal work and explore innovative workplace strategies and solutions. As the world continues to reset from the disruption of the unprecedented global pandemic, thought leaders across the nation have been examining the impact of the pandemic on the future of work, recognizing there is no reverting back to business as usual. This new era is challenging leaders to make significant changes. As leaders address today’s workplace challenges, the primary drivers center around the physical and psychological health and safety of employees, a workplace culture that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible, and an agile adaptive infrastructure that inspires creativity and innovation, to get the job done. This reality opens the door to a field of opportunity to reshape, retrain and revitalize our federal government.

We are excited to bring you three days of powerful perspectives and insights from global and national leaders and trailblazers, to include keynotes from the Honorable Ventris Gibson, first African American Director of the U.S. Mint, Mr. Stedman Graham, Author and Business Leader, and Brigadier General (Ret) Bernard Banks, Ph.D, Associate Dean for Leadership Development Inclusion at Northwestern University. We have curated a workshop program that will ignite your curiosity and inspire creative, innovative thinking to address today’s challenges to include two dynamic panel discussions, The Unifying Power of Public Service Leadership, led by Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service and The Power of Engagement, led by Marcus Hill (SES Retired), President, Senior Executive Association (SEA). In addition, we have secured a distinguished line up of speakers and presenters who will present valuable insights and information on a variety of timely and relevant topics germane to the future of work. Finally, we are pleased to offer, for the third year in a row, the sought-after Management Concepts Leadership Certificate course. We extend our deepest thanks to all our workshop speakers and presenters for sharing their time, wisdom, and expertise. In addition to the rich professional development content built into this workshop, we will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our 2023 Award and Scholarship recipients and Class of 2023 Fellows graduates.

We encourage you to maximize the opportunity to network with African American senior leaders and executives from federal departments and agencies across the U.S. It is our goal to deliver an informative, interactive, and engaging workshop experience, that will equip and empower each attendee to lead with resilience in a reimagined workplace.

Let’s Reimagine,

Tyra Dent AAFEA President

PRESIDENT

Tyra A. Dent (SES Retired)

VICE PRESIDENT

Rachel Torres (SES)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Michelle Clark

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

Abdelali Elouaradia (SES)

TREASURER

Carol Rose (SES)

GENERAL COUNSEL

Kerry A. Neal, Esq. (SES)

PARLIAMENTARIAN

Roxie J. Jones (SES)

CHANCELLOR

Gisile Goethe (SES)

SECRETARY/HISTORIAN

Onika Coke-Munoz (SES)

DIRECTORS:

COMMUNICATIONS

Quan M. Boatman (SES)

MEMBERSHIP

Michele Hodge (SES)

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Monica Temoney (SES)

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

James McDonald (SES)

Jeffrey “Jeff” Cleveland

LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Esteemed Attendees,

With immense honor and excitement, I extend my warmest welcome to AAFEA’s 19th Annual Leadership Development Workshop. As the AAFEA Executive Director, it is a privilege to address you for the second year in this capacity. I am thrilled that you are here to partake in the wealth of knowledge and experiences that await you during this event.

The focal point of this year’s workshop, “Leading in a Reimagined Workplace,” serves as a blueprint for cultivating inventive and forward-thinking workplace tactics and resolutions in a post-COVID era. The landscape of the workplace has undergone an irreversible transformation, compelled by the pandemic to reconceptualize every facet of work – its essence, purpose, timing, location, and methodology. Leaders have been compelled to recalibrate and pivot in the face of swift shifts and uncertainty. This year’s workshop is meticulously crafted to establish a collaborative arena where narratives, solutions, and approaches that have fostered an agile and adaptive workplace can be shared. As we reimagine the paradigms of our workplace, we encourage a wholehearted embrace of the boundless prospects presented by the future of work.

The pivotal role of leadership in this context, and your potential contribution to your organization’s initiatives, cannot be overstated. Throughout the course of this workshop, you will glean insights from an array of influential keynote speakers and presenters who will share how their organizations are ingraining these initiatives into their cultures. These luminaries bring extensive experience from both government and corporate spheres. AAFEA provides you with professional development programs that bolster your career journey throughout the year, culminating in our much-anticipated annual workshop.

I extend heartfelt gratitude to this year’s generous sponsors, volunteers, and supporters whose contributions have propelled this event’s success. Without your unwavering commitment, the vision and mission of AAFEA would remain unfulfilled. Our burgeoning partnerships with esteemed organizations such as WEAPA, Blue Cross Blue Shield, BetterUp, American Management Association, Path Forward Consulting, alongside long-standing supporters Management Concepts, Deloitte, and Hewlett Foundation, ensure the sustainability and enrichment of AAFEA’s programming and professional development access.

I must also acknowledge the remarkable team working tirelessly behind the scenes. Brittany Jackson, our Event Director, has been pivotal in orchestrating the multitude of components that coalesce to create this exceptional event. Howard Douglas, our Graphics Designer, has breathed life into our signage, flyers, and program book. The team at RSD Strategies LLC has masterfully managed our social media platforms, amplifying our reach and attracting participants from across the nation. May this workshop offer you an invaluable opportunity to learn, network, and depart with newfound inspiration and empowerment, poised to carve your distinctive path forward.

Warm regards,

AAFEA Executive Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEMBER-AT-LARGE Jeffrey “Jeff” Cleveland

GENERAL COUNSEL Kerry A. Neal, Esq. (SES)

PARLIAMENTARIAN Roxie J. Jones (SES Retired)

MEMBER-AT-LARGE James McDonald (SES)

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS DIRECTOR Monica Temoney (SES Retired)

VICE PRESIDENT Rachel Torres (SES)

FINANCIAL SECRETARY Abdelali Elouaradia (SES)

CHANCELLOR Gisile Goethe (SES)

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Quan M. Boatman (SES)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Michelle Clark

PRESIDENT Tyra Dent (SES Retired)

SECRETARY/HISTORIAN Onika Coke-Munoz (SES)

TREASURER Carol Rose (SES Retired)

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Michele Hodge (SES)

ABOUT AAFEA

OUR HISTORY

The African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA) is a non-profit organization whose governing Board is comprised of dedicated men and women who volunteer their time and efforts to advance AAFEA’s mission and the professional development of federal and military personnel. It was founded on February 28, 2002, by William A. Brown, Sr. (SES Retired), Tracey Pinson (SES, deceased), Lenora Gant (SES) and Catherine Bland (GS-14 retired) and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization by the State of Maryland.

OUR VISION

AAFEA is widely recognized as the leading non-profit organization dedicated to preparing and supporting African Americans for advancement into and within the senior ranks of the United States Government.

OUR MISSION

• To promote the professional development and advancement of African Americans into and within the senior ranks of the United States Government;

• To sponsor and advocate programs, policies, practices and processes that promote career enhancing opportunities and the development of critical skills for African Americans; and

• To establish partnerships and alliances with other senior level associations, public and private sector organizations and academia to leverage resources to develop intellectual capital to effectively execute the business of the federal government.

MEMBERSHIP

• AAFEA membership is open to active and retired federal employees in grades GS-13 through SES (or equivalent grades or military rank in Defense and Intelligence agencies.

• Membership entitles you to participate in AAFEA webinars and events at no or reduced cost, and receive AAFEA members only portal access, newsletters containing information to enhance one’s professional development, and notice of high-level GS and SES positions.

• Annual dues: $125 for GS-13 through GS-15 and equivalent; $150 for SES members and equivalent. Your dues support AAFEA’s programs and scholarships for members.

AAFEA PROGRAMS & EVENTS

(see AAFEA.org for details)

• AAFEA William A. Brown Scholarships of up to $2,500 are provided to selected AAFEA members to assist with their leadership development efforts.

• The AAFEA Fellows Program is a 12-month leadership development and executive mentoring experience focused on SES preparation and ECQ submission for qualified GS-14 and GS-15 AAFEA members with at least one year of supervisory experience.

• The Coffee Talk Program is a monthly virtual discussion forum for AAFEA members only where SES leaders provide personal insights into the journey to the SES and career advice.

• AAFEA Members-Only Webinars are led by SES members on various leadership development topics. The monthly sessions are recorded and are accessible by AAFEA members on the AAFEA Members-Only website for later viewing and referencing.

• The Annual AAFEA Leadership Development Workshop focuses on the programs, policies, practices, and processes that promote careerenhancing opportunities and the core subjects critical to becoming a member of the SES. This three-day workshop is designed for federal employees at the GS-13 through SES levels (and equivalent).

• AAFEA Annual Socials are held throughout the year to provide additional networking and support opportunities. These include the annual Spring Social, SES-Only Dinners, and Members-Only Holiday (free), Networking Social and Charity Drive.

• AAFEA Career Development Program Plan (CDP) which launched in 2019 is a leadership development program specifically for GS-13 and GS-14 federal employees.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

PLATINUM GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS LUNCHEON FELLOWS’ GRADUATION CEREMONY

CORPORATE FRIENDS

ENTERTAINMENT

BOOTH

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

WORKSHOP BAG

WORKSHOP AGENDA

MONDAY - SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

9:00 am - 9:45 am Networking Breakfast

10:00 am - 10:15 am Welcome Remarks

Tyra A. Dent (SES Retired)

National President, African American Federal Executive Association

M. Shane Canfield

CEO, WAEPA

10:15 am - 12:00 pm Opening Keynote

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

12:30 pm - 1:45 pm

Networking Break and Lunch

Awards & Scholarship Luncheon

Keynote Address

Sponsored by:

1:45 pm - 2:00 pm Networking Break

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm The Unifying Power of Public Service Leadership

The Honorable Ventris C. Gibson Director, U.S. Mint

Rachel Torres (SES)

Vice President, African American Federal Executive Association

Lisa P. Grant

Deputy Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives

Max Stier

President and CEO, Public Service Leadership Institute

James Christian-Blockwood

Executive Vice President, Public Service Leadership Institute

Kelly Shih

Senior Manager, Public Service Leadership Institute

3:00 pm - 3:15 pm Networking Break

3:15 pm - 3:20 pm Keynote Introduction

3:20 pm - 4:30 pm Keynote Address

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm President’s Welcome Reception

Sponsored by:

Rachel Torres (SES)

Vice President, African American Federal Executive Association

Stedman Graham

CEO, S. Graham and Associates

William A. Brown, Sr. (SES Retired)

Founder, African American Federal Executive Association

Dr. Lenora Gant (SES Retired)

Founder, African American Federal Executive Association

9:00 am - 9:45 am

WORKSHOP AGENDA

TUESDAY - SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

Networking Breakfast

10:00 am - 10:15 am Opening Remarks

Michelle Clark, PMP Executive Director, African American Federal Executive Association

Malcolm Jackson

Specialist Executive, Deloitte

10:15 am - 11:30 am

Distinguished Panel: The Power of Engagement

Jason A. Briefel (Moderator)

Director of Goverment and Public Affairs, Shaw Bransford & Roth

Traci DiMartini (SES)

Human Capital Officer, Internal Revenue Service

Marcus L. Hill (SES Retired)

Principal, Hill Management Consultancy, LLC

Kimberly Walton (SES Retired)

Founder, DiverseUSA, LLC

11:30 am - 12:00 pm

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Networking Break and Lunch

Fellows’ 2023 Graduation Luncheon Ceremony

Sponsored by:

Gisile Goethe (SES)

Chancellor, African American Federal Executive Association

Kerry A. Neal, Esq. (SES)

General Counsel and Former Fellow, African American Federal Executive Association

1:30 pm - 1:45 pm

1:45 pm - 2:45 pm

Networking Break

The You You See v. The You Others See Onika Coke-Muñoz (SES)

Deputy Executive Director, Program Administration

Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration

1:45 pm - 3:15 pm

1:45 pm - 3:15 pm

Creating a Culture of Belonging in a Hybrid Workplace

Navigating Polarization and Power Imbalance

L. Diane Bennett

Principal, Maximize Consulting LLC

Maria Morukian

President, MSM Global Consulting, LLC

Jasmin Robinson

Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives

MSM Global Consulting, LLC

1:45 pm - 3:15 pm

Storytelling for Executive Leaders

Kojuan Almond (SES Retired)

Senior Leadership Training Consultant, Integrity Training Solutions

1:45 pm - 3:15 pm

WORKSHOP AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 18-20, 2023

- SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

The Blueprint to Lead in a Reimagined Workplace

3:15 pm - 3:30 pm Break

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

The You You See v. The You Others See

Allison Manswell

CEO, Path Forward Consulting

Onika Coke-Muñoz (SES)

Deputy Executive Director, Program Administration

Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Creating a Culture of Belonging in a Hybrid Workplace

Navigating Polarization and Power Imbalance

L. Diane Bennett

Principal, Maximize Consulting LLC

Maria Morukian

President, MSM Global Consulting, LLC

Jasmin Robinson

Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives

MSM Global Consulting, LLC

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Storytelling for Executive Leaders

The Blueprint to Lead in a Reimagined Workplace

Kojuan Almond (SES Retired)

Senior Leadership Training Consultant, Integrity Training Solutions

Allison Manswell

CEO, Path Forward Consulting

WORKSHOP AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 18-20, 2023

WEDNESDAY - SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

9:00 am - 9:45 am Networking Breakfast

10:00 am - 10:15 am Opening Remarks

Rachel Torres (SES)

Vice President, African American Federal Executive Association

Demek Adams

EY US Government and Public Sector Finance Leader, Ernst & Young LLP

10:15 am - 11:15 am Keynote Address

10:00 am - 3:00 pm Management Concepts Leadership Course

Pre-registration Required

11:15 am - 11:30 am Networking Break

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Artificial Intelligence: Education, Equity, Ethics

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm Networking Break and Lunch

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Sponsor Remarks

Manifesting Positive Power Panel

Brigadier General (Ret.) Bernard Banks, Ph.D.

Associate Dean for Leadership Development and Inclusion, Northwestern University

Lonney Gregory

Director, Human Capital Advisory Services, Management Concepts

Dr. Ryan Simmons

Human Capital Advisory Services Manager, Management Concepts

Hannah Toney

Director, Custom Learning Solutions, Management Concepts

Pamela K. Isom (SES Retired)

CEO and Founder, IsAdvice & Consulting

Danita R. Andrews

Managing Director, OPM and Community Relations, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

Rachel Torres (SES)

Vice President, African American Federal Executive Association

F. Marie Ross-Molock (SES)

Director, Enterprise Field Operations Division Information Technology, User & Network Services Directorate, Internal Revenue Service

Tony D. Williams (SES)

Associate Commissioner for the Office of Technology and Survey Processing, Bureau of Labor Statistics

2:00 pm - 2:15 pm

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Networking Break

Reimaging Roundtable Discussions

3:15 pm - 3:30 pm Workshop Wrap Up

Michelle Clark, PMP

Executive Director, African American Federal Executive Association

Tyra A. Dent (SES Retired)

National President, African American Federal Executive Association

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

MICHELLE CLARK, PMP Executive Director African American Federal Executive Association

TYRA A. DENT (SES Retired) National President African American Federal Executive Association

RACHEL TORRES (SES) Vice President African American Federal Executive Association

KERRY A. NEAL, ESQ. (SES) General Counsel African American Federal Executive Association

GISILE GOETHE (SES) Chancellor African American Federal Executive Association

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

BG (RET.) BERNARD BANKS, PH.D.

Dr. Bernard (Bernie) Banks’ expertise lies in the areas of leader development and organizational change. He possesses global leadership and management experience in small through large size organizations. Currently, Bernie is the Associate Dean for Leadership Development and Inclusion (and a Clinical Professor of Management and Organizations) at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. At Kellogg, Bernie is accountable for integrating leader development across the school’s global portfolio of degree programs. He also serves as the institution’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. Previously, Dr. Banks was the Department Head (Dean) of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership at West Point and he retired from the Army as a Brigadier General in August 2016. A dynamic speaker, Bernie has presented on a variety of topics related to leadership at notable institutions like the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business, Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, Yale University’s School of Management, and General Electric’s John F. Welch Leadership Center. He has also consulted to, and conducted training on behalf of, numerous corporate and government clients (e.g., Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, U.S. Forest Service, Jones Lang LaSalle, Honeywell, P&G, Mercedes Benz, Wellpoint, Reckitt Benckiser, 7-Eleven, and IBM).

In his last military operational assignment prior to joining the West Point faculty, Bernie served as the Squadron Commander (General Manager) of a 500-person U.S. Army Apache helicopter unit based in South Korea (possessing profit and loss responsibility for approximately $700 million dollars in assets). Under his tutelage, the unit was designated as the number one Apache helicopter organization globally in 2005’s Lieutenant General Ellis D. Parker Award competition. In 1994, Dr. Banks was selected from over 40,000 junior officers as one of the Army’s 12 junior leaders of the year (General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award). In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bernie has distinguished himself scholastically. He earned a B.S. degree from West Point and possesses graduate degrees from Harvard University (Master of Public Administration), Columbia University (Master of Arts and Master of Philosophy), Northwestern University (Master of Business Administration), and the U.S Army War College (Master of Strategic Studies). Bernie also holds a Ph.D. in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s General Management Program.

An active member of various civic and professional organizations (e.g., The Chicago Club; Economic Club of Chicago; Harvard Club of NYC; USO of Illinois), Dr. Banks is deeply invested in his community.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

JAMES-CHRISTIAN BLOCKWOOD

James-Christian Blockwood helps with overall strategy and management of the organization, and directly oversees its programs dedicated to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the federal government. He is passionate about serving others and his country.

He is a former career member of the Senior Executive Service in the U.S. Government and has broad experience in leadership and management, strategic planning, national security and foreign affairs. He has helped transform and build new capabilities at the departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs as well as the Government Accountability Office.

He has a deep appreciation for the career civil servant — the consummate good steward that works tirelessly and faithfully on behalf of the American people.

JASON A. BRIEFEL

As SBR’s Director of Government and Public Affairs, Mr. Briefel provides legislative and organizational representation to clients of the firm’s government affairs practice, including serving as Director of Policy & Outreach of the Senior Executives Association.

Mr. Briefel is frequently quoted in the media discussing legislative and executive actions impacting the functioning of the federal workforce and efficiency of the federal government. These media engagements include regular interviews with the Washington Post, CNN, Politico, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg BNA, PBS, Federal News Network, Government Executive, Federal Times, E&E News, FCW, and Government Matters TV.

He is a frequent speaker at trainings, conferences, and events. He has designed and managed a variety of professional development events, including the Presidential Rank Awards (PRA) Leadership Summit. The PRA Leadership Summit attracts over 500 federal and industry executives annually for panel discussions on the future of federal work and human capital management. Briefel coordinates the conversations with federal leaders, plans the panel discussions, and arranges sponsorship and development opportunities through the Summit.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

Mr. Briefel serves as editor-in-chief of the FEDagent and FEDmanager newsletters. He created the FEDforum–a single platform within the publications that unites voices from across the federal community and elevates organizational priorities. Mr. Briefel is also a co-host of the biweekly podcast FEDtalk on the Federal News Network.

Mr. Briefel is a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Public Policy Committee. He is a member of the Selection Committee for the Government Executive Government Hall of Fame.

Prior to joining SBR, Mr. Briefel worked in Congress for a member of the North Carolina delegation, interned with the DCbased think tank Third Way, and volunteered at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. He also served as a research assistant and project manager for the FireChasers, a collaborative research endeavor between the U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina State University.

Mr. Briefel holds a B.A. from the University of Richmond and an M.N.R. from North Carolina State University.

Mr. Briefel is on the Board of Directors for the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA), and previously served as Treasurer. FEEA is the only independent, nonprofit 501c3 organization devoted solely to providing emergency financial assistance and scholarships to our dedicated civilian federal and postal public servants and their families.

TRACI DIMARTINI (SES)

Traci DiMartini is the Human Capital Officer for the Internal Revenue Service which is part of the Department of the Treasury. In her role as HCO, Traci oversees all IRS recruitment, hiring, benefits and training for the Service’s 90,000 employees. She is a passionate advocate for federal workers and is proud to partner with the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) which represents the IRS bargaining unit workforce. Traci is an experienced Senior Executive and previously served as the Chief Human Capital Officer for GSA, Peace Corps and the EEOC before joining the IRS in June 2023. She has over 20 years of federal service and is an alumna of USDA’s SES Candidate Development program and American University’s Key Executive Leadership program. Traci received her Masters degree from Rutgers University’s Bloustein School of Public Policy with a concentration in Labor Policy and is a proud native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

THE HONORABLE VENTRIS C. GIBSON

The Honorable Ventris C. Gibson is the 40th Director of the United States Mint. She is the first African American to lead the Mint. From October 2021 to June 2022 she served as Deputy Director.

Director Gibson is a U.S. Navy veteran who joined the Mint from District of Columbia government, where she served as the Director of Human Resources. In this role, Ms. Gibson provided executive oversight and execution of human capital programs and services for nearly 37,000 employees. Prior to that, Ms. Gibson served as Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Resources in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She was responsible for the development, articulation, and delivery of Department-wide human resources policies, plans, and programs.

Ms. Gibson’s career with the federal government includes leadership roles in the Federal Aviation Administration, where she was Assistant Administrator for Human Resources, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Resource Management and its first Deputy Assistant Secretary for Resolution Management. She was VA’s highest-ranking woman veteran and directed human resources management and civil rights programs affecting 230,000 employees.

With a career spanning more than 40 years in both human resources executive and professional positions, Ms. Gibson is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations. She has received the Exceptional and Meritorious Service Awards, FAA Manager Association’s Leadership Award, National Hispanic Coalition’s President’s Award, and the Northern New Jersey Metropolitan Area’s prestigious “Woman of the Year” award.

A graduate of the Federal Executive Institute, Executive Technique, and Aspen Institute, Ms. Gibson attended the University of Maryland, University College. She has three children, four grandchildren, and a golden retriever.

STEDMAN GRAHAM

STEDMAN GRAHAM is a business advisor, chairman and CEO of S. Graham and Associates, a management and marketing consulting firm.

He is the author of 12 books, including two New York Times best sellers and one Wall Street Journal bestseller.

As a businessman, educator and speaker, Graham lectures and conducts training programs for corporations and educational organizations worldwide on the topic of Identity Leadership, based on the philosophy that one cannot lead anyone else until you first lead yourself. He has delivered Identity Leadership programs in The Netherlands, Germany, China, Canada, the UK, Bermuda and South Africa.

His proven Nine Step Success Process® drives his powerful message. This success process is based on the principle that it doesn’t matter how the world defines you, it only matters how you define yourself. Graham is honored as a distinguished visiting professor at colleges and universities throughout the country. He is a former adjunct professor at the Northwestern Kellogg School of Business where he taught the course, “The Dynamics of Leadership.”

Graham’s clients include Gulfstream, Aerospace, Microsoft, Deloitte, Wells Fargo, Lenovo, General Dynamics and the US Department of Labor and Education.

As a proud native of Whitesboro, New Jersey, Graham has demonstrated an enduring dedication to youth and community. His New York Times best seller, Teens Can Make it Happen has become a program utilized in numerous middle and high schools in the US and abroad.

With dedication to community development, Graham is the founder of the Concerned Citizens of Whitesboro and the Concerned Citizens of Lake Wacamaw, North Carolina. He is also the Co-founder of the Community Alliance for Youth Success (CAYS) and a member of Horatio Alger.

Stedman Graham has served in the United States Army and played professional basketball in the European League. Graham holds a Bachelor Degree in Social Work from Hardin-Simmons University and a Masters Degree in Education from Ball State University and has been awarded three honorary Doctorates. Graham serves on several boards and has received numerous awards.

LISA P. GRANT

Lisa P. Grant serves as the Deputy Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives (USHR). In this role, she supports the legislative activities of the House of Representatives. She is seen daily on the floor of the House of Representatives supporting Members of Congress as they vote bills. Her previous position was the Chief Procurement Officer for the U.S. House of Representatives (USHR). She was responsible for the procurements for the Members of Congress, the Clerk of the House, Chief Administrative Officer, Sergeant at Arms and other USHR support offices. Prior to the USHR, she served as the Acting Commissioner for Acquisition Management in General Services Administration’s Federal Acquisition Service and the Civilian Acquisition Director for the Federal Systems Integration and Management Center (FEDSIM). In addition, Lisa served as the Director of Acquisition for the U.S. Army’s Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), and as a contracting officer for the US Marshal Service. Her acquisition career spans nearly 35 years, procuring supplies and services from fuel to complex IT systems for DOD and Civilian Agencies. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Finance and a Masters of Science in Management. Lisa is also a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) and a Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) by the National Contract Management Association. She is an active member of the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Northern Virginia Urban League Guild.

MARCUS HILL (SES Retired)

Marcus L. Hill is Principal of Hill Management Consultancy (HMC) LLC, a small disabled veteran-owned, minority business. HMC shares strategic advice with its clients to achieve their business priorities (see www.hillmgmtconsult.com). Hill also serves as President of the Senior Executives Association (SEA). SEA is a professional organization that promotes good government, advocates for and represents the interests of over 10,000 career senior executives throughout the Federal government. Hill retired from Federal civil service in January 2021, following 37 ½ years of honorable service, and the United States Air Force Reserve in 2007.

Prior to Hill’s retirement, he served as the Senior Executive Advisor for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He provided component-level, headquarters strategic planning advice and counsel to FLETC executive leadership. He ensured an enterprise-wide, organizational focus remained on achieving the FLETC Director’s long-range, strategic priorities while operating in the midst of global pandemic. Hill also rendered executive leadership in matters related to FLETC’s mission, long-range law enforcement training plans and executive policy development. In addition, he provided advice and expertise in support of FLETC’s leadership training initiatives, and served as executive sponsor for corporate diversity, inclusion and engagement initiatives.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

Appointed under the Federal Junior Fellowship Program (FJFP), Hill began his career in 1983, as a personnel management specialist (GS-2, student trainee) with the Department of the Navy (DON), assigned to the Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, Georgia. Upon completing the FJFP and serving an active-duty tour in the United States Air Force (USAF), he resumed his civil service career in 1991. Prior to his transfer to FLETC, Hill served in several assignments, including Director of Workforce Relations at the Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay; Director of the Human Resources Satellite Office and Program Management Department Head at the Naval Station, Mayport, Florida; and Director of the Organizational Management and Manpower Division of the Regional Resources Management Department with Commander Navy Region, Southeast.

In 1999, Hill transferred to FLETC to serve as Chief of Staffing and Classification Branch in the Human Capital Division. Subsequently, he held positions as Senior Policy and Project Analyst (SPPA) for the Office of Planning and Resources and assistant to the FLETC Director. Following the tragic events of 9/11, he joined the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), serving as the Administrative Officer for the Jacksonville Field Office. He was instrumental in establishing the TSA infrastructure and screening operations at Jacksonville International and Gainesville Regional airports. Hill returned to FLETC in January 2004, assuming the SPPA responsibilities for the Training Directorate. Following this assignment, he served as the Deputy Assistant Director for the Office of Operations Support in the Administration Directorate, shortly after being appointed Assistant Director for the Mission and Readiness Support Directorate. In this role, he provided strategic leadership and executive oversight in support of the following enterprise programs: acquisitions, emergency management and continuity, facilities, human capital, assets, logistics, environmental and sustainability management, procurement, multi-media, student services, and health and safety. Hill accomplished these services through a staff of approximately 250 federal employees and 1,700 contractors, executing an annual budget of nearly $106 million. In addition, through a shared services agreement between FLETC and DHS Science and Technology Directorate’s Office of National Laboratories, Hill provided executive oversight for contracting services supporting major laboratory design, renovation and construction projects.

Hill was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 2006. He has received many awards and honors for distinguished service to include the 2017 Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service, the 2014 Department of Homeland Secretary’s Under Secretary for Management Partnership Award, DON Civilian Meritorious Service Medal, USAF Meritorious Service and Commendation Medals. Hill holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Valdosta State College. He completed leadership training and executive education programs sponsored by the Federal Executive Institute, John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Center for Creative Leadership, Brookings Institute, and Air University. In addition to SEA, Hill is a member of the Military Officers Association of America, Reserve Officers Association, American Legion Post 511, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masonic Order, The Shriners, and First African Baptist Church.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

PAMELA K. ISOM (SES Retired)

Pamela Isom is a Global Senior Executive, visionary, and currently CEO and Founder of IsAdvice & Consulting with over 30 years of public and private sector combined experience in artificial intelligence, digital data transformation and cybersecurity risk management. Provides extensive insights about government, strategic portfolio management, ESG, and emerging information technology, advising B2B and B2C on safer, ethical business strategy and outcomes.

She is a recognized thought leader and innovator. She stewards decision intelligence and algorithmic systems research and integration to advance equity, opportunity, and sustainability. Prior to launching her own firm, Pamela was a Senior Official in the federal government, AI Cybersecurity Executive and Chief Innovation Officer, and she strategically influenced computer science and customer service innovations during her tenure at large Fortune 500 companies including Dell and IBM.

As Executive Director of AI & Technology at the Department of Energy (DOE), Pamela led enterprise AI portfolio management, research and cloud strategy. She also served as Deputy Chief Information Officer (CIO), and Chief Data Officer (CDO) for DOE. She established an inaugural research program where DOE, NASA and industry partners including the SETI Institute, Frontier Development Lab (FDL), Google, Lockheed Martin and other leading companies would issue challenges to early career researchers to advance the DOE science and space mission. Her efforts resulted in a 54% increase in diversity including gender and ethnicity.

During her tenure at DOE, she served as a member of the White House National AI Council, MLAI Subcommittee in 2022. She is a recipient of the top 100 Federal leaders (Fed100) award, GEARS of government award, recipient of an industry award for being a change agent and innovator, and she was recognized as a Woman of Innovation by the Department of Commerce. Her blended government and corporate experience, software engineering and architecture background, financial stewardship, and her ESG and compliance excellence amplifies her strong value. She is a qualified spokesperson for citizens.

Pamela enjoys nature. She writes poetry and journals in her free time. She is a technology book author, enjoys working out, and she is currently working on her memoir.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

F. MARIE ROSS-MOLOCK (SES)

F. Marie Ross-Molock is a Senior Executive Service leader that has gained the respect of her staff, peers and executive cadre through her professionalism, and ability to consistently deliver challenging high-profile programs that surpass customer expectations. She has over 30 years of experience leading major initiatives in information technology, systems engineering, program/project management, human capital management and financial management. She is recognized as a credible and informed voice in decision-making for seamlessly meeting goals set forth by organizations. Marie is especially skilled at establishing collaborative relationships that produce creative solutions to solve difficult problems. Throughout her career in private industry and federal government, she has been a champion of innovation and a leader in the establishment of top-performing management teams that produce exemplary results.

Currently, Marie serves as the Director of Enterprise Field Operations (EFO) Division in the Information Technology User and Network Services domain at the Internal Revenue Service. Her organization maintains the Telecommunications and Deskside Operations infrastructure, enterprise-wide through the deployment of several key infrastructure initiatives. She is responsible for providing executive oversight for seven IRS territories throughout the United States and supporting a customer base of 80,000+ employees. Her organization consists of approximately 600 employees and contractors. Marie leads a team of two Assistant Directors, 10 senior managers, and 38 frontline managers.

Prior to that, she was the Director of Enterprise Service Delivery (Demand, Governance, Project, and Acquisition Management) organization within IT. In this role, she provided executive leadership for enterprise initiatives involving large scale technology enhancements for a portfolio of approximately $1B in service support.

Marie has served in several notable leadership roles to include Program Director of the Human Capital Office, Operationalizing-Taxpayer First Act (OTFA) Office where she led the implementation of a “comprehensive training strategy” submitted to Congress and the standup of IRS University; Director at the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) in which she successfully developed a five-year Strategic Plan after the plan had been dormant for three years. Marie also had the honor of serving in IRS IT as Assistant to Director for EOps, Enterprise Computing Center (ECC), where she led one of the most successful Filing Seasons in 30 years for the Chief Information Officer 2018 Taxpayers’ program and is a recipient of the Deputy Commissioners’ Award for high service availability. Additionally, Marie served as Executive Champion for the Talent Acquisition Recruitment Program in the Human Capital Office, where she led and established the first “IRS Day” with college/university officials and represented IRS as the liaison to CyberCorps ®.

Marie is a graduate of IRS’ Executive Readiness (XR) Program and the USDA Federal wide Chief Information Officers Council - Candidate Development Program (Class of 2020). She is Senior Executive Service (SES) certified by OPM and holds a Key Executive Leadership Program Certification from American University in which she considers her greatest accomplishment. She earned a Master of Science degree in Management of Information Systems Technology and Project Management from George Washington University. Marie has received several commendations and awards from her clients, employers, and professional organizations.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

KELLY SHIH

Kelly Shih is a Senior Manager and the strategy lead for the Public Service Leadership Institute at the Partnership for Public Service. She leads strategy development and implementation for the Institute to achieve its goals of amplifying the importance of public service leadership, developing world-class leaders and unifying government around a single leadership standard.

Her work oversees efforts from advocating for leadership standards in policy and building cross-sector partnerships to furthering research and speaking to audiences on public service leadership topics. Prior to this role, she managed the Excellence in Government Fellows (EIG) program, the Partnership’s flagship leadership development program, and the Strategic Advisors to Government Executives (SAGE) program, a volunteer community of former federal executives supporting current government leaders. Kelly also serves as a facilitator on leadership development programs for emerging federal leaders and supports design and facilitation of the Partnership’s diversity, equity and inclusion work.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

MAX STIER

Max Stier is the founding president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service. He oversees efforts to provide data, insights and recommendations to the executive and legislative branches, create and deliver programs for federal leaders at all levels, strengthen and support the federal workforce, and build connections among the public, private and charitable sectors. A former public servant in all three branches of government and a member of the Inaugural Advisory Council of the National Institute of Social Sciences, Max has authored more than 100 opinion pieces, is routinely called upon to testify on major issues before Congress, and has been cited in The Washington Post, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. He was also featured in Michael Lewis’ best-selling book, “The Fifth Risk,” and has been named “Washingtonian of the Year.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

KIMBERLY WALTON (SES Retired)

Kimberly Walton (she/her) is the founder of DiverseUSA, LLC, a nationwide diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) consultancy, serving organizations across sectors, government agencies and non-profit organizations. Guided by core values of efficacy, fairness, and never wasting potential, Kimberly always embraces the opportunity to tackle complex DEIA challenges. Her expertise lies at the intersection of fostering human connection and envisioning and realizing large-scale policy, with more than 30 years of experience at the intersection of law, policy, and social justice.

Kimberly is recognized for her extensive experience designing and implementing effective, pragmatic DEIA strategies and advising clients on driving and managing necessary—sometimes painful— change through transparency and empathy. She is also a trusted coach to individuals newly appointed to senior DEIA leadership roles. She regularly speaks on DEIArelated topics at conferences and other events nationwide.

Thanks to her roots in public service and policy, she is involved with several non-profits supporting public agency goals, including becoming a fellow at the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), an independent, non-profit, and non-partisan organization established to assist government in building more effective, efficient, accountable, and transparent organizations.

Kimberly is the former Executive Assistant Administrator for Enterprise Support at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security, where she was responsible for overseeing TSA’s offices of Human Capital, Acquisition Program Management, Contracting and Procurement, Security & Administrative Services, Training and Development, and Information Technology. In prior positions at TSA since 2003, Kimberly served as the TSA Ombudsman, Deputy Special Counselor, and then Special Counselor, where she served as the principal advisor to the TSA Administrator on all matters involving civil rights and liberties, equal opportunity, disability, privacy, and diversity issues. She also served at TSA’s Assistant Administrator for Civil Rights & Liberties, Ombudsman, and Traveler Engagement.

Before joining TSA, Kimberly served as the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the Department of Commerce’s the United States Patent and Trademark Office and as Director of Civil Rights for the Department of Commerce. She also chaired the department’s diversity council. Before joining Commerce, Kimberly was a staff attorney with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

In 2015, Kimberly created, developed, and launched Women Executives at TSA (WE@TSA), an Employee Advocacy Council that engages female executives and other interested employees to provide their unique perspectives on issues facing women in the workplace. She served as the President of WE@TSA until 2021.

Kimberly is a 2021 recipient of the Presidential Rank Award and a recipient of the Roger W. Jones Award for Executive Leadership. She has received a DHS Secretary!s Award for Diversity Management, TSA Silver Medal Award, and TSA Core Values Award. Additionally, she received the TSA Trailblazer Award in recognition of her pioneering efforts toward the advancement of women. While at the U.S. Department of Commerce, she received a Silver Medal Award and two Bronze Medals.

Kimberly is a graduate of the National and International Security Program at Harvard University!s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She holds a law degree from the Catholic University of America!s Columbus School of Law and is a member of District of Columbia Bar. Kimberly also studied psychology at the University of Tennessee and organizational psychology at Columbia University.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

TONY D. WILLIAMS (SES)

Tony D. Williams became the Associate Commissioner for the Office of Technology and Survey Processing at theBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in September of 2019. In this capacity, Mr. Williams directs all Information Technology and Survey Processing operations in support of the Agency mission ranging from network, website, applications, and mobile device management support to cybersecurity, help desk, data center, and server operations management.

Before becoming Associate Commissioner, Mr. Williams was the Associate Chief Information Officer for the Client Experience Center, Office of the Chief Information Officer, United States Department of Agriculture. In this capacity, Mr. Williams was responsible for teams that provided enterprise-level, comprehensive, fee-for-service information technology, associated operations, security, and technical support services to USDA end users. He was also responsible for major projects such as the End User Consolidation and IT Modernization initiatives.

Previously, Mr. Williams served as the Director of the Information Services Division and Chief Information Officer for the Economic Research Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In his capacity as the Agency CIO, Mr. Williams directed all Information and Technology operations in support of the Agency mission ranging from publishing and editing to security, applications, and server operations. The ERS is USDA’s principal social science and research agency.

Prior to joining USDA, Mr. Williams was the Assistant Division Chief for Information Technology in the Demographic Surveys Division at the U.S. Census Bureau. In this capacity Mr. Williams was responsible for all Information Technology operations in support of the Demographic Statistical Methods Division which determined who from the American public would participate in the twenty- seven major demographic household surveys. These surveys included the Current Population Survey which determines the nation’s monthly unemployment rate and the American Community Survey which determines how billions of dollars in Federal funding is distributed nationwide annually. In this capacity Williams supported a staff of statisticians, mathematicians, demographers, and economists disbursed across the country.

Before joining Census, Mr. Williams was a Senior Project Manager for the Department of Justice , Justice Management Division , in the Office of the Chief Information Officer.

WORKSHOP PRESENTERS

KOJUAN ALMOND (SES Retired) Senior Leadership Training Consultant Integrity Training

ALLISON MANSWELL CEO Path Forward Consulting

RYAN SIMMONS Human Capital Advisory Services Manager Management Concepts

ONIKA COKE-MUÑOZ (SES) Deputy Executive Director, Program Administration Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration

MARIA MORUKIAN President MSM Global Consulting, LLC

L. DIANE BENNETT Principal Maximize Consulting LLC

HANNAH TONEY Director, Custom Learning Solutions Management Concepts

LONNEY GREGORY Director Human Capital Advisory Services Management Concepts

JASMIN ROBINSON Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives MSM Global Consulting, LLC

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

WILLIAM A. BROWN, SR. SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

TIFFANY DAVISEDWARDS

Financial Analyst GS-13 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

PHILOMENA WEST

Acting Senior Advisor for the USDA Forest Service National Partnership Office

GS-14 USDA Forest Service National Partnership Office

AAFEA/MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS

LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE

ANTONIO MITCHELL, MBA, MISM

Deputy Associate CIO, IT Strategy & Policy

GS-15

U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Office of the Chief Information Officer

DISTINGUISHED AWARD RECIPIENTS

EBENEZER BASSETT DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Named after Ebenezer Don Carlos Bassett, an educator, abolitionist, and civil rights activist who was the United States’ first African-American diplomat as Minister Resident and Consul General in Haiti from 1869 to 1877. The Bassett Award recognizes current and former career and non-career members of the Senior Executive Service and equivalent levels in Defense and Intelligence Departments and Agencies for distinguished service to our nation.

SHIRLEY A. JONES, ESQ.

Shirley Jones is a Senior Executive Service (SES) member at the U. S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). As the first African American female in the agency’s 100+ year history to be appointed to the position of Managing Associate General Counsel, within GAO’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) she has management responsibility for the agency’s appropriations law function and congressional oversight regarding agency rulemaking and vacancies in presidentially appointed, Senate confirmed positions. Ms. Jones is also a certified leadership and diversity and inclusion trainer at GAO.

Ms. Jones is simultaneously serving as the 15th National President of Blacks In Government (BIG), Inc. having assumed the position on January 1, 2021. Believing strongly in the principles of equal employment opportunity and an inclusive workplace, Ms. Jones considers herself both an employee advocate and a career development trainer. In her advocacy role, Ms. Jones has twice had the opportunity to testify before Congress on the lack of diversity in the government’s SES and the impact of pay for performance on employee morale. And, as a career development trainer for many years, Ms. Jones has presented courses at a variety of training events all around the country on effective communication skills for leaders, leadership principles, and pathways to the SES, amongst other topics. Ms. Jones has also written articles for the historic AFRO newspaper, HBCU Connect, the Black Equal Opportunity Employment (EOE) Journal, and as a featured contributor for GovLoop. She graced the cover of the November 2021 edition of Intellectual Ink magazine and had the opportunity to share her vision and the history of BIG.

In addition to making history at GAO, Ms. Jones has made history within BIG leading the organization through the pandemic with its first virtual National Training Institute (NTI) in 2021. She also presided over BIG’s return to in person training with the 43rd Annual NTI in Cleveland, OH, from August 15-18, 2022 with over 1200 government employees from around the country in attendance and over 100 students participating in the oratorical, STEM, and Future Leaders in America’s Government (FLAG) program.

In addition to BIG, Ms. Jones is currently a member of several nonprofit organizations, including the African American Federal Executives Association (AAFEA) and Federally Employed Women (FEW). Ms. Jones is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Ms. Jones graduated magna cum laude from Spelman College with a Political Science degree and received her law (J.D.) and Masters of Laws (LLM) in Taxation degrees from Georgetown University. Originally from Birmingham, AL, she lives in Fort Washington, MD.

DISTINGUISHED AWARD RECIPIENTS

EBENEZER BASSETT DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

KERRY A. NEAL, ESQ. (SES)

Mr. Kerry Neal is a career member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) and serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Grants, and Risk Management (DAS/OAGRM) in the Office of Finance and Operations at the U.S. Department of Education. In this role, he serves as the Deputy Chief Acquisition Officer and Senior Procurement Executive (DCAO & SPE). He also serves as the accountable official for supply chain risk management, implementing strategies to improve program management, designating high risk grantees for the Department, and imposing and managing enforcement of non-procurement debarments and suspensions. Prior to joining Department of Education, Kerry served as Managing Director (SES), Financial Policy, Reporting, and Analysis in the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, U.S. Department of State. In this role he was responsible for leadership/oversight in the following areas: formulating and interpreting financial policy (4 FAM/4 FAH); agency financial reporting, including preparation and production of the annual agency financial report (AFR); and federal assistance financial management (grants and assistance payment systems, training, and policy). Prior to this appointment, Kerry served as Assistant Inspector General for Management / Executive Director (SES) in the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of State, Office of Inspector General (OIG). His previous appointments also include serving as Office Director for the Office of Grants Management at the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary; Deputy Director for the Office of Grants and Debarment at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and Director of Grants at the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

Kerry has broad experience overseeing diverse mission-support portfolios including office operations, human capital management, budget (formulation/execution), financial management, policy, performance improvement (PIO), facilities, change management, acquisitions, grants, immediate office resource management, and information technology/systems integration efforts.

In 2017, he helped to establish the American Bar Association Grants Law Committee (GLC), serving as one of its founding cochairs (2017-2020). From 2013-2015 Kerry served as Board Member and Secretary/Treasurer of GLIFAA, the Department of State’s LGBT+ resource group. Kerry began his federal service at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Bureau of the Fiscal Service (formerly Financial Management Service), where he worked on the Cash Management Improvement Act program. Prior to joining federal service, he worked in administrative and management positions at Georgetown University and the University of Maryland.

Kerry has been a member of various non-profit executive boards, including the African American Federal Executive Association (2018-present), currently serving as General Counsel, and the National Grants Management Association (2014-2018). Kerry is a 2021 Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, and a 2022 inaugural Rodel Institute Federal Executive Fellow.

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Kerry holds a B.S. in business from Long Island University, Southampton College; M.A. in business/legal administration from Marymount University; J.D. from University of Baltimore School of Law; and an LL.M. in environmental and energy law and policy from Georgetown University Law Center; he is admitted to practice law in Maryland, District of Columbia, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Kerry lives in the Penn-Branch section of Southeast Washington, DC, with his husband Jiashen You, Ph.D.

DISTINGUISHED AWARD RECIPIENTS

EBENEZER BASSETT DISTINGUISHED

SERVICE AWARD

DR. JANICE BELL UNDERWOOD

Dr. Janice Underwood joined the Biden-Harris administration as Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (ODEIA) at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). She leads OPM’s role in the government-wide DEIA initiative established by White House Executive Order #14035, which includes convening an executive council for all federal chief diversity officers, leading an interagency team for oversight of agency DEIA plans, and providing strategic vision for the national DEIA mission.

Most recently, Dr. Underwood served as the inaugural Virginia Chief Diversity Officer for Governor Ralph Northam and the Commonwealth of Virginia, where she developed and implemented the ONE Virginia Plan, the first ever strategic plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion across more than 100 state institutions.

Dr. Underwood earned her bachelors and master’s degree from Hampton University and in 2015 she earned her PhD in curriculum and instruction from Old Dominion University where her research and scholarship focused on culturally relevant pedagogy across STEM fields and other private and public sectors.

TRACEY PINSON TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Recognizes federal employees at the GS-13 to GS-15 level who have significantly advanced the objectives of AAFEA to promote the development and advancement of African-Americans into and within the senior ranks of the United States Government.

DR. NATASHA L. EDMONDSON, PHARMD, BCGP

Dr. Natasha L. Edmondson started her professional career as an educator, selected as a Teaching Fellow for the state of North Carolina. She attended North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, North Carolina, graduating Summa Cum Laude, receiving a BS degree in Chemistry/Secondary Education with a minor in Spanish. After teaching for several years in Charlotte NC, Dr. Edmondson went on to complete her Doctorate in Pharmacy from Howard University (“The Real HU”) in Washington DC. At graduation, she was awarded the DC Pharmacy Recognition Award, bestowed upon the student demonstrating a strong commitment for pharmaceutical service to the Washington, DC community. Upon completion of her Doctorate degree, Dr. Edmondson completed a pharmacy practice residency at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond Virginia. Being the daughter of a Veteran, she has always been passionate in assisting Veterans, which led her to her first professional pharmacy position at North Texas Healthcare System in Dallas Texas. Today, Dr. Edmondson is a BoardCertified Geriatric Pharmacist (BCGP), who continues to serve Veterans as a Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (CPP) within the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System in Durham North Carolina. She continues to enjoy educating students and faculty, and is passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policies and practices to assist those from underserved communities. Dr. Edmondson has become one of the Durham VA’s Franklin Covey facilitators trained in teaching Unconscious Bias to staff and senior leaders, with her great work being featured for Public Service Week May 2022. She was selected as the President’s Management Council (PMC) Interagency Rotation Fellow at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) with the Office of DEIA in 2022. Additionally, she was selected for the 2023 African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA) Tracey Pinson Trailblazer Award for distinguished service to our nation.

Dr. Edmondson is a strong advocate for Veterans and women rights, DEIA work, as well as accountability in healthcare. In her limited spare time, she enjoys reading, shopping, playing with her dog Carter, and house decorating with her Mother.

DISTINGUISHED AWARD RECIPIENTS

TRACEY PINSON TRAILBLAZER AWARD

LARRY JOHNSON

Larry L. Johnson is a native of Tallahassee, Florida who resides in Severn, MD. He is currently the on a detail assignment to the Defense Intelligence Agency where he is serving as the Special Assistant to the Inspector General. Prior he served as Special Agent in Charge of the Administration and Training Division for the Office of Inspector General Social Security Administration. He was the first Black American manager for his organization west of the Rocky Mountains. Larry holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from The Florida State University and a Masters of Criminal Justice from The University of Central Florida. During his free time, Larry enjoys serving in the church, community, golf, and his many fraternal and social organizations.

During his career in public service, Larry has worked as a Postal Inspector for the United States Postal Inspection Service and for the Orlando Police Department where he rose to the rank of Detective. While at Orlando PD, Larry won the Officer of the Year Award, the second Black American to win this honor in the Departments history. Larry is actively involved and held officer positions in the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI), the Financial Institutions Security Association (FISA), and Preventing Crime in the Black Community Network. The pride and commitment Larry has for public service has spanned a lifelong career and awarded him the opportunity to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.

Larry has received numerous awards and commendations for excellence in his career.

Larry’s passion for helping young people with the same opportunities he has been awarded became evident in 2011, with the founding of The Lenora Paschal Johnson Foundation in memory of my late wife, Lenora Paschal Johnson. The foundation awards college scholarships to students from low social economic backgrounds, which have a passion for helping others and giving back to their communities. His dedication to this cause was evident through his number of years serving as an adjunct professor at institutions such as Florida Memorial University, a Historically Black University in Miami, FL.

Larry has been able to influence high school students to achieve their dreams of attending college. Larry is an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Larry has been both a financial and physical contributor to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.

In 2015, Larry married Brenda Jackson and through this union in 2019, they became the proud parents of Larry L. “Tripp” Johnson II and in June 2021 Langston L. Johnson.

Larry graduated from the African American Federal Executive Association’s Senior Executive Service Fellows Program. This program prepares members for future Senior Executive Service positions within the federal government. Larry has been named Board Chair for the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association Baltimore Greater Maryland Chapter. Recently, Larry graduated as a Fellow for the Council of the Inspector General for Integrity and Efficiency

2022-2023 cohort. Larry serves as the Men’s Ministry Lead at St. John Baptist Church in Columbia, MD.

As Larry continues to give back to his community through various avenues, he attributes much of his success to two of the pillars in his life who were outstanding role models; his father and grandfather. Being grounded in his FAITH and The LORD has allowed him to have a strong balance of work, family and community. He continues to strive for excellence with the motto, “To whom much is given, much is required.”

DISTINGUISHED AWARD RECIPIENTS

TRACEY PINSON TRAILBLAZER AWARD

PETRINA NELSON

Petrina Nelson currently serves as a Senior Procurement Analyst at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In this role, she advises the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisitions on matters related to HHS Acquisition Enterprise. In addition, she leads the Department’s procurement management review program and provides oversight and support to three different agencies.

Prior to accepting a position with HHS, Ms. Petrina Nelson served as a Senior Procurement Analyst for the United States Coast Guard (USCG). In this capacity she was responsible for providing, leadership, oversight and support to the USCG Contracting Enterprise. Ms. Nelson was responsible for reviewing requirements for major systems and assets valued over $1B. Ms. Nelson was recognized for creating the Head of Contracting Activity Advisory Council (HCAAC), an advisory entity with the focus on workplace initiatives, programs and cross-cutting issues affecting the Coast Guard Contracting Enterprise. Ms. Nelson served as Chair of the council for two years and was responsible for fifteen process improvement changes that increased efficiencies at USCG.

Before joining the US Coast Guard Team, Ms. Nelson was the Acquisition Career Manager at the Federal Emergency Management Agency where she was responsible for the professional workforce development of the contracting community. She also developed and managed a centralized certification and training program for the FEMA’s acquisition workforce.

In addition to her federal commitment, Petrina serves as Vice Chair of AAFEA’s membership committee. In this capacity, she has oversight over three subcommittee teams consisting of onboarding and retention, outreach, and reclamation. Serving in this capacity, Petrina has helped to grow the membership committee and spearheaded numerous public events to include coordinating a panel discussion for Public Service Recognition week featuring the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, hosting and facilitating for holiday social networking events, and successfully recruited executive to mid-managers to become AAFEA members.

Petrina is also the Director of LovingKindness Community Development Corporation a 501c3 organization with a focus on serving the community through outreach events, such as, Breast Cancer Awareness and back-to-school supply drives for underprivilege children for two counties in Maryland.

Petrina is a humanitarian at heart, with the use of her personal funds once a month she provides full course meals and survival tools to over 40 homeless men and women living in tents throughout Washington, DC.

She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Johnson C. Smith University, and a master’s degree in administrative management from Bowie State University. She holds a Level III Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) and a Level III Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

DISTINGUISHED AWARD RECIPIENTS

AAFEA COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARD

Recognizes selected senior level associations, public/private sector organizations/companies, and/or academia that have consistently and significantly partnered with AAFEA to support and/or advance AAFEA’s strategic objective to promote the development and advancement of African-Americans into and within the senior and executive ranks of the United States Government.

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.

PRESENTED

TO

SHIRLEY A. JONES, ESQ. National President Blacks In Government

SAMUEL C. JONES MENTOR AWARD

WILLIAM G. BOSTIC, JR. (SES Retired)

Bill Bostic served as Vice President of the African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA) for two terms (2016-2019 and 2020-2021). After 41 years of exemplary federal service, rising through the ranks at the U.S. Census Bureau from student intern to Associate Director, Bill retired from federal service in January 2017, having held five Senior Executive Service (SES) positions in his nearly 19 years in the SES ranks. Recognized for his outstanding leadership and mentorship, he guided and motivated many employees, managers and leaders at the Census Bureau and other federal agencies, several of which are now members of the SES.

In his first position in the Business Division of the Census Bureau, Bill worked on periodic surveys and conducted an evaluation of the 1977 Economic Census. Rising to the position of Assistant Division Chief, Bill led the development of the 1997 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) technical manual for the Office of Management and Budget’s Economic Classification Policy Committee in collaboration with statistical agencies of Canada and Mexico. During his time as Chief of the Census Bureau’s Manufacturing and Construction Division, Bill implemented NAICS and its first revision into the 1997 and 2002 Economic Censuses for manufacturing, mining, and construction sectors as well as directing the principal economic monthly indicators for manufacturing and construction, and annual surveys of manufacturing activity.

Bill’s career continued to reach new levels as he was asked to serve as Assistant Director for Economic Programs and then as the Associate Director for Economic Programs at the Census Bureau. He led over 1400 staff conducting over 60 monthly, quarterly, and annual surveys including 12 principal economic indicators as well as the quinquennial Economic Census and Census of Governments.

Throughout his career, Bill was influential in leading people across the Census Bureau. Mr. Bostic co-chaired the Diversity and Inclusion Council, which acts as an advisory and catalyst for Affinity Groups.

In addition to the value, he added at the Census Bureau, Bill also has put in work outside of the Census Bureau. He served on the Alumni Advisory Council for the College of Business of Bowie State University from 2015-2017. In this role he provided guidance to the Dean of the College of Business to support the development and preparation of College of Business students. He sits on the Board of the Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Foundation of Howard County, Maryland. This organization provides financial support to young Howard County students who have excelled in high school and plan to enroll in college or a vocation institution.

Bill has received numerous awards during his career including three Bronze Medal awards (the highest award recognizing service to the Census Bureau) for Superior Federal Service and two Silver Medal awards and one Gold Medal award from the Department of Commerce for Distinguished Achievements for Federal Service. Local Union 2782 presented Bill with the Cy Young Award for Leadership, noting that it speaks to Bill’s uncanny ability to lead people. Furthermore, Bill received the African American Federal Executive Association’s Ebenezer Bassett Award in 2018 for exemplary Federal service. Bill continues to play an active role with AAFEA serving as Executive Sponsor to AAFEA’s Fellows Program and mentoring and coaching participants in AAFEA’s flagship Career Development and Fellows programs.

The Samuel C. Jones mentor award was established in 2022, in memory of the late Samuel “Sam” Jones, long-standing AAFEA member and mentor extraordinaire. This award recognizes AAFEA mentors who go above and beyond to prepare the next generation of senior and executive leaders.

Tracy Yvonne Faulk Bellamy Chief, Administrative Division, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia

Evangela Dortch Diversion Program Manager, U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Agency

Tatiana Nwankwo Director of Partnerships and Communications, Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement

Melissa Thomas Branch Chief, U.S. General Services Administration

Hollie Bodiford-Taylor Senior Technical Advisor, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration

T. Tia Golden Deputy Executive Director, U.S. State Department, Trafficking in Persons Office

Victoria V. Prince Collection Strategist, U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Intelligence Agency

Jacqueline S. Woodard Chief of Staff Professional Development, U.S. Peace Corps

Jerri L. Calhoun Director, Managerial Accounting Office, Marine Corps Systems Command, U.S. Marine Corps

Demetrius Holiness Supervisory Personnel Security Specialist, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection

Sukenna Wilson Stokes Correctional Program Officer, U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons

Robin Talmadge Director, Leadership Development Division, U.S. Department of Urban Development

Kena Z. Coleman Associate Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Category Management, U.S. General Services Administration

Delphine Hudson-Crosby Supervisory Auditor, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, Office of Benefits Administration

Sylvia Ballinger

Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration

Saphronia Branford

Senior Program Manager, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General

Carlisa Broadway Program Analyst, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Antonio Mitchell

Deputy Associate CIO, U.S. Office of Personnel Management

Rehena Mohammed

Associate Director for Transparency, Council of Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency, Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC)

Carlene Randolph

Staff Director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration

Danielle Rowell

Chief, Cybersecurity Engineering, U.S. Office of Personnel Management

Audrey Story

Deputy CIO, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administraton for Children and Families

Terri Batch

Director, Global Diversity Export Initiative U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration

John Blount, Jr.

Senior IT Specialist, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Investigation

Christine P. Castell

Grants and Agreements Officer, U.S. Department of Energy

Jacqueline Davis

Management Initiatives Program Manager, U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement

Dwayne Gist

Senior Contract Specialist, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Monique Hagler

Management Analyst, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Translational Sciences

Janai Hollinger

Congressional Appropriation Liaison

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH, Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health

Dr. Lola Olufemi

Senior Portfolio Manager, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Dr. John Patrick Rogers

Toxicologist, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticide Programs

Darnesia Ross

Management Analyst, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH, Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health

Tina L. Tyson

Project Manager, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration

Aneesah Whaley

Acquisitions Manager, National Ocean Service a line office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Chanelle Yates

Congressional and Intergovernmental Liaison, U.S. Department of commerce, First Responder Network Authority

NOVEMBER 1

DECEMBER 7

OCTOBER 2023

JANUARY 2024

JANUARY 2024

AAFEA ANNUAL MEETING

FEBRUARY 2024

AAFEA HOLIDAY NETWORKING SOCIAL AND CHARITY DRIVE

ECQ BOOTCAMP APPLICATION ANNOUNCEMENT

AAFEA AWARD NOMINATIONS AND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION ANNOUNCEMENT

2024 CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (CDP) APPLICATION ANNOUNCEMENT

CLASS OF 2025 FELLOWS PROGRAM APPLICATION ANNOUNCEMENT

Please visit AAFEA.org for more details and/or registration information.

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20TH ANNUAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP Leading

JUNE 4 - 6, 2024