The Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC), December 13, honored a tremendous line-up of heroes at the organization’s packed Holiday Awards. “GTSC has had a tremendous year and has expanded its service to the homeland security community through the great work of our members and government partners,” said Kristina Tanasichuk, founder and CEO of the Coalition.
“Our Holiday Awards are our opportunity to thank all of those who work tirelessly and often without recognition, to protect our families, our communities, and our nation.” Since 2012, the Coalition has developed a series of awards to recognize some of the heroes working to improve how the public and private sectors collaborate to assure that innovation and efficiencies can find their way into the government and encourage an environment of mentorship to support the nation’s critical homeland and national security missions. The awardees, and more of the Coalition’s work was also released in their 2017 Annual Report, themed Building on Great Traditions.
At the awards, GTSC also unveiled the new Homeland Security Today magazine and media platform branding. The new media platform is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. Now a non-profit, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges. HSToday’s contributors and editors hail from throughout the homeland security community. They are the thinkers and doers who shape and implement the United States’ security methodologies, strategies and tactics. From policymaking in Washington, DC, to operations in challenging security environments, HSToday’s vast network of experts deliver the most authoritative, timely coverage of America’s efforts to address threats man-made and natural.
GTSC celebrated 2017 with a packed room of the Who’s Who of homeland security at Ft. Myer, Virginia. Supporters included NCI, Acuity, INTEGRITYOne Partners, and Hitachi Ventara Federal.
2017 Awardees included:
Acquisition Excellence
Reverse Industry Day Teams: Agencies across the government are hosting Reverse Industry Days (RIDs) that host industry speakers to provide a mini “MBA” in business process and decision-making. This effort has increased the cooperation and understanding between industry and government to improve procurement and communication.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Soraya Correa
Chief Procurement Officer
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Jaclyn Smyth
Director, DHS Strategic Sourcing Program Office
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Carla Thomas
Industry Liaison
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Michael Villano
Industry Liaison
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Desmond Brown
Director, Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Cherina Hughes
Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
U.S. General Services Administration
Millisa Gary
Task and Delivery Order
Ombudsman, GSA
U.S. Treasury
Harrison Smith
IRS Deputy Chief Procurement Officer
U.S. Treasury
Mitchell Winans
Special Assistant, IRS
U.S. Treasury
Small Business Champion of the Year: Mr. Villafana has been an exceptional communicator and advocate for the inclusion of small business to the OHA mission.
Antonio A. Villafana
Chief Information Officer
Office of Health Affairs
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Excellence in Outreach: Mr. Giunta hosts monthly outreach sessions with industry to discuss upcoming opportunities, share the status of projects, and provide a Q&A for those working with U.S. Army Contracting Command. He has expanded these monthly sessions to include other divisions of the military and is a shining example of a “Best Practice” in communicating with industry.
Joseph A. Giunta, Jr.
Executive Director & Principal Assistant
Responsible for Contracting (PARC)
U.S. Army Contracting Command – Orlando
Small Business of the Year: GTSC’s small business of the year has engaged fully in the leadership and action of the Coalition. From leading the Lion’s Den to volunteering for leadership positions, INTERGITYOne has given back tremendously in 2017.
INTEGRITYOne Partners
Michael Stabolepszy Co Founder Managing Partner INTEGRITYOne accepting Small Business of the Year
Mid-Tier Business of the Year: Acuity’s engagement in GTSC in 2017 was tremendous. Their contributions made GTSC a stronger organization and enhanced the quality of our offerings for their members.
Acuity
Acuity President Rui Garcia accepting MidTier Business of the Year
Mentor of the Year: Accenture contributed significantly to GTSC’s leadership and enhanced the organization’s programming. Their team grew the GTSC programs and gave back to mission on behalf of all GTSC companies.
Accenture
The Accenture Team led by Brad Cole accepting Mentor of the Year
Strategic Partner of the Year: NCOA worked with GTSC to launch a Govcon Academy for transitioning veterans and provided training at their annual conference for veterans interested in government contracting.
Non-Commissioned Officers Association
Executive Director Jon Ostrowski and President MCPOCG Vince Patton accept Strategic Partner of the Year
Strategic Advisor of the Year: Charles Armstrong has been a staunch supporter and contributor to the GTSC family and has provided invaluable insight to CBP’s mission.
Charles Armstrong
Founder, CEO
e2.71 Advisory Services
Mission Awards: The Mission awards are presented to individuals that go above and beyond in their daily execution of mission. Nominated by the community, these awards represent “Heroes in Homeland” that do not often get the spotlight but certainly deserve it.
Maggie M. Myers
Public Affairs
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Melinda Rogers
Chief Information Security Officer
U.S. Department of Justice
Chief Michael Schaff
Chief
Fairfax County International Search & Rescue/Virginia Task Force 1
Keith Jones
Acting CIO
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services
Kelly C. Good
Acting Deputy
Executive Director Program Management Office
U.S. Border Patrol
Thomas Bojito
Supervisory IT Specialist
U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
Elizabeth Cappello
Deputy CIO
U.S. Customs & Immigration Enforcement
Citizen of Mission Award: Ms. Gordon was presented this award, given to an individual that spends their free/volunteer time in service to the mission of the homeland, for her work on the Women in Homeland Security Science, Technology, Engineering, Math mission. Ms. Gordon runs a national program expanding STEM related to the homeland security mission to middle and high school student.
Lori Gordon
Senior Strategist
HWC
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
