2024 TRAINING AND MATCHMAKING EVENT Burlington, Vermont
SPEAKERS
Government to Business: Reaching New Heights
Presenters
(in alphabetical order)
Brad Bruce
Manager, Global Supplier Diversity
The Boeing Company
Brad Bruce serves currently as the Manager for Boeing Global Supplier Diversity Organization. He is responsible for leading strategic planning and execution of Supplier Diversity across Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) Division. Manages Supplier Diversity Specialist employees to ensure strategic work placement initiatives align with business unit strategy, maximize Small/Diverse business utilization and deliver best value to Boeing and our customers. In addition, perform activities related to supplier/subcontractor business relationships, in-service requirements and performance to contractual obligations and expectations. Monitors supplier quality, delivery and financial performance. Provides oversight, guidance and approval of supply base plans to ensure integration with customer, program and commodity strategies.
Prior to these responsibilities, Brad was procurement agent within Boeing’s BDS Division providing oversight and management of supply and demand, schedules, supplier quality, delivery and financial performance. Lead negotiation of pricing and contract terms and conditions. Prepared and executed negotiation strategies resulting in contractual documents and binding agreements. Interprets and enforces contract terms and conditions. Consulted with external customers to resolve supplier performance issues. Participated on supply chain process improvement teams and identifies improvement opportunities for potential integration into supplier contract strategies.
Brad has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Athens State University and a certification in Basic/Advanced Contract Management from University of Alabama Huntsville. Brad brings over 32 years of experience with Boeing with 15 years as Supply Base Management Specialist with concentration around small business advocacy.
In addition to his professional affiliations, he is a Charter Member of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Prime Contractor Council, member of the Missile Defense Agency Business Council, and City Industrial Board Officers. He provides advocacy to various associations and local non-profit organizations. Brad is married to Christie with 3 children. He enjoys the golfing, time on the lake and beach.
Christopher Clarke
Attorney, Office of Procurement Law
U.S. Small Business Administration
Christopher Clarke is an Attorney in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of General Counsel’s Office of Procurement Law. Mr. Clarke has served as the legal advisor to the Agency’s small business set-aside, the small business subcontracting, Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business program; the Woman-Owned Small Business program, and the Agency’s Suspension and Debarment Official. In the past he has worked closely with senior Agency officials and their staff on 8(a) Business Development program; the HUBZone program; SBA’s internal contracting procedures, the Small Business Innovation Research program, and the Agency’s other grant programs.
Chris Coulter
Advanced Manufacturing Technology Advisor
Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center
Chris has collaborated with engineers and businesses on design and manufacturing engineering, including automation, on a large portfolio of products. With an affinity for advancing entrepreneurial ventures, Chris has worked with multiple small and start-up companies. He works as the manufacturing liaison to the Vermont Manufacturing Collaborative and Advanced Manufacturing Center.
Matthew Cummings
Civil Engineering Technician, Operations Division
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Matthew Cummings has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Environmental Science. He has worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 15 years, and in his current role, he serves as the Civil Engineering Technician for Operations Technical Support, Operations Division. Prior to this, he worked as a Park Ranger/ Natural Resource Specialist at several project locations with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England Division. Where he performed a variety of duties, including Facility Maintenance, Flood Control, and Natural Resource and Recreation Management.
Diane Irish
Administrative Services Director
State of Vermont, Agency of Human Services
Employed at the State of Vermont since 2007. I am currently the Administrative Services Director for the Agency of Human Services, Fiscal Office. I oversee all contracting for the Agency of Human Services, along with procurement and other duties for the AHS Central Office Fiscal Unit. I have been involved in helping to rewrite our State Bulletin 3.5 over the years, and I have been a member of the VTBuys project team since it started in 2017. My procurement experience includes:
RFP preparation, negotiating contracts, drafting and executing contracts for services, procurement of both goods and services, and supporting our agency overall in all contracting work.
Jeffrey Mangum
Flood Risk Management Business Line Manager, NE District
U.S Army Corps of Engineers
Jeffrey Mangum is the Flood Risk Management Business Line Manager for the New England District. He has worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 30 years. With a bachelor’s degree in Forest Management he started his career as a Park Ranger and then worked as a Project Manager at 2 dams in Massachusetts. In his current role he supports the operations and maintenance budgets for 31 dams, 3 hurricane barriers, and 1 natural storage area in 5 New England states.“
Mark O'Hearn
Business Growth Advisor
Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center
After serving in the U.S. Navy as a Gas Turbine Engineer, Mark has spent his entire civilian career in manufacturing. He received his Six Sigma Black Belt training while working in Maintenance and Engineering and brought his continuous improvement mindset to Operations, working as Supply Chain Manager, Continuous Improvement Manager, and Plant Manager. Mark works with VT companies who wish to grow and expand their business and become part of the national supply chain solution.
Diane Meyerhoff
DBE Supportive Services Consultant
State of Vermont, Agency of Transportaion
Diane works with the Vermont Agency of Transportation to assist businesses to become DBE certified. In addition, she works one-on-one with DBEs to support their business success. Her experience includes work with small businesses in the City of Burlington, Vermont and the statewide Micro Business Development Program. She is a graduate of Middlebury College and the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.
Theresa Pinto
Business Development Specialist
U.S. Small Business Administration
Theresa is a 30+ year chamber of commerce professional, working primarily in communities throughout the East Coast. Most recently, Theresa transitioned into federal government service working for the U.S. Small Business Administration as a Business Development Specialist, after work for the State of New Hampshire Division of Economic Development as a Business Resource Specialist with Business & Economic Affairs.
Theresa was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland and raised in Worms, Germany and Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and received IOM designation from the Institute for Organization Management at the University of Arizona. Theresa also holds certifications for facilitating education/training for small business start-ups, veteran owned and women-owned businesses, as well as young entrepreneurs.
Theresa has always been very active in the communities she lives in by volunteering for several local groups such as Rotary, Altrusa, Arts Council, Humane Society, and serving as a Guardian Ad Litem.
Theresa served in leadership roles with the New Hampshire Association of Chamber Executives; New England Association of Chamber Executives as well as Carolina Association of Chamber Executives. She continues to be very active with the chamber of commerce sector, by volunteering as an advisor to chamber professionals throughout the US.
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David Ribeiro
Small Business Liaison Officer
GKN Aerospace Defense
35+ Years of Procurement Experience in the Healthcare and Aerospace Industry. Last 15+ Years in the Aerospace industry with GKN Aerospace and UTC Aerospace (Collins Aerospace).
Currently in a Global Position of Small Business Liaison Officer at GKN Aerospace since 2018. Involved in the day to day compliance to FAR 52.219 and other US governmental requirements for the enterprise. Advocate with GKN Procurement and Contract Officers to solicit and perform to goals on subcontracting plans with socio-economic suppliers, including Disadvantaged, Women, Veteran and Service Disabled Owned Small Business Entities.
Certified Supplier Diversity Professional with the Alliance of Supplier Diversity Professionals (ASDP) since 2012
Currently serving as Legislative Chairperson and past Communications Chair (2020) with ASDP
Undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Business from Western New England University, Springfield Massachusetts.
Michelle Simoes
Small Business Technical Advisor
U.S. General Services Administration OSDBU
Prior to joining MA APEX Accelerator, Michelle was the Small Business Liaison Officer (SBLO) at MIT Lincoln Laboratory (MIT LL). During her time at MIT LL, the institution was the SBA’s Dwight D. Eisenhower Award Winner for Excellence in Research Development and achieved the highest rating of ‘Outstanding’ for their Small Business Program from the DCMA and SBA. Michelle also held the position of Small Business Chairperson for the NCMA Boston Chapter.
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In addition to having Federal government contract experience, Michelle worked in higher education and as an Associate at a handful of Boston based law firms.
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Michelle received her Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School, is CFCM certified, and is a member of DoD’s Northeast Regional Council for Small Business Education and Advocacy.
Jerry D. Smith Sr.
NE Region Small Business Technical Advisor
U.S. General Services Administration OSDBU
Jerry D. Smith Sr. leads the Federal Small Business Program at GSA as the New England Region’s Small Business Technical Advisor (SBTA)
Mr. Smith is a retired US Air Force Veteran (24 years) and a current Federal Employee (22 years). His career of public and military service spans positions as the Manager of GSA’s Regional Network Services Operations; Director Boston Defense Metropolitan Area Telecommunications System; Regional Coordinator for Federal Emergency Communications; Air Force Tactical and Fixed Communications Systems Engineer & Manager; Combat Communications and IT Systems Installation Team Chief; NATO Survival to Operate (Emergency Management) Evaluator/Trainer; and as a United Nations Emergency Communications Planner.
Mr. Smith serves as the GSA New England liaison to the Small Business Administration (SBA), the New England states Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), and Congressional Representatives’ Economic Development staff located throughout the New England states.
Mr. Smith holds Associate Degrees in Electronic Systems Technology and Electronic Engineering Technology; Bachelors in Electronic Engineering Technology; Masters in Human Relations (specializing in workplace diversity); Post Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business Practices; Post Graduate Certificate in Project Management; and Post Graduate courses toward his PhD in Organization and Management.
He holds memberships in several service organizations including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity INC; Blacks in Government (Life Member); and Veterans of Foreign Wars (Life Member). He is the Founder and President Emeritus of GSA’s Veteran Employees Resource Association, President Emeritus of the Salem MA Commons Neighborhood Association. He presently volunteers as a New England Minority Alumni Recruiting point of contact for Texas State University, in San Marcus TX; Oklahoma University, in Norman OK; and University of Vermont, in Burlington VT
Kareem A. Sykes, ITIL V4
Industry & Engagement Program Manager
Project Spectrum
Mr. Sykes currently serves as the Industry & Engagement Program Manager for Project Spectrum, a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) recognized cybersecurity awareness initiative that offer resources, training and tools toward increasing cybersecurity awareness and hygiene for small businesses in particular. Mr. Sykes provides strategic leadership for a dynamic team of cybersecurity and outreach professionals whose collective aim centers around providing the educational resources and tools small businesses and institutions need to develop, implement, and maintain cybersecurity compliance. He oversees and directs the daily execution of multiple projects within the large-scale program and assures that the initiative adheres to government regulatory guidance. Mr. Sykes also manages contractual requirements to assure that Project Spectrum meets the cost, schedule, and performance goals required by the DoD Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP).
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Prior to joining Project Spectrum, Mr. Sykes served as a dynamic and ITIL v4-certified Program Manager. He amassed more that 15 years of organizational thought leadership experience and leveraged proven Program and Project Management principles, rooted in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) methodology. Mr. Sykes is particularly adept at implementing enhanced business processes that result in an economy of scale. He is a proven rapport and relationship cultivator who focuses on the three Cs: Customer Service, Collaboration, and Communication. Mr. Sykes has a hallmark for motivating, mentoring, and coaching high-performance teams that deliver scalable results that drive productivity.
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Mr. Sykes has a strong track record of successful matrix management of large teams (100+ FTEs), primes, subcontractors, and third-party vendors. He has managed various personnel levels, including Project Managers, Business Process Engineers, IAT II & III Cyber Systems Analysts, Network Engineers, Dev Ops, Application Support Specialists, Help Desk Technicians (Tier 1-3), Information Assurance Managers, Quality Managers, Sr. Business Analysts, Project Administrators, and Training Analysts, and Supervisors.
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Mr. Sykes obtained his Bachelors degree from the University of Baltimore, having studied Jurisprudence-Pre law and holds a A.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies as well.
Marianne Tenore
Senior Operations Manager
Small Business & Supplier Diversity Program, Small Business Liason Officer
BAE Systems
Marianne Tenore manages the Small Business & Supplier Diversity Program for BAE Systems Electronic Systems. In this capacity, she works collaboratively across the business to deliver best value supplier solutions that leverage small business agility, capability, and innovation in support of advanced electronic systems.
She began her career at a small business in southern NH as an electrical engineer designing electronics for space/flight applications. Since joining BAE Systems, Marianne has led mission computer and EO, IR, and RF (electro optical/infrared/radio frequency) sensor and countermeasures efforts for deployment on platforms from sea to space. She has participated on projects from concept to production. With over 30 years of experience in product development and project management, she brings a distinct perspective to small business utilization at Electronic Systems. She has been the SBLO since 2018.
Marianne holds a BS Degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University. She is a certified Supplier Diversity professional.
Tyrone Williams
Business Development Specialist & Administrative Officer
SBA
Joins the SBA from the City of Boston, recently serving as Special Assistant to the Chief Worker Empowerment Cabinet. An expert in project management, Tyrone is also Co-Founder of Follow My Steps Foundation - an organization that helps underserved communities overcome socioeconomic conditions by providing mentorship, career skills and financial resources. Tyrone grew up in the City of Boston and holds a bachelor's degree and MBA from UMass Dartmouth.
SHEILA WINSTON-VINCUILLA
Chief, Contracting Division
New England District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Sheila Winston-Vincuilla joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New England District in 1993 as a contract specialist. She progressed up the career ladder by taking on more complex responsibilities to her current position as Chief of the Contracting Division.
Ms. Winston-Vincuilla plans, directs, coordinates and leads the operations of the Contracting Division. She is responsible for acquiring all necessary commodities and services in support of the New England District’s mission. She manages the District’s multi-million dollar contracting program for civil works; military design and construction projects; environmental restoration; hazardous, toxic, and radiological waste remediation; and any/all other USACE Programs/Projects. She is the principal procurement official and primary contracting officer, holding an unlimited Contracting Officer Warrant.
She is the CP-14 Career Program Manager for the District, assisting and leading subordinates with the development of realistic career goals which include timely completion of required experience, educational and mandatory training.
Ms. Winston-Vincuilla is a graduate of Bentley College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. She received a master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Contracting and Acquisition from Western New England College; and holds a Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Level III certification in Contracting.
She is a graduate of the USACE Emerging Leader Program; the New England District’s Leadership Development Program; and the North Atlantic Division’s Executive Leadership Development Program. As an alumna of the District’s Leadership Development Program, she serves as a mentor to current program participants, and sits as a member of the Program’s Advisory Board.
Ms. Winston-Vincuilla serves as a member of the North Atlantic Division Regional Management Board (RMB). The RMB is a regional governance board, which is responsible for managing and coordinating strategic and operational matters across the region, with a focus on workload/workforce analysis, improving standard business processes and therefore increasing regional effectiveness.
Ms. Winston-Vincuilla is a member of the Army Acquisition Corps and a member of the National Contract Management Association. She has received numerous performance awards to include the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service and the Department of Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service.