BDPA Announces New Board Leadership – Tammy Koontz (State of Ohio)

Tammy Koontz

BDPA Cincinnati chapter, a nonprofit organization made up of racially diverse information technology professionals, today announced a new member of its board of directors. Tammy Koontz appointed to serve as the director of the chapter’s Communications Department.

BDPA Cincinnati is the largest (out of 47) chapters in the nation. The Communications Department is responsible for communicating BDPA information via all appropriate platforms (online and offline). This department is solely responsible for maintaining current and relevant content on the chapter website (www.bdpa.org/group/CI). Finally, this department ensures that chapter members have their technical articles published in both local and national publications.

"Tammy brings a deep technical and communications background to this volunteer position along with a high level of passion for student success in technology! This is a winning combination for a volunteer in this role and will enable Tammy to make a significant positive impact on both the BDPA Cincinnati Chapter operations and the communities we serve,” said BDPA Cincinnati chapter president Dalric Webb. “I look forward to having Tammy's energy, expertise, and experience on the team as we continue to drive improvements in the diversity of individuals in the Cincinnati technology industry from the classroom to the boardroom.”

Tammy has been an educator for the State of Ohio over the past 25 years. She is a member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa.

Tammy says, “I will engage members in providing articles and information for the newsletter and to maintain current information as well as updates.”

BDPA Cincinnati closes out 2015 as the largest BDPA chapter in the nation. The chapter is being considered as a host for the 2017 National BDPA Technology Conference. A new chapter president is coming on board in a few weeks. This is a remarkable time for any of our Cincinnati-based supporters to reach out to the chapter by email (cincinnati@bdpa.org) or phone (513.549-6991) to discuss ways that we can work with you or your organization. Tammy got involved. Now it is time for you to do the same thing!

Mike Williams Selected for National BDPA Vice President

Mike Williams

National BDPA announced the appointment of Mike Williams as its National Vice President and member of its National Board of Directors. Mr. Williams is an experienced senior information technology executive, mentor and leader that is passionate about the development of future leaders and aspiring young professionals. Williams is currently the Senior Vice President and Head of Global ITO services for FIS. Williams is an author and leader with more than 27 years of management and executive experience in Information Technology.

“I am very excited about BDPA’s future and its continuation of building on the 40-year legacy of developing future technology talent. This year, which is our 40th Anniversary, will be an exciting time for BDPA members, students and sponsors. I am looking forward to helping grow our membership while expanding and developing quality programs for our members, as well as preparing our future digital leaders of tomorrow,” said National Vice President Williams.

A proud native of Paterson, New Jersey, Williams discovered his desire to give back in 1997 when he opened an Internet Café and began to provide free access to computers for disadvantaged youth. He taught them basic computer and Internet skills. Because of his commitment to community, mentorship and technology, Williams contributes his time, treasure, and talents to support local and national nonprofit organizations that align with his personal mission and values. Williams is a former board member of the National BDPA, Paterson YMCA, Greater Paterson OIC, Urban League of Bergen County and many others.

“We are very excited and pleased that Mr. Williams has accepted this leadership position at BDPA. He has proven to be a results-oriented leader and BDPA looks forward to his guidance with our ongoing efforts of membership growth, corporate sponsorship solutions and operational excellence,” said Pamela Sexton, National BDPA President.

Founded in 1975 by Earl Pace and the late David Wimberly, BDPA is a global member-focused organization that serves the professional well-being of its stakeholders. BDPA remains committed to excellence and providing a wide spectrum of resources to members, corporate sponsors, businesses, educational institutions and the African American community. The organization is a catalyst for professional growth and technical development for those in the IT industry. With over 40 chapters across the United States, BDPA is the premier organization for African Americans in technology. For more information please contact the National BDPA Office at (301) 584-3135 or Email: info@bdpa.org.

National BDPA Announces New VP-Membership Management - Mildred Allen

Mildred Allen

BDPA, a nonprofit organization made up of racially diverse information technology professionals, announced a new member of its executive team. Mildred Allen was named the Vice President of Membership Management (VPMM). Mildred has been working for over 16 years with SCANA Corporation, an energizing force throughout South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia - bringing electricity and natural gas to homes and businesses, supporting economic growth and innovation and enriching our local communities. She currently serves as a project manager for SCANA. Mildred is a member of our BDPA Greater Columbia chapter. She graduated from Southern Wesleyan University.

“It takes passion to give back continuously, it takes passion to see the vision, and it will take passion to move BDPA’s membership to the next level," says the new vice president, Mildred Allen.

In her new role, Mildred works with a team of volunteer to grow the size and the depth of BDPA at a local, regional and national level. This group is responsible for recruitment, retention and contact management activities for all BDPA members. There is a great deal of interaction between the VPMM with the national office, Executive Director and Chief Information Officer.

Pamela Mathews

"I am very pleased that Mildred Allen has accepted the appointment as our VPMM,” says National BDPA president Pamela Mathews. “She brings a plethora of knowledge regarding our membership system and BDPA overall. She is an asset to our leadership team and the organization as a whole."

Founded in 1975, BDPA is the premier organization for African American professionals in the information technology industry. BDPA has fulfilled its mission and worked to bridge the digital divide by providing career growth opportunities for its members. Membership in BDPA can be purchased for $100 (adult IT professionals) or $25 (students). The organization is coming off 11 months of growth, increasing by 29% from this time last year.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of membership you can call us on (301) 584-3135 or by email (Mildred Allen, vpmm@bdpa.org).

BDPA Dallas Chapter Board of Directors (2013)

Stacy Stewart

BDPA Dallas chapter is bodacious in its planning and its ambitions for the coming year. The chapter has been growing its membership and building a steady flow of programs for IT professionals in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. As we have learned ... in BDPA 'everything rises and falls on leadership' ... and BDPA Dallas chapter is blessed to have very strong leaders.

Meet the BDPA Dallas chapter board of directors for 2013:

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Stacy Stewart, President
Employer: Health Care Service Corporation

Denise Bagley, President-Elect
Employer: Health Care Service Corporation

Chris Johnson, VP-Finance and Immediate Past President
Employer: Dallas Ft-Worth Airport

Angie Pesek, VP-Membership Management
Employer: Health Care Service Corporation

Debbie Young, VP-Member Services
Employer: JPMorgan Chase

Alicia McKinley, VP-Strategy & Planning
Employer: Dallas Ft-Worth Airport

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Please share some love for this remarkable set of volunteer leaders! In fact, you can encourage them in their 'good works' by making a secure online donation to the college scholarship fund for the High School Computer Competition team trained by BDPA Dallas chapter to compete in next year's championship.

BDPA Atlanta Chapter Board of Directors (2013)

I tend to believe that BDPA Atlanta is a frontrunner for the 'Chapter of the Year' award that will be given out on August 17, 2013 in Washington DC. If it happens then it will be the result of some remarkable volunteer leaders. Please share some love with the 2013 BDPA Atlanta chapter board of directors!

• President: Felicia Jones (Macy's Inc.)
• VP, Business Management: Derrick Brown (Macy's Inc.)
• VP, Marketing and Public Relations: Sharnecia Williams (Macy's Inc.)
• VP, Education and Professional Development: Jacqueline Sanders (Quintiles)
• VP, Technology: Alphonse Porter (Lockheed Martin)
• Director, Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship: Josephine Reed (Evans Technology)

Please share some love with the 2013 BDPA Atlanta chapter leadership team. Heck, support the chapter by making a secure online donation towards a college scholarship for next year's HSCC team. Doable?

Kroger's Steve Gutter Rejoins BDPA Cincinnati Board of Directors

BDPA Cincinnati chapter (BDPA), a nonprofit organization made up of racially diverse information technology professionals who advance the careers of African Americans from the classroom to the boardroom, today announced the newest members of its board of directors. Steve Gutter, a developer in the Software Engineering Department at The Kroger Company has been appointed to serve as BDPA’s Vice President (VP) of Strategy and Planning.

Steve Gutter

Steve has an undergraduate degree in Systems Analysis from Miami University and a Masters in Informatics from Northern Kentucky University. Steve has expertise in a variety of programming languages and operating systems. He started out programming in COBOL and has kept improving his programming skills to developing dynamic web sites using Java and is now developing applications at Kroger for devices which use the Android operating system.

Steve joined BDPA in 2002 as a volunteer for weekend technology training provided to local high school students. He took the leadership role in the annual BDPA Midwest Regional conferences held in Cincinnati, OH from 2003-2007. He was elected by the membership to serve as the chapter’s VP-Finance from 2006-2010. Steve has won a number of awards with BDPA, including Member of the Year, Executive Officer of the Year and a Community Service Award.

“I am greatly looking forward to my new position on the BDPA Cincinnati board of directors," said Mr. Gutter. "I have been very involved with the chapter in many roles over the years. BDPA has given me excellent opportunities to develop leadership skills that I can use to help plan how we can best strengthen the chapter’s presence in the community and the local IT industry."

Steve (far right) plans strategy for Cincinnati chapter

The new board will set the direction for BDPA Cincinnati as it provides programs, scholarships and services necessary to advance the careers of African Americans and others in the information technology industry from the classroom to the boardroom. The chapter meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2011 at the P&G Winton Hill Business Center.

Steve takes on this new leadership position at a time when the number of African Americans receiving undergraduate and advanced degrees in computer science is disproportionately low and relatively few African American high school students receive the kind of institutional encouragement, educational opportunities, and preparation needed for them to choose computer science as a field of study and profession. BDPA Cincinnati uses its programs, scholarships and other services to impact on these dismal industry statistics.

“We're excited to have Steve re-join our leadership as the VP-Strategy and Planning. Steve did a wonderful job in past as our VP-Finance with his ability to implement comprehensive standards and processes to keep BDPA in compliance with general accounting standards,” said BDPA Cincinnati chapter president Wanda Gray. “Steve is dedicated to BDPA and its members. We welcome him back to the board and look forward to working with him in his new role.”

Please REPLY or COMMENT on this post with some words of encouragement for Steve as he embarks on this new leadership journey!

BDPA Cincinnati Announces New Board Leadership

BDPA Cincinnati chapter, a nonprofit organization made up of racially diverse information technology professionals who advance the careers of African Americans from the classroom to the boardroom, today announced a new officer and member of its board of directors.

Dalric Webb

Dalric Webb, an Engineering Information Technology manager at GE Aviation, in Evendale OH, has been appointed to serve as the BDPA Cincinnati chapter vice president of membership management. BDPA Cincinnati chapter is the 8th largest (out of 45) chapters in the nation. Dalric is responsible for the recruitment and retention of members to the chapter.

Dalric, a retired US Army major, has a wide and diverse background in Information Technology spanning more than 30 decades covering multiple IT related areas including programming, system design, database management, teaching SQL as an Adjunct Professor, webpage design & hosting, IT consultation, and PC repair.

Dalric maintains his proficiency in the IT space through active membership in USBE, ACM, and IEEE. Dalric is an MCSE+I and received his undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Hampton University, his Masters in Information Technology from Capella University, and his MBA with a concentration in Information Management from Grantham University.

“I am delighted to join the BDPA board and I look forward to bringing my experience and energy to the BDPA team to help drive greater engagement from the Cincinnati IT community in networking, best practice sharing, employment opportunities, giving back to the community, and building the future,” said newly-elected board member Dalric Webb.

The new board will set the direction for BDPA Cincinnati as it provides programs and services necessary to advance the careers of African Americans and others in the information technology industry from the classroom to the boardroom. The chapter meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for March 17, 2011 at the P&G Winton Hill Business Center.

Dalric takes on this new leadership position at a time when unemployment is growing to painfully high levels for African American IT professionals and there is a dwindling numbers of African American students in college computer science programs. BDPA Cincinnati uses its programs, scholarships and other services to impact on these dismal industry statistics.

Wanda Gray

“We are very excited about having Dalric join the BDPA Cincinnati Board of Directors as the Vice President of Membership Management. Dalric brings his experience in working with other non-profit organizations and a diverse background in IT to this role,” said BDPA Cincinnati chapter president Wanda Gray. “When I met Dalric, he was enthusiastic and full of ideas on how we can recruit and retain members to the BDPA Cincinnati Chapter. I look forward to working with Dalric in this role.”

This Week in BDPA (Nov 7-13)

BDPA has 45 chapters around the nation. You can always find programs, services or networking activity here or here. BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry. Our hope is that you will continue to support Our Cause!

Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the centralized BDPA calendar :

• Nov 8: National BDPA - Webinar, 'Career Coaching'
• Nov 9: Greater Columbia - Program Meeting, 'Ways to Protect Your Confidential and Financial Information'
• Nov 9: Washington DC - Fundraiser, 'Annual Scholarship Gala and HSCC Awards'
• Nov 10: New York - Fundraiser, 'Annual Scholarship and Awards Dinner'
• Nov 12: New Jersey - Fundraiser, 'Annual Awards and Scholarship Banquet'
• Nov 13: Northern Delaware - Fundraiser, 'Annual Scholarship Banquet and IT Showcase'
• Nov 13: National BDPA - Meeting, 'Quarterly Board of Directors Meeting
  

We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the centralized BDPA Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events! Please let us know of other BDPA events that we may have missed. Most importantly, let us know if you plan to attend any BDPA events this week.