Take Five: Joe McMahon (BDPA Hampton Roads)

Joe McMahon is one of only two people in the history of BDPA to be the founder of two different BDPA chapters. He agreed to participate in our 'Take Five' interview series:

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1. How did you get involved in working with BDPA? - While serving as faculty at Southern University as a Navy Officer in the ROTC program, I received a request from two BDPA members in the Baton Rouge area to help launch a new BDPA chapter. Based on my activities in the community, I believed the mission of BDPA would provide the catalyst for increasing the technology based workforce opportunities. Within a year after launching the Baton Rouge Chapter, I retired from the military and transferred to Virginia Beach where I founded a second chapter, BDPA Hampton Roads.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of working with BDPA? - The National BDPA Technology Conference featuring the professional workshops, high school computer competition, and IT Showcase is a tremendous outlet for sharing ideas, showcasing talent and networking across the country. It is a great honor to have the Chief of Naval Operations and former Assistant Secretary of the Navy accept our invitation to serve as keynote speakers.
3. Tell us about a defining moment in your life? - My most defining moment was discovering the value of being prepared vice getting prepared. When opportunity knocks it's looking for someone. Many years ago, I lost out on an a career defining opportunity I truly desired, but rightfully didn't deserve. Despite having an equal opportunity to prepare, I did not fully invest the time and energy required to be the best candidate. Someone else was better prepared and received the opportunity. Since, I've worked to target specific areas of interest and consistently improve my skills. Since, I've enjoyed retiring from one successful career and happily moved on to a second career.
4. Who is your hero and why? - My mother raised two kids as a single parent. Each and everyday, I'm amazed at how much I appreciate her lessons on life and the safe haven she provided. Our lives were much simpler than I enjoy today. However, the foundation she provided was strong.
5. Any advice for people considering a donation to BETF? - BDPA serves communities to provide technology based programs where students can build on the skills and immediately apply them to the needs of the workforce. BETF provides opportunities to lift students to next level through educational scholarships and funds for programs. BETF provides resources to help students throughout the US. Take the time to explore what BETF offers.

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By the way ... are you wondering who was the other person in BDPA history to be the founder of two chapters? Norman Mays! Norman is the founder of BDPA chapters in Washington DC and Cleveland.

Oracle Scholarships Awarded to BDPA Hampton Roads Students

BDPA Hampton Roads student members Carita Jester and Janaf Wyche were each awarded $1,389 in  scholarship funding from Oracle Corporation to pursue degrees in the fields of science and technology.  The scholarships were presented to each of the students at November 2009 program meeting hosted by BDPA Hampton Roads chapter president Joe McMahon.

Both students graduated from college in May 2010.  Carita Jester attended Old Dominion University and received her BS in Computer Science and Janaf Wyche attended Norfolk State and received her BS in Optical Engineering. Janaf obtained her defense security clearance and is now a government civil service civilian and works in the intelligence community.

You can learn more about the BDPA Hampton Roads here.

Joe McMahon * BDPA Career Achievement Award

BDPA Epsilon Awards recognize individual achievement by technologists who are nominated by BDPA chapters or corporate sponsors. One of the five award areas is career achievement. Joe McMahon (Sabre Systems) earned the 2009 Epsilon Career Achievement Award.

His nomination read as follows:

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Sabre Systems is proud to nominate Joe McMahon for the 2009 BDPA Epsilon Award. Joe's superior performance has distinquished him from his peers throughout his career of more than 20 years as a technology leader, innovator and mentor. He reached the executive ranks on his steadfast ability to effect change, work seamlessly with senior corporate and military leaders, all while ensuring development of subordinate leaders. He is the founder of two BDPA chapters -- Baton Rouge and Hampton Roads.

As a leader of technology advancements, Joe has made a lasting impact on transformational technology. He served as Deputy Director for Innovation and Experimentation for the Navy's Network Warfare Command where he directed military, government civilian, contractor support and foreign military employees in strategic planning, technology discovery, concept development, experimentation, assessments and new systems integration.

He skillfully supervised technology development across more than 50 agencies including military, industry, research laboratories, academic institutions and foreign governments. His team integrated over 300 military technology capabilities for naval ships and shore installments.

He directly influenced over $500M in defense acquisitions for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps customers. As department head for military aviation operations, he directed and supervised the first fleet installation and operational deployment of AGM-65 Maverick missle system and CAINS II Navigation system for the S-3B aircraft.

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Joe was instrumental in bringing the US Navy to the 2009 national BDPA Technology Conference in Raleigh NC earlier this year.

I hope that you will take a moment to congratulate Joe using the POST A COMMENT link below!

BDPA Announces 2009 Epsilon Award Winners

National BDPA (www.bdpa.org) the source for diversity talent, announced selection of three outstanding IT professionals to receive coveted Epsilon Awards for Career Achievement, Professional Achievement and Community Service for 2009.

Epsilon Awards are presented annually to outstanding IT professionals who exemplify excellence among Blacks in the information technology industry. Epsilon Awards will be presented later this year at the 2009 National BDPA Technology Conference to be held August 5-9 at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, NC.

Joseph McMahon, a Business Director with Sabre Systems, Inc., will be honored with the Epsilon Career Achievement Award. Rosalind Shaffer, who is an Associate Information Consultant with Eli Lilly and Company will be recognized for Professional Achievement. Matthew Harvey, a Business Intelligence and Sales Reporting Team Leader also with Eli Lilly and Company, will be acknowledged by BDPA for his Community Service.

"We are very pleased to recognize the outstanding individual achievements of Blacks in Technology," said National BDPA President, Denise Holland. "In this economy, many African Americans in technology are concerned about opportunities for both employment and advancement. It is important to recognize outstanding professionals who have responded to the challenge and serve as role models that exemplify highly successful and fulfilling careers in Information Technology."