2017 Chapter Holiday Party and Awards Ceremony
by Myra Parsons Gross, ESEP, Communications Director
If you were there, you know what a festive time we had at the INCOSE Chesapeake Chapter Holiday Party Awards Ceremony. During this holiday celebration we thanked our supporters for their generosity with a formal Awards Ceremony.
We welcomed our guests and recognized the INCOSE Chesapeake Chapter Past Presidents in attendance. It was very impressive to see such support in attendance and we are proud to have the continued support of our Past Presidents.
In 2017, the Chapter re-established a Student Division at the University of Maryland College Park. Many of the students were able to join us for this event. The Chapter is grateful for the support of all its members and sponsors.
We were honored to have 7 past presidents at our holiday party. From Left to Right: Tony Gigioli, CSEP, (2008); Bob Levin (2007); George Anderson, ESEP (2010, 2015); Erik DeVito, CSEP (2014); Dr. John Lewis (2006, 2011); Steve Sutton, ESEP (2002) and Mark Walker, ESEP (1995, 2000)
In 2017, the Chapter re-established a Student Division at the University of Maryland College Park.
We had a successful year supporting our membership and their interests through monthly lectures, training, and workshops. We awarded scholarships to deserving local university STEM students, and supported local public-school science fairs.
We also recognized the untiring efforts of four Chapter Officers who have completed their terms in office. As you know INCOSE is a volunteer organization and the Chesapeake Chapter is fortunate to have a number of members who stand up to serve in leadership roles. The Chapter has benefited from the support of these individuals and I want to highlight some of their achievements over the last few years as officers.
Ms. Ellie Gianni, ESEP, is retiring from the office of President. As you know, the President serves a three-year term (President-Elect, President, and the final year as Past President). Ellie was a pioneer for the Chapter for a number of firsts, and one of her major achievements was the Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Certification Exam being sponsored by the Chapter at no cost to members and non-members. We wish Ellie well in her new endeavors.
Mr. Craig Tyler, ESEP, served a two-year term as Secretary. Craig was consistent and maintained impeccable records to document Chapter operations and business. Craig ensured that the Chapter records were managed under strict configuration management control. Separate from his assigned duties as Secretary, Craig was also a volunteer for a local Science Fair, and was readily available to assist a number of committees including the Communications Committee. Craig was instrumental in making sure the word got out about upcoming Chapter events. Craig will be missed; however we are grateful that he has offered to assist the Chapter in the future.
Mike Pafford, Chapter President, thanks Craig Tyler, ESEP, for his service as Secretary for the past two years.
Mike Pafford, Chapter President, thanks Gundars Osvalds, ESEP, for his service as Programs Director for the past two years.
Mike Pafford, Chapter President, thanks Mark Kaczmarek, ASEP, for his service as Membership Director for the past two years.
Mr. Gundars Osvalds, ESEP, served a two-year term as Programs Director. Most people have no idea the effort required to be successful in planning events, dinner meetings, lectures, workshops, and training sessions. This is a position that could benefit from a committee; however, Gundars successfully performed these tasks, many as the sole organizer.
Each event and activity could be viewed as a project, with major efforts being required to manage the Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Gala, and the Holiday Party and Awards Ceremony. Gundars was successful in identifying relevant speakers, scheduling their presentations, and in the coordination of the monthly Chapter dinner meetings. Gundars has developed a set of checklists for his role which will assist his successor. We are grateful for Gundars’ efforts and his dedication to the success of the Chapter.
Mr. Mark Kaczmarek, ASEP, served a two-year term as Membership Director. However, he felt his job was not yet done, and will be serving an additional two-year term. During his tenure, member SEP certifications have increased. In 2017 Chapter SEP Certifications improved from 41 percent to over 50 percent; one of the highest percentages of SEPS for any INCOSE Chapter world-wide.
Mark also spearheaded the efforts to ensure our members had visibility for employment opportunities, through networking activities and Job Fairs such as Tech Expo in 2016 and reStart in 2017. Mark is an excellent source if you are looking to change jobs or to advance your career. Please feel free to reach out to him!
Thank you to our Volunteers and Supporters!
More Photos and a Video are at bottom of post.
Special Thanks to our Sponsors
More Photos from the event
PHOTOS of the 2017 INCOSE-CC Holiday Party are available to purchase on the web site:
https://amandamations.smugmug.com/Events/Business/2017-INCOSE-Holiday-Party/