With Director Scott Denniston, Ms. Wegner co-founded the CVE in November 2000. She is responsible for planning; legislative, regulatory and policy development; financial management; statutory compliance; risk management; quality initiatives and customer relations. Ms. Wegner also supervises the staff. She is one of several principal speakers within the organization, with a special emphasis on Federal procurement. She has more the 20 years of experience in Federal acquisition and logistics, including positions as supervisory contracting officer with senior level unlimited warrant for VA’s Senior Procurement Executive; Chief of VA’s Acquisition Workforce Development Office and Senior Procurement Analyst on the audit team. Ms. Wegner has also served more than 10 years in Federal Small Business Programs. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management as well as a Master of Science degree in Health Services Administration. Ms. Wegner is a Certified NxLeveL Instructor with the NxLeveL Education Foundation. In June 2007, she received her certificate in Small Business Management from George Mason’s Office of Continuing Professional Education. To remain current on all procurement issues, she maintains her membership in the National Contract Management Association.

As the Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Pollard focuses on maximizing efficiency and effectiveness of operations and providing support to the staff. Often serving as the acting deputy in Ms. Wegner’s absence, Ms. Pollard ensures that CVE stays on schedule and that its employees receive the resources and training necessary to better serve veterans. Additionally, Ms. Pollard also provides Outreach and Liaison Support to other agencies, serving as a principal member on the Interagency Executive Order 13360 Work Group which organizes the National Veterans’ Business Conference. Her other primary function is managing CVE’s Recognition Program, a principal component of which is the annual Champions of Veterans Enterprise Awards Program. Ms. Pollard began her Federal career 15 years ago at USAID in Human Resources before coming to CVE in 2002. She has an Associates Degree in Business Management and is pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. Additionally, Ms. Pollard is currently enrolled in the George Washington University’s Event Management Program. She is a Certified NxLeveL Instructor with the NxLeveL Education Foundation. In June 2007, Ms. Pollard received her certificate in Small Business Management from George Mason’s Office of Continuing Professional Education. To remain current on all procurement issues, she maintains her membership in the National Contract Management Association.

Mr. St. John has more than 30 years of engineering and management experience, which includes the startup and turn around of early-stage and emerging companies as well as equity capital financing. He has extensive corporate experience through his former positions with Halliburton, TRW, Arco Chemical Company, Corning Glass Works, and Exxon Research and Engineering. He was also the Chief Operating Officer of INTECH Research. He is one of the principal public speakers for the organization. Mr. St. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Mr. St. John is a veteran of the United States Army. He was an Honor Graduate of the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College. In addition, he also graduated from the National Defense University. Mr. St. John is a Certified NxLeveL Instructor with the NxLeveL Education Foundation. In June 2007, Mr. St. John received his certificate in Small Business Management from George Mason’s Office of Continuing Professional Education. To remain current on all procurement issues, he maintains his membership in the National Contract Management Association.

Mr. Southern’s primary role is to promote contracting opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses within the corporate business community. He is one of the principal public speakers for the organization. He manages the very successful VetFran Program with the International Franchise Association and several formal corporate partnership agreements. Mr. Southern’sFederal Civil Service career started as the Information Management Specialist for Air Force Reserve programs. He later joined VA in the Office of Human Resources/Financial Management services and moved to CVE in 2002. He served 10 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, and then enlisted in the Air Force Reserves where he retired in 2005 with 23 years of service. Mr. Southern has a Bachelors Degree in Business Management. He has completed numerous job specific courses and is a Contractor Officer Technical Representative for the organization. In June 2007, Mr. Southern received his certificate in Small Business Management from George Mason’s Office of Continuing Professional Education.

Since March 2002, LaDonne Bell has managed CVE’s financial assets. Her duties include overseeing multiple construction projects which have enabled our office to add staff. As CVE Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative, she has also several managed contract support projects, including development of the VetBiz Vendor Information Pages database. Mrs. Bell also serves as a business coach in our Call Center. She is a veteran of the United States Navy.

Mr. Lassiter is one of the original staff members in the CVE, reporting for duty in November 2000. He is one of the principal public speakers for the organization and is in great demand. Mr. Lassiter serves as Executive Order 13360 Compliance Officer. Previously, he worked as a Senior Small Business Specialist in VA’s Office of Small Business Programs. Mr. Lassiter knows VA well, having served in several facilities and organizations in his 23 years with the Department. His experience includes more than 13 years as a Procurement Analyst and Senior Contracting Officer with the Office of Acquisition and Logistics; and assignments in the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Veterans Canteen Service. In June 2007, Mr. Lassiter received his certificate in Small Business Management from George Mason’s Office of Continuing Professional Education. To remain current on all procurement issues, he maintains his membership in the National Contract Management Association.

Ms. Zhussanbay joined CVE in 2005 as a program specialist. Her previous employment includes working as a consultant for a large government contractor and service in the U.S. Army. While on active duty, Ms. Zhussanbay served in a variety of leadership positions and has worked both in the U.S. and overseas as a medical logistics officer prior to retiring in 2003. Ms. Zhussanbay has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Kean College; a Master of Arts in Health Services Management from Webster University, San Antonio, Texas; and a Master of Science in Information Resource Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH. In June 2007, Ms. Zhussanbay received her certificate in Small Business Management from George Mason’s Office of Continuing Professional Education.

Ms. Torres performs quantative, qualitative and legislative analysis for the organization. She develops data measurements for the CVE, the program in general and agency or corporate utilization of veteran-owned small businesses. Ms. Torres coordinates CVE’s efforts in developing State programs for veterans in business. She is also Content Manager for the VetBiz.gov web portal. Additionally, Ms. Torres is the project lead for the VetBiz Initiative for National Sustainment, an interagency partnership to promote manufacturing. She joined CVE in 2005 following a diverse career as a professional musician, corporate buyer and program manager. Ms. Torres is veteran of the U.S. Army, serving nine years on active duty. She continues to serve as a Sergeant First Class in the 42 nd Infantry Division Band of the New York Army National Guard. Ms. Torres has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Horn Performance from Butler University; a Master’s degree in Music History, also from Butler; and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, with concentrations in Finance and the Management of Global Information Technology, from American University. In June 2007, Ms. Torres received her certificate in Small Business Management from George Mason’s Office of Continuing Professional Education. To remain current on all procurement issues, she maintains her membership in the National Contract Management Association.

Mr. Hicks is CVE’s media specialist, responsible for the organization’s public relations programs and media contacts. In this capacity, he supports CVE’s very active Outreach Program, coordinating between 100-150 events annually. He also provides business coaching support for the office’s national call center. Prior to joining the CVE staff in 2006, Mr. Hicks served nine years in the Army and Army National Guard, deploying to Bosnia in 1997-1998 as a Public Affairs journalist. In the civilian sector, he was the Managing Editor of a daily newspaper for three years before returning to military service with the Air Force as the Editor of The On Guard, a national publication for the Army and Air National Guard. He served in that capacity for more than four years before accepting a position as a communication specialist for FLW Outdoors, the world’s largest fishing tournament organization. While in service, Mr. Hicks earned a variety of medals and honors including the Meritorious Service Medal at the rank of Sergeant for Public Affairs excellence. In June 2007, Mr. Hicks received his certificate in Small Business Management from George Mason’s Office of Continuing Professional Education.

Ms. McCane is a Certified Administrative Manager with the Performance Institute. She has over 10 years experience in office management, including 8 years Federal service. She joined CVE in 2003. She initially managed CVE’s conference schedule and has since volunteered to assist with the corporate outreach program. Currently, Mrs. McCane is the Records Manager for CVE. She prepares routine correspondence and protects documents in adherence to Privacy Act guidelines and procedures. Further, she is the archivist and historian for the organization. Mrs. McCane is one of the primary business coaches for the Call Center. Prior to joining CVE, she served as a Technical Specialist (ISCO Certified) in the Messaging Technical Services call center at MCI WorldCom. Mrs. McCane is a Certified NxLeveL Instructor with the NxLeveL Education Foundation. She has earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management from Prince George’s Community College, and is currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Organizational Management. In June 2007, Ms. McCane received her certificate in Small Business Management from George Mason’s Office of Continuing Professional Education. She is an entrepreneur who owns and operates a home-based beauty salon.

Ms. Gould is a program specialist supporting CVE’s community events. Ms. Gould ensures that training developed for veterans complies with recognized standards for adult learners. She is CVE’s liaison to VA’s Center for Faith-based and Community Initiatives and the Transition Assistance Program. Ms. Gould also serves as the Training Officer for CVE staff. In this capacity, she assists staff members in defining their professional development needs. She began her career with the Brooklyn Public Library where she was responsible for training tutors and staff. Later, she joined the US Navy where she developed the training curriculum for the personnel in her department. She has also served as the Operations Duty Officer while stationed in Naples, Italy. After completing her tour in the Navy, she joined the Maryland Air National Guard where she is currently serving as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Squadron Medical Element. Ms. Gould has been involved in education and training for the past 10 years. She taught in various counties in Maryland and is Training Officer for the 104 th Fighter Squadron Medical Element. Ms. Gould completed a Bachelors Degree in English from the University of Maryland and a Masters of Education with a concentration in Urban and Diverse Learners from Goucher College. In June 2007, Ms. Gould received her certificate in Small Business Management from George Mason’s Office of Continuing Professional Education.

Mr. Brown is the technical manager for the VetBiz.gov Web portal, incuding the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) Database. He provides technical support to the 14,000 service-disabled and veteran-owned companies registered in VIP. Mr. Brown has traveled extensively to promote the awareness and use of veteran-owned small business program. He briefs and demonstrates the capabilities of the VIP database to Federal agencies and corporate partners. A U.S. Navy veteran, Mr. Brown was awarded a Navy Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement while operating the Quality Assurance program at Naval Air Facility Washington D.C. He also received four Navy Achievement Medals, two for Professional achievement, which directly contributed to the benefit of the United States and the Navy and two for leadership that directly affected the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. He retired in June of 2004 after 20 years of service. He then joined the CVE to continue supporting his fellow veterans. Subsequently, he earned an Associate of Science degree in System Administration. He is certified as a Microsoft Professional MCP, Novell Engineer CNE. He holds a FCC license in Telecommunication. Mr. Brown is a Certified NxLeveL Instructor with the NxLeveL Education Foundation. In June 2007, Mr. Brown received his certificate in Small Business Management from George Mason’s Office of Continuing Professional Education. He is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Networking and Telecommunication Services.

Kelsey J. Mortimer II serves as the Chief of Telecommunications Services and Corporate Affairs Specialist for VA’s Center for Veterans Enterprise. In this capacity, Mr. Mortimer developed the National VetBiz Call Center, using technology platforms to integrate and track voice, fax and messaging contacts from veterans seeking business start-up or expansion assistance. The Center processes an average of 3,000 calls monthly. In addition or providing technical support and business coaching services, Mr. Mortimer also volunteered to serve as the Center’s Continuity of Operations Program Manager. A veteran of the US Navy, Mr. Mortimer was awarded a Letter of Commendation for outstanding communication support in the Persian Gulf during Operation Southern Watch in 2001. He received an honorable discharge as a Petty Officer 2 nd Class in 2002. Subsequently, he earned a Bachelors of Science in Network and Communications Management from DeVry University in Arlington, Virginia.

Mr. Pae joined the healthcare industry in 1998 as a customer service representative for a private Health Maintenance Organization. He began his career with VA as an Administrative Fellow in the Los Angeles Healthcare System. In 2004, Mr. Pae accepted a full-time Patient Advocate position at VA’s Long Beach, CA, medical center. In 2006, he joined CVE to develop the Verification Program. Mr. Pae earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University Long Beach and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration in 2003. He served with the United States Marines from 1986 to 1990, both stateside and overseas. In June 2007, Mr. Pae received his certificate in Small Business Management from George Mason’s Office of Continuing Professional Education.

When CVE begins formal verification of veteran-owned small businesses, Mr. Morel will be the principal analyst managing application traffic with the Program Manager and the Database Administrator. He works daily on sanitizing information in the database to ensure that electronic addresses are current for the businesses registered in the Vendor Information Pages database. Mr. Morel is also a principal business coach in the Call Center. He is the liaison to VA’s Office of Diversity Management, responsible for coordinating CVE’s support of the Community Prosperity Partnership programs. Additionally, he assists the Outreach team as an exhibitor and logistics specialist. Prior to joining the CVE staff in 2005, Mr. Morel served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, which included a combat tour in Ramadi, Iraq during 2004. Mr. Morel is a Certified NxLeveL Instructor with the NxLeveL Education Foundation. In June 2007, he received his certificate in Small Business Management from George Mason’s Office of Continuing Professional Education. Mr. Morel speaks fluent Spanish and is developing CVE’s Export Services Support function.