The APMP National Capital Area Chapter is thrilled to announce and warmly welcome our newest Board Members! These dedicated professionals bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our leadership team, and we are confident that their contributions will significantly enhance our Chapter’s mission to support and advance the careers of proposal professionals in the region.

Learn more about your new Board members below, connect with them on LinkedIn, and meet them on January 16th at our Monthly Member Meeting!

Marketing Co-Chair: Jennifer Cassaday

I have been a member of APMP since 2018 and over the last 18 months have become much more involved. I currently hold APMP Foundation level certification, as well as Bid and Proposal Writing micro-certification. I’m currently working on my APMP Leadership Academy certification and will be graduating in the spring. I have nearly 25 years of experience in proposals with 15 years of proposal management experience. I started my proposal career in the architecture, engineering, and construction world (A/E/C), where I worked on all levels of government proposals. Transitioning from an A/E/C firm to a govcon firm wasn’t difficult as I had the experience of working on federal government proposals while working for A/E/C firms. I have worked for govcon firms for nearly 5 years. I believe my writing and editing skills would be beneficial as a marketing co-chair.

Events Co-Chair: Katie Pantanella

Katie Pantella is a Proposal Coordinator at DMI, having recently transitioned into the proposal management industry. Though she has less than a year of experience, Katie has embraced her new role with enthusiasm and a dedication to learning. Prior to entering the proposal field, Katie gained valuable experience in event management, through organizing conferences, dinner parties, and weddings. Her previous role sharpened her ability to manage logistics, coordinate multiple stakeholders, and create seamless experiences under tight deadlines. She is especially driven by the power of teamwork and enjoys bringing diverse groups together to achieve shared goals. Katie is excited to work alongside her fellow board chairs to create a valuable experience for NCA members. Outside of work, Katie enjoys crafting, reading, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Corporate Partners Chair: Jeremiah Walker

A seasoned business leader with over 15 years of expertise in cybersecurity operations and business development, I excel in driving results through strategic capture planning, revenue generation, and team leadership. My experience spans the full business development lifecycle, including opportunity assessment, capture planning, and proposal management.

I specialize in conducting thorough opportunity research, building persuasive business cases, and fostering customer relationships. My capture planning skills include crafting win strategies, forming strong teaming arrangements, and leading capture teams to success. Additionally, I develop comprehensive proposal outlines, compliance matrices, and executive summaries that transform strategies into winning proposals. Certified by APMP and Shipley Associates, I bring a disciplined, proven approach to business development and proposal management, consistently delivering measurable success. Jeremiah currently serves as APMP Professionals of Color Co-Chair.

Marketing Co-Chair: Nicole Mensah

 

Nicole is a dedicated Proposal professional with a strong background in supporting business development efforts in the International Development space, she’s worked with clients like USAID, MCC, and USDA. She is eager to leverage her skills to enhance the association’s marketing and communications efforts for the APMP NCA chapter and make members aware of the value that APMP brings to them.

 

Events Co-Chair: Rita Loza

 

Rita is an experienced proposal manager with over two decades of experience. Her experience includes managing US and international proposals and projects. Rita is also an experienced events manager with proven leadership skills managing domestic and international events. She is Shipley-certified in Writing & Managing Federal Proposals. During 2024, she successfully participated in the APMP-NCA Mentor/Protege program.

 

 

Annual Conference (MAC) Co-Chair: Suzanne Pasternak

I have been a member of APMP (on and off) for over 20 years and have most often attended the Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC). I am confident my non-proposal event conference will come in handy for the APMP-NCA MAC. For six consecutive years, I was the Chairperson for the largest one-day fundraiser at our local high school. This required a year worth of preparation, including advertising, equipment, food, website and coordination of 1000+ students and faculty. This fundraiser grossed an annual profit of $10,000+. Prior to the high school fundraiser, I was the co-chairperson for the Kensington, MD- Labor Day Parade. This one-day event included 70+ vendors (food and crafts) with three stages of music and entertainment – in conjunction with a parade of local organizations. I am excited to combine my skills of event planning with my proposal career.

Technology Chair: Victoria Lord

I have been on the Board of Directors since March of this year as the Events Co-Chair. I am interested in moving into the Technology Chair role because I am committed to the chapter and have a good handle of what we need to improve our site! I enjoy liaising with all of our Chapter’s functions and will continue to assist everyone with what’s needed!

 

 

 

 

Congratulations everyone! We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to the APMP NCA Chapter and look forward to a successful year of collaboration, connection, and achievement.

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