WID -

by Norma Byron (August 2002)

Cultivating and supporting the advancement and recognition of women in all aspects of national security is the purpose of Women In Defense. The association is a non-profit 501(c)(6) corporation established in 1985. A volunteer-run organization, it is governed by a board of directors elected by the membership. Appointed committees carry out the association's mission.

Women In Defense is an affiliate of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). WID members automatically become members of NDIA. Members represent large and small defense companies, all branches of the Armed Forces, federal government agencies, academia and associations. As professional organization for men and women, Women In Defense attracts members whose careers relate to the defense of the United States and national security.

Members receive:

Opportunities for professional development.
A forum for exchanging ideas and experiences.
A vehicle for expanding your network.
Entrée to distinguished government and industry officials in open discussions.
A source for scholarships and mentoring through the HORIZONS Foundation.

HORIZONS Foundation
HORIZONS is a Women In Defense foundation established to encourage the pursuit of careers in support of national defense and national security. HORIZONS scholarships are awarded to candidates pursuing higher education who demonstrate significant leadership potential that can lead to contributions in the science, engineering and business disciplines. Fundraising events and corporate and private donations support HORIZONS. The foundation is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization established in 1987 under IRS code 501(c)(3).

2002-2003 Leadership

National Board of Directors & Committees

President: Norma P. Byron, The Ashlawn Group, LLC
Vice President: Jan Menker, Concurrent Technologies
Secretary: Heather Owens, Versar, Inc.
Treasurer: Becky Patton, Booz Allen Hamilton
Horizons Director: Marie E. Danco, TRW
Honorary Chair: Judy L. Smith, Booz Allen Hamilton
Historian: Carole Sue Coupland, FD Associates
HORIZONS Scholarship: Courtney Banks, Global Options, Inc.
HORIZONS Programs: Fritzi Serafin, epipeline
Communications: Carmella Thompson, BAE Systems
Programs: Merritt Hamilton Allen, Corrosion Engineering Services, Inc.
Sponsorships: Holly E. Keenan, Northrop Grumman
Linda Rusk, Raytheon Company
Suzanne Moore, U.S. Army Test & Evaluation Command
Jane Patrick Casey, NDIA Staff Liaison

Iowa/Illinois Chapter

President: Mary Adams, Operations Support Command
Vice President: Janet Masamoto, JTM Concepts Inc.
Treasurer: Jean Ligeno, Operations Support Command
Secretary: Gail Smith, Operations Support Command
Past President, Elections Committee: Sue Crisp, Operations Support Command
Programs: Nancy (Harris) Toohill, Operations Support Command
Membership: Elizabeth (Beth) Welker, Operations Support Command
Public Relations: Gail Smith, Operations Support Command
Scholarship: Sandra Easter, Operations Support Command

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