Staff

Mr. Robel Abraham has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since 2018 and currently serves as the Compliance Lead for Risk Management and Internal Controls. In this capacity, he analyzes and assess agency-wide internal controls, including financial and operational controls, pursuant to OMB Circular No. A-123 and GAO Standards of Internal Control in the Federal Government. Prior to joining the office, he spent four years supporting the National Guard with audit readiness, as well as three years at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Comptroller, where he coordinated with Department of Defense agencies and field activities, as well as the Department of Treasury. A Certified Defense Financial Manager, Mr. Abraham holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in accounting.

Ms. Karen Bass-McFadden has spent 9 years at the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation and now serves as the Compliance Activity Lead for Grants Management. In this capacity, she leads a team of civilian and contractor Grants Management Specialists and Payment Technicians whose responsibilities provide grants management support to grant recipients of grant funds. Ms. Bass-McFadden’s grants management expertise ensures the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation’s compliance with Federal grant requirements and Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulations. Prior to joining the office, she spent 13 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency where she served as Senior Grants Specialist. Ms. Bass-McFadden holds professional certifications in grants management and contracting from the Defense Acquisition University, Management Concepts, and National Grants Management Association.

Mr. Doug Brown joined the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation in 2015 and currently serves as the Deputy Director for Operations. In this capacity, he directs core business line activities associated with organization administration, information technology, and procurement activities. Prior to serving as the Deputy Director for Operations, Mr. Brown served as the Deputy Director for Programs and Army Military Liaison. Mr. Brown is a former U.S. Army engineer officer with more than two decades’ experience leading and guiding various organizations within Department of Defense. He holds a master’s degree in leadership from Washington University in St. Louis, a master’s degree from the University of South Florida, and a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He holds a Certificate in Public Leadership and is a recipient of the Army Engineer Association DeFluery Award.

Ms. Courtney Bruce serves as the Risk Management and Internal Controls Analyst at the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. Prior to joining the office, she worked for over ten years supporting various Federal agencies with internal controls and grant compliance activities as a private sector contractor. Ms. Bruce holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration degree from Old Dominion University and is also a Certified Defense Financial Manager and Project Management Professional.

Tara is Principal for Intergovernmental and Stakeholder Engagement for the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation where she coordinates engagement with states, localities, Federal agencies, and the White House by serving as a bridge between the Pentagon and governors, state legislators, county officials, mayors, and non-governmental representatives. Tara joined Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation nearly 15 years ago and assists states and local communities to plan and carry out economic development and compatible use strategies, base redevelopment efforts, industrial base innovation and modernization, workforce efforts, infrastructure projects, and climate change resilience activities. She also serves as the Department’s liaison to the White House National Economic Council (NEC). Most recently, Tara was a Senior Policy Advisor for Economic Development at the NEC where she advised on supply chain disruptions, place-based economic development, state implementation of US Department of Treasury programs, auto and trucking industry activities, manufacturing, and workforce efforts, and supporting equity programs for underserved communities. She also served on the Department’s COVID Task Force advising the Secretary of Defense on intergovernmental engagements.

Ms. Jacqueline Canales joined the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation in July 2023 and serves as a Project Manager. In this capacity, she supports programs across the Community Adjustment scope of work. Prior to joining the office, Ms. Canales served as Community Planner with Air Force led Joint Base Anacostia Bolling in Washington, D.C where she earned recognition in civilian service excellence in 2022. Ms. Canales also has experience community planning with the D.C. Office of Planning and shepherding land use technical assistance for municipalities across North America and the Caribbean with the Urban Land Institute. She holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Alexandria, VA with graduate certificates in Economic Development and Metropolitan Studies. She earned bachelor’s degrees in architecture and art history and archaeology from the University of Maryland in College Park, MD.

Mr. J. Mauricio Castro joined the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation in December 2022 as a Project Manager. He has approximately 20 years of experience in portfolio management, infrastructure projects, community development, and stakeholder engagement. Mauricio has supported and managed various Ports and Airports infrastructure projects engaging cities, states, and private organizations in multiple states in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, The Virgin Islands, Guam, and The Northern Mariana Islands. He has also managed grants for international development projects (economic development and climate resilience) in Latin America and Africa. He was involved in the Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Port Structure Assessment and coordinating human relief logistics around the island after Hurricane Maria. He has a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Universidad NUR (Santa Cruz, Bolivia); he was awarded a scholarship for postgraduate studies in development projects at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain; and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma (Sooner Boomer).

Mr. Terry L Chappelle has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since February 2023 and currently serves as a Grant Payment Specialist. In this capacity, he is responsible for reviewing SF270/271 forms to validate information and process payment of funds to grantees. He also aids in the resolution of discrepancies with grantees in the Grant Management System and communication in the workflow process. Prior to joining the office, Mr. Chappelle worked with the U.S. Department of Commerce in the Census Bureau and Xerox Corp in sales and management of Department of Defense and Civilian Federal accounts. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University and is Green Belt certified. Mr. Chappelle has also been a counselor with the Steve Harvey Mentoring camp for Boys.

Ms. Liz Chimienti has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since 2010 and serves as the Deputy Director for Community Adjustment. In this role, she ensures effective and compliant delivery programs of assistance across its stakeholders. Previously, she served as Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation’s Program Activity Lead for Diversification and Realignment, a Project Manager, and as a Presidential Management Fellow. She has maintained and analyzed Base Realignment and Closure property disposal data and compiled “lessons learned” from base redevelopment communities for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Since 2015, she has coordinated the development of the Defense Spending by State report and other technical assistance products for Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation customers. Liz has worked with applicants in over a dozen states to develop programs of assistance for communities responding to base closure, economic dependency on Defense spending, or reductions in Defense personnel or procurement. She is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations and holds a Master of City Planning degree from MIT.

Ms. Marina Clark has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since 2022 and currently serves as Chief of Staff. Previously, she filled a role as IT Program Support Analyst and Executive Assistant to the Deputy Directors. Prior to joining the office, Ms. Clark served 10 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force where she provided executive support to military commanders and later served as a Special Agent for OSI. Her primary educational background is in HR Management, but she also holds associate degrees in both criminal justice and business administration. Ms. Clark was awarded the 2022 Unsung Hero Award for her positive attitude and impact since working for the organization.

Ms. Traceyann Davis has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since 2022 and currently serves as the Grant Management Specialist. In this capacity, she ensures oversight and compliance supports for the Midwest/East Coast region for grantees through the lifecycle of the grant project. Prior to joining the office, Ms. Davis served as Deputy Director in the non-profit sector serving marginalized communities. Ms. Davis has over 20 years’ experience in grant management, community building and development. She holds a Master of Public Health and Leadership from Thomas Edison State University and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Marymount Manhattan University.

Mr. Frank Davis has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since 2018 and currently serves as the grants management specialist. In this capacity, he assists grantees with grant submissions and all grant related actions with the grantee. Previously, he has worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Duke University, the Departments of Labor, Commerce, and Health and Human Services, and with District of Columbia’s Department of Health. Prior to joining the office, Mr. Davis worked as a grants manager for NOAA. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from St. Augustine’s University.

Tomeka Duncan serves as the Compliance Activity Lead for Budget and Finance at the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation and has spent over 16 years in Department of Defense Financial Management. Prior to joining the office, Ms. Duncan served for 11 years in the U.S. Navy, successfully completing a Financial Management Internship at the Pentagon. In addition, she served tours at the Defense Intelligence Agency, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Education Activity. Ms. Duncan holds a Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in accounting from Strayer University and is a Certified Defense Financial Manager.

Elizabeth Fischer Laurie has served as Associate General Counsel for the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since 2024. In this capacity, she serves as primary legal counsel for the office. Ms. Fischer Laurie also supports the Deputy General Counsel for Environment, Energy and Installations on other matters. Prior to joining the office, Ms. Fischer Laurie worked on grant agreements and contracting matters for the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Programs, served as an attorney for Medicare claims and enrollment matters for the Department of Health and Human Services, served as an analyst for the Indian Health Service budget and the department-wide Public Health Service Evaluation Fund for the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources at the Department of Health and Human Services, and worked on real estate matters for the General Services Administration. She holds a Juris Doctorate from the St. Louis University School of Law with a certificate in International Law and a bachelor’s degree in international business and history from Illinois Wesleyan University. Additionally, she was a 2011 Presidential Management Fellow. Ms. Fischer Laurie is admitted to the Missouri Bar.

Colonel Michael Francis is the Senior Air Force Advisor to the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. Prior to joining OLDCC, he was the Commander, 78th Mission Support Group, where he led a diverse team of over 1,200 military and civilian personnel providing all support functions required to maintain the combat readiness and effectiveness of over 60 Mission Partners assigned to Robins AFB, Georgia. Colonel Francis has led in a variety of positions at the installation, combatant command, joint task force, major command, and Air Staff levels to include serving as the 627th Civil Engineer Squadron Commander, JB Lewis-McChord, Washington, 23d Civil Engineer Squadron Commander, Moody AFB, Georgia, and Installation Planning Division Chief, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Energy, Installations, and the Environment. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from North Dakota State University and a Master of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma.

Ms. Hiwot Gebremariam has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since October 2019 and currently serves as the Program Activity Lead for the Defense Manufacturing Support Program. In this capacity, she oversees the implementation and day to day operation of the Program which aims to support capacity of the defense industrial base. Prior to joining the office, Ms. Gebremariam worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, overseeing initiatives and funding programs that support rural communities’ capacity building, regional economic development planning and implementation. She first got her passion for public service working at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where she oversaw a water infrastructure needs assessment project in the U.S.-Mexico Border region. Prior to joining the Federal workforce, she worked at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the African Union Commission, as a consultant for Public Private Partnership (PPP), small business enterprise development, and regional integration. She holds a Master of Science in economics from Addis Ababa University and a Master of Science in environmental science and policy analysis from Johns Hopkins University. She is a recipient of 2019 Gears of Government Award and USDA Honor Awards of Excellence.

Mr. Daniel Glasson has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since 2006 and serves as the Deputy Director for Community Investment. In this role, he ensures effective and compliant delivery of programs of assistance across its stakeholders. Previously, he served as the Program Director for Community Investment, a Project Manager, and as a Presidential Management Fellow. Mr. Glasson has served in numerous capacities in the public and private sector, spanning work positions in the United States, Europe, and Africa, offering more than 20 years of experience in public administration, applied economic development, and urban planning. He holds a Master of Urban Planning degree and a certificate in Russian and East European studies from the University of Michigan; Bachelor of Arts degrees in economics and environmental studies from Case Western Reserve University; and spent time in Poland as a Fulbright Scholar. In 2018, Mr. Glasson was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service.

Ms. Patricia Gray has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since 2019 and currently serves as a Project Manager. In this capacity, she provides program assistance in the development and execution of grants aiding military communities. Previously, she filled a role as the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation’s Compatible Use Program Activity Lead. Prior to joining the office, Ms. Gray worked on various installation support programs with the Department of the Air Force. She holds a master’s degree in military operational art and science from Air University and a bachelor’s degree in geography and environmental systems from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She holds a Certificate as a Registered Environmental Manager.

Colonel Sally Hannan is the Senior Army Advisor to the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental engineering from the United States Military Academy, West Point, a Master of Science in environmental engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology, and a Master of Arts in strategic studies through the Advanced Strategic Leadership Studies Program, School of Advanced Military Studies, Fort Leavenworth, KS. Col. Hannan has served in a variety of positions at various levels to include Deputy District Engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District, Hawaii, Deputy Commanding Officer, 1st Engineer Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and Commander, US Army Garrison, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

Ms. Jennifer Hirsch has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since 2021 and currently serves as the Program Activity Lead for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program. Prior to joining the office, Ms. Hirsch held positions with the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Capital Planning Commission where she managed community planning, environmental policy, and historic preservation programs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural History from Brown University and a Master of City Planning and a Master of Science in historic preservation from the University of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Emilee Hone has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since 2017 and currently serves as a Process Analyst. In this role, she creates and manages the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation training materials and standing operating procedures. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Tech.

Mr. Kenneth Hughes joined the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation in August 2023 and currently serves as a Project Manager. Prior to joining the office, Mr. Hughes worked as a local government Planning Director in both Northeast Indiana and Southeast Georgia. While with the City of St. Marys, Georgia, he worked on resilience implementation, utility master planning, and housing issues facing the community. He holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Ball State and attended the Georgia Institute of Technology where he earned a Bachelor of Science in building construction. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and is a Certified Floodplain Manager.

Mr. Bo Newhouse recently joined the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation in July 2023 and is currently serving as a Project Manager. Prior to joining the office, Mr. Newhouse worked at the Air Force Reserve Command Headquarters located at Robins AFB, GA. Mr. Newhouse retired from the Air Force after 25 years as a Civil Engineer and Navigator with over 3200 flying hours. Mr. Newhouse was a 2021 American Planning Association, Federal Planning Division National Award winner for establishment of the best federal planning program. Mr. Newhouse graduated from the University of Alabama with a BSCE degree and graduated from Webster University with a master’s degree in computer information management.

Mr. Seth Isenberg joined the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation in 2021, where his Project Manager portfolio includes Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program and Diversification & Modernization. Prior to joining the office, Mr. Isenberg spent 12 years at the International Trade Administration (ITA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he began as an import analyst and then joined SelectUSA, promoting and facilitating foreign direct investment into the United States. His work at SelectUSA was recognized with two Department of Commerce Gold Medal awards, two ITA awards, and an honor by the California Association for Local Economic Development. Mr. Isenberg holds an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Asian studies from University of Pennsylvania.

Elliott Johnson joined the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation in 2023 and serves as a Management and Program Analyst for Procurement. Prior to joining the office, Mr. Johnson served for 23 years in the U.S. Army as a Medical Logistician and a Senior Enlisted Advisor, completed a tour in Iraq, and is a Combat Action Badge recipient. Mr. Johnson has served as Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for several years for various contracts while serving at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. Mr. Johnson holds a master’s degree in Procurement and Acquisitions Management, Business and Organizational Security Management, a Certificate in Government Contracting, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and is the recipient of the Army Superior Civilian Service Award in 2011.

Mr. David L. Jones has spent 15 years at the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation and now serves as a Project Manager across several program lines including Public Schools on Military Installations, Compatible Use, Installation Resiliency, and Realignment projects. Prior to joining the office, Mr. Jones served for 29 years in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Colonel where he also served as the Army Military Liaison for the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. Mr. Jones holds a Master of Science in systems management.

Colonel (R) David R. Kennedy joined the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation in 2012, and now serves as the Assistant Deputy Director for Community Investment. His current responsibilities include overseeing more than 100 active projects within the Public Schools on Military Installations, Defense Community Infrastructure and Medical Facilities Access Roads portfolios. Mr. Kennedy has expertise in the administration of Federal Grants, coordination with peer Federal agencies, outreach, and providing technical and financial assistance to defense communities. Prior to joining the office, Mr. Kennedy served in the U.S. Army for 27 years, including commanding a Battalion in combat as part of the final surge Brigade in Baghdad. He also served as an Associate Professor at the United States Military Academy. Mr. Kennedy holds a Master of Science from Oregon State University and a Bachelor of Science from Clarkson University in civil engineering. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Virginia.

Mr. Jonathan Kohl joined the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation in July 2023 as a Project Manager. In nearly two decades as a defense consultant, he has worked with all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. He comes to the office from the Air Force Secretariat where, as a consultant, he helped establish and implement the Air Force Community Partnership and Mission Sustainment (Encroachment) Programs. Prior experience includes community partnership development for the Army, strategic basing support for Navy mission expansion in the Pacific, environmental planning and compliance for numerous Navy and Marine Corps offices, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process evaluation for the Coast Guard, and staff assistance in the Office of the Deputy Assistance Secretary of the Navy (Environment). Mr. Kohl has a master’s degree in public policy from George Mason University and earned his Bachelor of Science from the Indiana University (Bloomington) School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Jessie Moore joined the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation in October 2021. Prior to joining the office, Dr. Moore served as a project manager with the Citizen and Immigration Services. He has served in various roles for over 15 years with the federal government in support of grants, contracts, and small business development. Dr. Moore is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. Dr. Moore holds a Master’s in Public Administration, Management and Leadership, Procurement and Acquisitions Management, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration.

Mr. O’Brien directs the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation and supports a talented team of professionals to assist states and local communities to respond to Department of Defense activity and support its missions. He is responsible for the creation and performance of many programs enabling states and communities to partner with the Department and its installation and industrial bases, including: $3+ billion program to improve condition and capacity problems at public schools on military installations; nearly $227 million in infrastructure investments in support of the Department’s Pacific Defense Initiative on the Territory of Guam; $110 million Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program to deliver long-term community investments to strengthen national security innovation and expand the capabilities of the local defense industrial ecosystem; $400 million Defense Community Infrastructure Program to support state and local enhancements to improve local military value, installation resiliency, and military family quality of life; and $75 million community noise mitigation program. His team presently manages a portfolio of over 250 projects (grants) accounting for $1.5 billion in obligations. Prior to joining DoD, Mr. O’Brien was a Presidential Management Intern with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development where he spent time on the Hill, working on community and economic development-related issues. And prior to his Federal service, he was an Assistant Business Developer for the City of Duluth, MN, where he assisted with the reuse of a closed air base, supported the conversion of a former steel plant, and co-drafted the State's first enterprise zone bill. He also served as a citizen representative to the Duluth Joint Airport Zoning Board. He has Bachelor of Arts degrees in Urban Affairs and Political Science from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he graduated “cum laude“ and as a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society. He received a Masters of Science degree in Public Management and Policy Analysis from the School of Urban and Public Affairs at Carnegie-Mellon University, where he graduated “with distinction,“ student-taught organizational management, and was elected to Pi Alpha Alpha. Mr. O'Brien is certified as an “Economic Development Finance Professional“ by the National Development Council and graduated from the Federal Executive Institute’s “Leadership for a Democratic Society” as well as Harvard Law School’s “Program on Negotiation.” He is the recipient of the: 2017 “Federal Leadership in Economic Development Programs” award from the International Economic Development Council; Ancient Order of Chamorri from the Governor of Guam; and, Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service.

Ms. Mary Catherine “MC” Ott has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since 2022 and serves as Associate Principal for Intergovernmental and Stakeholder Engagement. In this role, she conducts outreach to Federal, state, and local elected officials and serves as the Department's representative to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Prior to joining the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, Ms. Ott served as a Legislative Director at the National Governors Association (NGA), focusing on a broad range of issues including defense, homeland security, cybersecurity, public safety and veterans affairs. She also oversaw the Presidentially appointed Council of Governors activities for NGA. She previously served as a senior legislative analyst at National Guard Bureau's Office of Legislative Liaison, Senior Legislative Affairs Manager for Air National Guard and Cyber Security at the National Guard Association of the United States and was a Legislative Aide in the U.S. Senate. Ms. Ott holds a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from Providence College. From 2021-2022, she sat on the Board of Advisors for the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

Ms. Stephanie Roach joined the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation as a Grants Management Specialist in January 2023. Prior to joining the office, Ms. Roach has spent time with a myriad of agencies including the Air Force, National Science Foundation and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Additionally, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Cambodia for 3 years. Ms. Roach holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies, and a master’s degree in global communication.

Mr. Rogers has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since 2022 and currently serves as the End User Support. In this capacity, he serves end users in resolving hardware and software issues by fielding tickets and email communication, diagnosing problems, and performing troubleshooting activities. Prior to joining the office, Mr. Rogers served as a Help Desk Analyst with JSP. Dwayne holds a bachelor’s degree in health science from Virginia State University.

Mrs. Carla Scott has been with joined the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation in 2020 and currently serves as the Grants Management Specialist. Previously, she filled a role as the Grants Payment Specialist. Prior to joining the office, Mrs. Scott served as a Grants Management Specialist as a contractor at the Department of Agriculture. Mrs. Scott also served as Contracting Officer Representative and Team Lead at The Office of Personnel Management. She has a Contracting Officer level II Certificate and over 10 years in the Federal Government.

Ursula Simone Scott-Williams has spent more than 20 years at the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation and currently serves as a Budget Technician. Prior to joining the office, she worked for Arlington County, Virginia as an Administrative Assistant. Scott-Williams holds certifications in grants management from Management Concepts.

Mr. Scott Spencer has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since 2018 and serves both as the Assistant Deputy Director for Community Adjustment and the Program Activity Lead for Community Noise Mitigation. His portfolio includes Compatible Use, Installation Resilience, Diversification, Industry Transition, Growth and Realignment. Prior to joining the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, Mr. Spencer spent 13 years with the Air Force working as a Community Planner at the installation, major command, and headquarters levels. He also served as the Air Force Service Action Officer for the Department of Defense Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program. Previously, he spent 10 years in the private sector managing comprehensive planning projects for the Department of Defense worldwide. Mr. Spencer holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Geography/Urban Planning from Frostburg State University and is an alumnus of the Partnership and Community Collaboration Academy Managing by Network. In 2008, Mr. Spencer was awarded the Air Force Civilian Achievement Medal.

Ms. Melanie Stover joined the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation as a Project Manager in November 2021, and she now serves as the Program Activity Lead for Diversification & Modernization. Prior to joining the office, Ms. Stover served as the Interim Associate Vice President of Employer Engagement, Career Services and Grant Initiatives and the Director of Strategic Business Engagement at Northern Virginia Community College, where she was responsible for the College’s employer engagement and partnership strategy. Her leadership included management of key workforce and economic development programs, labor market research, and career services. Ms. Stover previously served in roles at the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. Ms. Stover holds a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia.

Ms. Catherine Summers has spent five years at the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, and currently serves as a Grants Management Specialist. Prior to joining the office, she worked for over 30 years in higher education, government, and private sector as a pre and post award grant administrator, and data management administrator. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and Master of Arts in economics, both from SC State University, along with a master’s degree in leadership administration from Cambridge College. Ms. Summers holds a professional certification in Grants Management Specialist from Management Concepts, along with a Project Management certification from Keller Graduate School of Management.

Mr. Jason “Jay” Sweat joined the Department of Defense in 2005 and currently serves as a Project Manager for the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. Prior to joining the Department, Mr. Sweat worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the Department of the Treasury, and as a city-county planner in Ohio and Florida. Mr. Sweat earned a dual Master of Science in public administration and urban studies and a Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of Akron.

Ms. Valinsky joined the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation in August 2024 and currently serves as a project manager. Prior to joining the office, Ilana served four years at the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), working on both the Economic Development Integration and the Research and National Technical Assistance teams. She focused on managing ride-along research projects for organizations including Argonne National Laboratory, Purdue University, Urban Institute, and Brookings Institute. While at EDA, Ms. Valinsky helped stand up the Build Back Better Regional Challenge under the American Rescue Plan and received the Secretary of Commerce’s Gold Medal of Excellence for her leadership on the project. Previously, Ilana has been a fundraiser, worked in philanthropy and with non-profits, and has served as a consultant within both the Philadelphia and Charlotte areas. Miss Valinsky holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in English from Davidson College.

Mr. William (Bill) Van Houten has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since 2019 and currently serves as a Senior Project Manager. In this capacity, he concentrates efforts within the Installation Resiliency and Defense Community Infrastructure Programs and has a lead in climate resiliency efforts. Previously, he filled a role as Associate Director and performed extensive procurement work, especially in the Information Technology area. Prior to joining the office, Mr. Van Houten had a 35-year career with the Department of Defense, with positions as a Contracting Officer for major weapons systems and R&D programs with the Department of the Navy, a member of the Navy IG staff; and positions within the Office of the Secretary of Defense as an Assistant Director or Deputy Director on international environmental engagement, climate change and energy compatibility programs. He also served as the Department’s Liaison to the Department of Interior. Mr. Van Houten holds a Bachelor of Science from Carnegie-Mellon University, a Juris Doctor from the College of William and Mary, a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University, and a Master of Science (Distinguished Graduate) from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He also received the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service in 2019.

Ms. TaSheena Walker serves as a Financial Management Analyst Travel and government charge card Systems Lead for Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. Ms. Walker served as a human resources officer in the Army Reserves Adjutant General’s Corps. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in paralegal studies from Grambling State University and a Master of Business Administration with concentration in government contracting and acquisitions from American Military University.

Mr. Wilson has been with the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation since 2006 and serves as the Deputy Director for Compliance. In this capacity, Mr. Wilson ensures compliance with the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act, 2 CFR Part 200, and the Anti-Deficiency Act, as well as supervises the integration of internal control and financial systems to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of operations and compliance with regulations and applicable laws, to include the reliability of financial reporting and management systems. Mr. Wilson has served as the Deputy Program Manager for Compliance and Integration, a Project Manager, and a Presidential Management Fellow. Previously, Mr. Wilson’s worked as a Competition Manager with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce, where he was responsible for grant oversight and management with the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. He is an Operation Iraqi Freedom military veteran with over 20 years of honorable service in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the Army National Guard. Mr. Wilson holds a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina State University and is a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute.