History of AFCEA-NOVA

The Beginning

In the autumn of 1976 a dedicated group of AFCEANs, spearheaded by representatives from industry and the Defense Communications Agency's Command and Control Technical Center, foresaw the need for an AFCEA presence in the Reston/Tysons Corner area. These visionaries recognized that this area was rapidly becoming a high technology center of excellence for both Government and industry. The closest AFCEA chapter met in Washington, DC, making it difficult to actively participate. Furthermore, the Washington Chapter focused on high level speakers who addressed policy issues. The Northern Virginia group desired speakers and programs that were more technically oriented, and addressed the needs of the majority of AFCEANs in the area.

Thus the seeds were planted for the creation of an AFCEA presence in Northern Virginia. This initiative generated considerable debate among its proponents, AFCEA Headquarters and the Washington Chapter. In early 1977 the parties reached a compromise and the Northern Virginia Subchapter was born. The first group of Subchapter officers were selected by committee, and included:

President Bob Schwartz Honeywell
1st Vice President Maj Joe Locascio, USAF DCA/CCTC
2nd Vice President Dr. Dave Alberts MITRE
Secretary Ralph Magnotti BDM
Treasurer Sam Hunt PRC
Program Chairman Maj (Dr.) Walt Figel, USAF DCA/CCTC

The new Subchapter held its inaugural meeting on February 25, 1977 at the Marco Polo Restaurant in Vienna. Dr. Albert E. Babbitt, WWMCCS Systems Engineer at DCA, spoke on "The Evolution of WWMCCS". Over 200 people attended, packing the restaurant to its limits. While this response surprised many, it mainly confirmed the beliefs and visions of the Subchapter founders. Northern Virginia was ready for AFCEA.

The officers adapted well to this outpouring of support. Subsequent meetings were moved to the Tysons Corner Holiday Inn, to accommodate the number of attendees. At the AFCEA Convention in June 1977, Bob Schwartz received the AFCEA Meritorious Service Award for his contributions.

The Growth Years

A lengthy period of sustained growth followed and, in June of 1982, the Subchapter severed its ties to the Washington Chapter and became a full chapter. Attendance at Chapter meetings grew as well, and in May 1986, the Chapter was forced to relocate once more, to the newly-opened Sheraton Premiere. During the 1992-93 season NOVA became the largest chapter in all of AFCEA - a distinction NOVA still holds today.

Over the past 30 years Chapter officials have maintained and nurtured the revolutionary, innovative character of its founders. New initiatives and positive results have been based almost entirely on the spirit, leadership and dedication of the individuals who have served in positions of leadership and the countless hundreds of others who have devoted many hours of volunteer service.

In May of 1979, NOVA held its first Technical Seminar, hosted by MITRE Corporation. The theme was "Global C3 Needs, Technology and Transition." This professional seminar became an annual event, designed to explore in depth, important defense related C3 issues. In April 1987, the theme of these seminars was changed, when the first Forecast to Industry was held at the Naval Surface Weapons Center. With extensive support from DCA (and its successor DISA), the forecasts grew and became the major source of Chapter scholarship funds.

While the industry forecasts served NOVA members well, chapter leaders saw the need to expand and refocus these efforts. As we entered the new century NOVA initiated military service IT days to give our members opportunities to learn about Army, Navy and Air Force programs and new business pursuits. These programs have grown exponentially over the past 5 years and sold out in 2006. Once again chapter leaders saw a need and met that need.

NOVA initiated many other professional and social events to serve the needs of its members. In February 1980 the Chapter hosted the first Sweetheart Ball, to coincide with Valentine's Day. The dance has become one of the most successful black tie events of the winter season. Attendees enjoy an extended period of socializing, a gourmet meal, dancing to the music of a big band, and numerous door prizes. In October 1984 the Chapter created NOVA News, the first ever monthly newsletter published by a chapter. It has been cited by AFCEA International Headquarters and used as a model for other chapters.

Recognizing the support of its corporate season table holders, NOVA initiated the Executive Roundtable in 1989 at Fort Myer, VA. Attendance is limited to season table holders. High level Government speakers are invited to share their views, in an informal non-attribution setting. In 1990 the NOVA Chapter hosted its first annual golf tournament at Andrews AFB. In 1991 NOVA hosted a Career Development Conference for its young members. This event was the catalyst for NOVA's successful programs for Young AFCEANs.

In 1992 NOVA created a Task Force on Women and Minorities in Leadership. The Task Force hosted periodic breakfasts, with speakers or panel discussions on topics important to all members. 1995 saw two more important initiatives: the start of a series of professional development breakfasts and the very popular financial planning seminars for members. NOVA met and conquered the worldwide web in 1996. The Chapter now has its own home page. In 2001 NOVA invited the DISA Notables to sing the National Anthem at each luncheon. They have been performing continuously ever since.

Scholarships became an important component of AFCEA NOVA’s portfolio from its creation in the late 1970s. During the 1980-81 season, NOVA formalized its relationship with George Mason University and gave the Engineering Department $15,000 - proceeds from the Technical Symposium that year. The George Mason Subchapter was chartered during the 1984-85 season. With proceeds from its professional and social events, he NOVA Chapter was able to gradually increase its annual scholarship awards every year. During the 2005-2006 season the overall funding for educational programs consisted of the following:

• $170,000 to the chapter scholarship program
• $100,000 to AFCEA International for veterans’ scholarships
• $55,000 for education grants
• $25,000 to the national disaster relief fund
• $21,000 for science teaching tools
• $20,000 to the AFCEA International scholarship fund
  

In 2007 NOVA committed $100,000 to a joint partnership with the Fairfax County Public School System and the Udvar-Hazy Center for a distance learning program in science and mathematics.

The Future

The past 30 years have been exciting. The NOVA Chapter and its members have won more international chapter and individual awards than any other chapter. Chapter leaders have never lost sight of the goals and aspirations of those who founded the original Subchapter. They have also maintained their vision and spirit. With a fresh cadre of volunteers each year, NOVA is poised to continue to grow and prosper.

Chapter Bylaws

ARTICLE I NAME AND LOCATION

Section 1: Name. The name of this Chapter shall be the Northern Virginia Chapter, Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), hereafter called the NOVA Chapter.

Section 2: Location. The headquarters of the NOVA Chapter shall be located in Northern Virginia.

ARTICLE II OBJECTIVES

Section 1: General Objective. The NOVA Chapter shall be a patriotic, educational, scientific, non political, and non profit making association of individuals, industrial organizations, and educational institutions. It shall promote industry-government cooperation in developing effective intelligence and information management, including the development, manufacture and operation of equipment and systems, and provision of services in the fields of signals, communications, electronics, computers, intelligence systems, command and control, and imagery.

Section 2: Specific Objectives. In furtherance of this general objective and in addition to the specific objectives in the AFCEA By laws, the NOVA Chapter shall:

a. Provide an ethical forum for the general membership and diverse groups within the membership, to exchange ideas and information on communications, electronics, command and control, avionics, computer technology, and audiovisual techniques.

b. Work closely with Washington area AFCEA organizations to insure mutually cooperative and supportive programs and activities in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

c. Operate in a non profit mode and ensure that no part of its net earnings inure to the benefit of its members, except for fairly competed scholarships. All programs undertaken by the chapter shall support the Chapter’s objectives.

d. Contribute to the professional development of those serving in the C4I fields and those interested in the pursuit of C4I fields.

ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: General. Membership in the NOVA Chapter shall be open to all individuals and corporations in Northern Virginia, the Washington metropolitan area, and other geographic regions as approved by AFCEA International.

Section 2: Classes of Membership. Classes of membership shall be as prescribed in the AFCEA International By laws.

Section 3: Dues. Membership dues shall be as prescribed by AFCEA International Headquarters. There shall be no chapter dues.

Section 4: Administrative. Subject to Sections 1 and 2 above, NOVA Chapter membership shall be administered pursuant to the following:

a. The term "members" except where specifically stated otherwise in these bylaws, shall mean regular and life members only, as defined in the AFCEA By laws.

b. Members shall be entitled to vote in all NOVA Chapter elections.

c. Only members of the Board of Directors or their proxy shall vote at any board meeting.

Section 5: Restriction. Only members of the NOVA Chapter shall be eligible to hold offices in said chapter.

Section 6: Participation by Active Military and Government Personnel. Military and government personnel may serve in non paying positions of responsibility in the NOVA Chapter, if duly elected or appointed, if holding membership in AFCEA, and if in accordance with current military and government regulations and directives.

ARTICLE IV ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE

Section 1: Organization. The organization of the NOVA Chapter shall be comprised of its officers, and a Board of Directors. The officers shall be elected in June of each year and shall serve from July 1st of that year until June 30th of the following year. The officers shall consist of a President, a Vice President for Chapter Affairs, a Vice President for Programs, a Vice President for Special Activities, a Vice President for Membership Services, a Vice President for Government Affairs, a Vice President for Information, and a Treasurer.

Section 2: Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall consist of the chapter officers, and five past chapter presidents. . The President will appoint the past presidents and their term will be coincident with the term of the officers. The Board of Directors shall be the governing body for the chapter, and have oversight responsibility for the affairs of the chapter. The Board of Directors shall meet monthly. A quorum will consist of 8 voting members. The board meetings will be open to all past presidents.

Section 3: Committees. The following committees shall be organized and function within the NOVA Chapter: Arrangements, Awards, Education, Executive Roundtable, Finance, Government Liaison, Membership, Nominating, Programs, Publicity, Reservations, Strategic Planning, Sweetheart Ball, Symposia, and Young AFCEAN.

Section 4: Vacancies and Removal. A vacancy in the office of the President shall be filled by a Vice President selected by the Board of Directors. The President shall fill casual vacancies in the offices of the Vice Presidents, the Secretary, and the Treasurer, by appointment, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors. An officer so elected to fill a vacancy shall serve the unexpired term of the predecessor. The Board of Directors, by affirmative vote of majority of a quorum, may remove any officer or committee chairperson for cause.

Section 5: Compensation. Members of the Chapter shall not receive any compensation for their services, except as approved by the Board of Directors

ARTICLE V CHAPTER OFFICERS ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 1: President. The President is the principal point of contact between the chapter and its members, AFCEA International Headquarters, and the public at large. The President shall:

a. Perform all duties usual to that office.

b. Preside at all meetings of the membership and Board of Directors.

c. Appoint all committee chairpersons with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, be ex officio member of all chapter committees and be responsible for general supervision of the Nominating, Strategic Planning Committees, and any special committees established by the President.

d. Nominating. The Nominating Committee is responsible for presenting a slate of officers for approval at the June meeting. The Chairman of the Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the President but will be a Past President of the NOVA Chapter . Membership of the committee will be a minimum of four NOVA Chapter Past Presidents, but all NOVA Chapter Past Presidents are eligible to participate. The Chairman shall, with approval of the committee, present a slate of officers to the Chapter at the May meeting. Nominations may be made from the floor to the committee at any time prior to the June meeting. Officers shall be approved by the General Membership and installed in office at the close of the June meeting.

e. Strategic Planning. The Strategic Planning Committee, under the general supervision of the President, shall provide for the general direction of the Chapter. The Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee shall be appointed by the President from one of the Past Presidents of the NOVA Chapter. Membership of the committee will be a minimum of four NOVA Chapter Past Presidents, but all NOVA Chapter Past Presidents are eligible to participate. The Committee will provide broad guidelines for the Chapter's activities for the future growth and development of the Chapter, taking into account AFCEA's mission and objectives, the environment expected during the period, and resource considerations.

f. Special Committees. The President, with approval of the Board of Directors, shall appoint such other committees as are necessary, insuring that they are not in conflict with other provisions of these By laws. When establishing a special committee, the President shall prescribe its duties and specify its termination date, which will be no longer than the term of the President.

Section 2: Vice President for Chapter Affairs. The Vice President for Chapter Affairs shall render the President such assistance as may be required and shall act on behalf of the President when the latter is unable to be present. The Vice President for Chapter Affairs is the chapter interface with Chapters Services at AFCEA International Headquarters. The Vice President for Chapter Affairs shall be ex-officio member of the Education, Finance and Awards Committees and is responsible for general supervision of these committees.

a. Awards. The Awards Committee, under the general supervision of the Vice President for Chapter Affairs, is constituted to review those persons who deserve special recognition for contributing to the goals, objectives, and general welfare of the chapter and AFCEA. The Awards Committee shall interface with the AFCEA International Awards Committee, and shall meet as necessary to recommend to the President those chapter members deserving of any of the awards authorized by AFCEA International Headquarters.

b. Education. The Education Committee, under the general supervision of the Vice President for Chapter Affairs, shall interface with the Board of Directors of the AFCEA Educational Fund and shall promote and foster education in disciplines supporting AFCEA.

c. Finance. The Finance committee, under the general supervision of the Vice President for Chapter Affairs, will act as an advisor to the Vice President for Chapter Affairs and Board of Directors on all financial matters and will make an annual audit of the Chapter accounts.

Section 3: Vice President for Programs. The Vice President for Programs shall render the President such assistance as may be required and shall act on behalf of the President when the latter is unable to be present. The Vice President for Programs shall ex officio be a member of the Arrangements, Executive Roundtable, Programs, and Reservations Committees and is responsible for general supervision of these committees. He shall be responsible for any head table guests at monthly meetings.

a. Programs. The Programs Committee, under the general supervision of the Vice President for Programs, is responsible for securing prominent guest speakers for chapter meetings and shall coordinate all other chapter official functions. The Programs Committee is also responsible for head table seating.

b. Arrangements. The Arrangements Committee, under the general supervision of the Vice President for Programs, shall be responsible for planning and arrangement of all meetings of the general membership, and when required, the Board of Directors. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, meeting site reservations and audiovisual support.

c. Reservations. The Reservations Committee, under the general supervision of the Vice President for Programs, shall be responsible for insuring the membership has sufficient capacity for the monthly luncheons. The responsibility should include but not be limited to meeting reservations, registration and ticket disbursement.

d. Executive Roundtable. The Executive Roundtable Committee, under the general supervision of the Vice President for Programs, shall be responsible for planning and arranging of each seminar or roundtable discussion to be held by the Chapter. The Board of Directors shall prescribe attendance of the roundtables.

Section 4: Vice President for Special Activities. The Vice President for Special Activities shall render the President such assistance as may be required and shall act on behalf of the President when the latter is unable to be present. The Vice President for Special Activities shall ex officio be a member of the Sweetheart Ball, Symposia, or any other special event Committee the chapter may deem necessary, and is responsible for general supervision of these committees.

a. Sweetheart Ball. The Sweetheart Ball Committee, under the general supervision of the Vice President for Special Activities, shall be responsible for the planning and arrangement of the Sweetheart Ball. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the site reservation, entertainment, registration and ticket distribution.

b. Symposia. The Symposia Committee, under the general supervision of the Vice President for Special Activities, shall be responsible for the planning and arrangement of the Technical Symposia. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the site reservation, specific topic area, registration and ticket distribution.

Section 5: Vice President for Membership Services. The Vice President for Membership Services shall render the President such assistance as may be required and shall act on behalf of the President when the latter is unable to be present. The Vice President for Membership Services shall ex officio be a member of the Membership and Young AFCEAN Committee,, and any other special Committee the chapter may deem necessary, and is responsible for general supervision of this or any other committee as determined. The Vice President for Membership Services shall be responsible for the maintenance of current membership records at all times, and is the chapter interface with Membership Services at AFCEA International Headquarters.

a. Membership. The Membership Committee, under the general supervision of the Vice President for Membership Services, is responsible for securing new members and retaining current members, both individual and corporate. The committee shall initiate and manage chapter membership promotion programs and respond to those programs initiated by AFCEA International Headquarters. The committee shall review the monthly membership roster provided by AFCEA International Headquarters for follow up action on those members whose membership is about to expire. The Membership Committee shall maintain current membership records at all times.

b. Young AFCEAN. The Young AFCEAN Committee, under the general supervision of the Vice President for Membership Services, shall be responsible for the coordination of programs, which will insure the increase of membership of Young AFCEAN members who will develop and improve the effectiveness of the goal of AFCEA. The Committee will launch programs, which will attract and maintain such members.

Section 6: Vice President for Government Affairs. The Vice President for Government Affairs shall render the President such assistance as may be required and shall act on behalf of the President when the latter is unable to be present. The Vice President for Government Affairs shall ex officio be a member of the Government Liaison Committee and is responsible for the general supervision of these and any other committee as determined. The Vice President for Government Affairs has the responsibility for identifying and coordinating with appropriate liaisons in government organizations.

a. Government Liaison. The Government Liaison Committee, under the general supervision of the Vice President for Government Affairs, shall coordinate seating arrangements of Government guests for the monthly meetings and assure the attendance of Government guests.

Section 7: Vice President for Information. The Vice President for Information is responsible for maintaining all chapter records, reports, and minutes of Board of Director meetings, . The Vice President for Information is the official correspondent for the chapter and shall prepare for the president such reports as may be required. The Vice President for Information shall appoint a Recording Secretary (or Recorder) to maintain the Chapter’s records, and the VP for Information shall serve as an ex officio a member of the Publicity Committee and is responsible for the general supervision of this and any other committee as determined.

a. Recording Secretary (or Recorder) whose primary responsibility is to maintain accurate chapter records, reports and minutes, and present them to the President and Board of Directors for review and approval.

b. Publicity. The Publicity Committee, under the general supervision of the Vice President for Information, shall publicize all chapter activities through various trade, military, and public journals, as well as advertise through electronic, other PR outlets, or print media. The Chairperson shall arrange for photographic coverage of meetings, symposia, and social events, as appropriate, and is the chapter point of contact with the Editor of SIGNAL magazine.

c. Historian. The Historian, under the general supervision of the Vice President for Information, is the main focal point for recording all past events into the information base. The Historian will be a Past President of the Chapter. The Historian will make available at request mementoes, documents, etc. for presentation at appropriate meetings and events. The Historian may appoint additional members for assistance as necessary.

Section 8: Treasurer. The Treasurer is responsible for gathering, disbursing, and managing the chapter funds and is the custodian of chapter reserves. The Treasurer is ex officio a member of the Finance Committee. The Treasurer shall receive and deposit all chapter funds, disburse funds as authorized by the chapter officers, prepare all financial reports, and maintain all tax records required of the chapter operating as a non profit, tax exempt entity.

ARTICLE VI MEETINGS

Section 1: General. Regular meetings shall normally be scheduled once each month from September through June. The Board of Directors may reduce the number of meetings.

Section 2: Meetings Notices. Notice shall be made available at least one week prior to regularly scheduled meetings, citing as a minimum, the date, time, place, and purpose of meeting.

Section 3: Voting. Members may vote by proxy at meetings by providing written proxy authorization to another member. This proxy shall be valid for a period not to exceed 3 months. There is no limit to the number of proxy votes, which may be cast at a meeting.

ARTICLE VII – Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Chapter in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order the Chapter may adopt. The parliamentarian will be a current member of the Board of Directors and appointed by the president.

ARTICLE VIII DELEGATES

Section 1: General. The Chapter is entitled to send delegates to the annual AFCEA meeting held in conjunction with the international TechNET convention as scheduled by AFCEA International. The chapter President with the advice and concurrence of the Board of Directors shall appoint chapter delegates.

ARTICLE IX AMENDMENTS

Section 1: Amendments. Proposed amendments to these By laws shall be submitted to the entire membership one month before they are voted upon at a regular meeting, or may be included in the notice of such meetings if the notice is provided to each member. In order to be adopted, amendments must be approved by a majority of members present at a regularly scheduled meeting. Amendments, which have been adopted, shall become effective upon receipt of approval by AFCEA International Headquarters.

ARTICLE X DISSOLUTION

Section 1: Dissolution. On dissolution of the NOVA Chapter, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all liabilities and legal obligations, dispose of all the remaining chapter assets by transferring such assets to an organization or organizations as the Board shall select which is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes. Such an organization or organizations, at that time, shall qualify as tax exempt organization under applicable provisions and regulations of the Internal Revenue Code.

As amended effective: June 2004

Awards and Recognition Programs

Logos & Letterhead

Other Regional AFCEA Chapters

Sister Chapters in the National Capital Region

• AFCEA DC
  www.afceadc.org
• AFCEA Belvoir
  belvior.afceachapter.org
• AFCEA Bethesda
  www.bethesda-afcea.org
• AFCEA Central Maryland
  www.afcea-central-md.org

Sister Chapters in the Greater Tri-State Area

Virginia

• AFCEA Dahlgren
  gary.wagner@nnsoc.navy.mil
• AFCEA Quantico-Potomac
  www.afcea-qp.org
• AFCEA Hampton Roads
  www.afceahamptonroads.org
• AFCEA Tidewater
  www.tidewaterafcea.org

Maryland

• AFCEA Aberdeen
  hcunning@atc.army.mil
• AFCEA Frederick
  frederick.afceachapter.org
• AFCEA Germantown
  charles.s.sharrocks@saic.com
• AFCEA Southern Maryland
  www.somd-afcea.org