Meet the Board

Officers

Kristi

Evans

President

Lockheed Martin

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Kristi Evans

President

Lockheed Martin

Kristi Evans, Project Management & Planning Specialist Sr. with Lockheed Martin Training, Logistics and Simulation (LM TLS), recently graduated from Leadership Orlando Class 108, received her Protocol Officer Training Certification from the Protocol School of Washington and her Bachelor of Science in Business from Capella University, summa cum laude.

Her acute attention to detail, high energy, and passion for success has been demonstrated in the events she has coordinated. She has an extensive background in coordinating logistics for both domestic and international customer meetings, demonstrations, and conferences.

Kristi plays a significant role in preparing her team to best represent Lockheed Martin while demonstrating the utmost respect for the many demographics and cultures with which they interact. Included are her contributions to the LM TLS Innovation Demonstration Center, which has hosted over 58,000 visitors representing 75 countries and Lockheed Martin’s customer engagements at the defense industry’s premier modeling, simulation and training conference, the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC). Kristi is the co-lead for the EcosySTEM of Learning at I/ITSEC. Kristi is a member of National Training & Simulation Association (NTSA), National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) and member of Women in Defense (WID).

Dr. Diane

Diaz

Vice President

GRIT Gov. Solutions, LLC

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Dr. Diane Diaz

Vice President

Grit Government Solutions LLC

Dr. Diane Diaz is the President & CEO of Grit Government Solutions, a support services organization providing training and recruitment support to both the US Government and commercial organizations alike. Dr. Diaz has extensive management and leadership experience with over 27 years of senior level management experience with large corporations, managing all aspects of sales, operations, training, and development.

Diane serves as Vice President on the board for Women in Defense Central Florida Chapter which engages, cultivates, and advances women in all aspects of national security. Dr Diaz also serves on the Board for AFCEA Orlando as the Vice President of Membership, Latinos in Defense as Communications Officer/Interim Secretary and previously for Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship as an Ambassador.

Diane achieved her Doctor of Education Leadership in 2022 with an emphasis on online training and curriculum development. When not managing a thriving and successful business, her time is spent working with higher education and developing leaders and entrepreneurs of the future. As an instructor on business law/ethics, management, and education she strives to educate students at the bachelor and master’s level from all over the world.

She is the recipient of the recipient of the 2025 Florida Women in Defense Outstanding Service Award in recognition of unwavering dedication to the defense industry, exceptional leadership and inspiration and for advancing the mission of Women in Defense.

Candace

Croughwell

Secretary

Cole Engineering Services, Inc.

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Candace Croughwell

Secretary Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS)

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI)

Candace Croughwell is a Capture and Proposal Director at Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI),

a By Light Company, where she leads business development and proposal strategies in support of the U.S. Department of War, with a focus on the MS&T community. She has built a career around connecting technology, innovation, and mission readiness through collaborative partnerships and strategic growth initiatives.

Candace is also deeply involved in Central Florida’s defense and tech ecosystem, serving on the I/ITSEC PSMA Subcommittee, the VR/AR Association (VRARA) Central Florida Board, and now the Women in Defense (WID) Central Florida Chapter Board, where she proudly serves as Secretary after previously being an active member. A 2025 NTSA “Top Under 40” Awardee, she’s passionate about fostering collaboration, empowering women in STEM, and supporting the next generation of defense professionals.

Dr. Claire

Hughes

Treasurer

Design Interactive, Inc.

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Claire Hughes

Treasurer

Design Interactive, Inc.

Dr. Claire Hughes is a Senior Research Associate and the Human-Systems Integration Portfolio Manager at Design Interactive, Inc., with over a decade of experience in Human Factors Engineering and Human-Systems Integration.

She specializes in project management, end-user evaluations, and research analysis for training and operational systems, and has successfully led cross-functional teams through the full lifecycle of research, development, testing, and evaluation initiatives, resulting in user-centered solutions that empower end-users. Claire manages multiple research studies exploring the impact of augmented and extended reality (AR/XR) on the human sensory system and drives the design and delivery of innovative technologies across the DoD and VA. Her expertise extends to cognitive ergonomics, usability testing, and instructional design, enabling her to optimize learning processes and enhance user experiences through evidence-based principles and learner feedback.

In addition to her technical expertise, Claire is actively involved in advancing the defense industry through her support of Women in Defense and other organizations. She is the 2025 conference chair for MODSIM World and a member of the I/ITSEC program committee. Her ability to align strategic objectives with operational execution and deliver impactful, scalable solutions underscores her commitment to innovation and excellence in the defense and technology sectors.

Advisors

Debbie L.

Berry

Advisor

Zephyr Blue, LLC

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Debbie L. Berry

Advisor

Zephyr Blue, LLC

Debbie Berry (Deb-B), Zephyr Blue, LLC, has served the defense industry for over 40 years.

During her nearly 40-year tenure with Lockheed Martin Corporation, Debbie supported the simulation and training industry, domestically and internationally, as an engineer, systems integrator, project engineer, program manager, tradeshow manager and senior staff analyst. As customer engagement liaison, she was responsible for management of capabilities demonstrations, business development, advanced concepts and strategies.

Debbie is currently a member of the National NDIA Board of Directors and adviser to WID Central Florida. She served as president of the National Defense Industrial Association Central Florida Chapter, Women in Defense Central Florida Chapter, and the Association of the US Army Sunshine Chapter. She is a founding member of WID CFL, served as the inaugural chapter president and currently serves as an advisor. Additionally, she served as the National WID Council Chair.

Debbie served as Conference Chair of I/ITSEC 2001 and ITEC 2009. She continues to support both as a conference planning committee member and mentor. She served as the transition lead for re-branding the I/ITSEC STEM program now known as the EcosySTEM of Learning. Many know her as the Earle L. Denton Memorial Golf (I/ITSEC) Coordinator. Debbie is a charter member of the Modeling and Simulation Professional Certification Commission (CMSP) and an alumnus of Leadership Orlando (Class 78). She is a board member for the Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation and program chair for the annual Go for the Greens professional development conference focused on women entrepreneurs.

Debbie served three years as a senior mentor for the Harvard Leadership Academy program. She chairs the Central Florida Combined Professional Associations Group (CPAG), comprised of over fifteen member-based organizations.

In recognition of her distinguished service, Debbie received the prestigious NDIA Silver Medal, the AUSA Sunshine Chapter Royal of the Flamingo medallion, and the Noble Patron of Armor. She received a Lockheed Martin Galaxy Award, the AUSA Sunshine Chapter Earle L. Denton Award, and is the inaugural recipient of the WID CFL Debbie L. Berry Legacy Award which was named in her honor. The Legacy award is presented annually at the WID Florida Chapters annual conference to recognize selfless service in advancing the mission of Women In Defense.

Debbie received her Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Florida.

Sondra

Chambers

Advisor

General Dynamics

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Sondra Chambers

Advisor

General Dynamics Mission Systems

Ms. Sondra Chambers is the Senior Strategy and Business Development Manager at General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS). She has over 30 years of experience in defining and executing successful win strategies for Department of Defense business growth with a focus in providing training and simulation solutions in support of the Warfighter.

Sondra also enjoys supporting the Interservice/ Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) and has served on the Human Performance Analysis and Engineering Subcommittee since January 2020.

Sondra is passionate about STEM and early education initiatives and is an advocate for the Orlando Science Center and a volunteer for the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. Sondra and her family have resided in Florida for nine years where they enjoy activities including equestrian, baseball, shooting and other outdoor sports.

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Directors

Dr. Tracy

Boyd

Programs

Aligned Growth Sol.

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Dr. Tracy Boyd

Director of Programs

Aligned Growth Solutions

Dr. Tracy Boyd is the CEO of Aligned Growth Solutions and a DoD strategist who has been called “The SBIR Queen” by the companies she has helped secure over $650 million in funding.

Unlike most consultants, Tracy has worked inside the machine—building software, leading systems architecture, and managing $500M innovation portfolios at DARPA, Deloitte, Qualcomm, and the U.S. Army and Navy. That hands-on tech experience means she doesn’t just understand SBIR strategy. She understands what it takes to deliver on defense contracts.

She’s guided over 200 tech companies through the defense market, helping them navigate SBIR/STTR funding, OTAs, and rapid acquisition pathways. As a former leader at TechGrove and DOD Liason, she helped organize dozens of defense innovation events, connecting Central Florida’s tech community with federal opportunities.

Want to talk SBIRs, DoD strategy, or positioning your tech for federal buyers? Reach out, Tracy’s always happy to connect.

Lindsey

Spalding

STEM

Nat. Center for Sim.

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Lindsey Spalding

Director of STEM

National Center for Simulation (NCS)

Lindsey Spalding serves as Director of Workforce Development at the National Center for Simulation (NCS) in Orlando, Florida, where she leads transformative initiatives in Modeling, Simulation, and Training (MS&T). A passionate advocate for STEAM education, Lindsey bridges the gap between STEM, the arts, and national defense by cultivating inclusive learning ecosystems that empower students, educators, and professionals.

As STEM Director and board member of Women in Defense (WID), Central Florida Chapter, Lindsey fosters leadership, mentorship, and workforce development across the defense community. Her work includes spearheading programs like DoD STARBASE Central Florida, which introduces students to STEAM pathways and prepares them for future careers in MS&T.

Lindsey’s collaborative spirit and lifelong learning mindset drive her mission to build a resilient, forward-thinking workforce equipped to tackle global challenges and uphold national security.

Dr. Christina

Bouwens

Special Projects

369 Forge Solutions, LLC

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Dr. Christina Bouwens

Director of Special Projects

369 Forge Solutions, LLC

Dr. Christina Bouwens has spent more than three decades advancing the Central Florida defense community through her work in modeling, simulation, and systems engineering. She began her career at UCF’s Institute for Simulation and Training and has since held leadership roles across industry and academia, shaping technologies and practices that remain at the core of defense training and analysis today.

A recognized expert in simulation interoperability, Christina contributed to the foundational standards that underpin modern M&S systems, and her career has spanned pioneering work in cloud-based simulation, mission engineering, and large-scale training environments. She has also shared her expertise through teaching, mentoring, and serving on various I/ITSEC subcommittees.

Today, Christina continues to apply her passion for innovation to strengthen mission readiness and warfighter training. She recently founded 369 Forge Solutions, where she is pursuing her vision of assisting businesses to forge new pathways for growth and mission success.

Justin

Barwick

Special Projects

UCF College of Business

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Justin Barwick

Director of Special Projects

UCF College of Business

Justin Barwick serves as the Director of THE EXCHANGE at the University of Central Florida, where he leads the college’s efforts to connect students with industry leaders, alumni, faculty, and other changemakers. In this dynamic role, Justin curates and hosts engaging weekday sessions that bring real-world insights into the classroom, helping students build meaningful connections and prepare for successful careers.

Before stepping into this role, Justin spent over 15 years in the financial industry, where he was dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals through tailored solutions and strategic guidance. His leadership of the UCF Banking Partnership further demonstrated his commitment to bridging academia and industry, fostering collaboration between financial institutions and the university.

Justin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Florida and an MBA from UCF, combining strong academic foundations with deep industry experience. His passion for student success and corporate engagement continues to shape the future of business education at UCF.

Danielle

Golson

Historian

Eng. & Computer Sims.

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Danielle Golson

Historian

Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS)

Danielle Golson is a project management professional at Engineering & Computer Simulations, where she fulfills dual responsibilities as both a Project Controller and Project Manager. In her role, she oversees project financials by managing budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis, while also leading projects and guiding multidisciplinary teams across complex technical programs.

Danielle is recognized for translating data into actionable insights, improving processes, and fostering effective collaboration across engineering, creative, and operational groups.

Before entering the modeling, simulation, and training industry, Danielle supported perioperative process improvement at Nemours Children’s Hospital and gained experience in federal legislative operations through her internship with the U.S. House of Representatives. She holds an MBA from Rollins College and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and brings analytical rigor and practical leadership to every project she supports.

Katie

Murdock

Membership

C² Technologies

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Katie Eastburn

Director of Membership

C² Technologies

TBA

Lisa

Wetzel

Communications

Vikint, Inc.

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Lisa Wetzel

Communications Deputy

Vikint, Inc.

Lisa Wetzel is an inspirational, transformative leader and U.S. Army veteran who serves as the CEO of Vikint, Inc. an organization driving digital transformation across organizations
and Federal programs and initiatives. Lisa has 25+ years of experience delivering digital communications, strategic management, and organizational transformations. She has
worked with nearly 50 government contractor companies leading strategic positioning, capture, proposal operations, and delivery including 3,000+ proposal submissions which resulted in billions of contract awards. In the past five years, she has led the
implementation and delivery of 18 federal IT contracts. Commercially, she has led 50+ projects across organizations serving as a solution architect and strategic partner.

Lisa has been recognized for elevating performance, strengthening governance, and guiding complex, multi-workstream programs and projects with technical and business teams. Lisa is an active member of the American Council for Technology-Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC), educational organization established to improve government through the effective and innovative application of technology where she recently co-authored and presented a white paper with the IT Management and Modernization Community of
Interest.

Lisa holds a master’s degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma and a B.A. in Political Science from American University. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration while continuing research focused on organizational transformation, digitalization, and the integration of AI into modern work systems.

Dustin

Gray

Marketing

Vikint, Inc.

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Dustin Gray

Communications Deputy

Vikint, Inc.

Dustin Gray is the Creative Design & Development Director at Vikint Inc., where he leads high‑impact visual communication, digital experience, and reporting initiatives across federal programs. With 16 years of professional experience emphasizing creative development, strategic communications, and complex technical solutioning, he specializes in transforming intricate information into intuitive, mission‑aligned products that support stakeholder engagement and operational clarity.

His career includes five years of supporting major IRS modernization efforts, where he developed executive‑level dashboards, analytics reports, customer journey maps, web solutions, and other strategic communications outputs used across Treasury and other federal stakeholders. He has implemented and led successful reporting workstreams driving optimal and sustainable workflows to develop compelling visuals and reports for high profile executives, reflecting his ability to coalesce design, data, and strategy into cohesive solutions.

Prior to joining Vikint Inc., Dustin served in senior analyst and creative leadership roles supporting federal agencies including the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, DHS, VA, NOAA, HHS, and others. He is a strong advocate for professional development and design excellence, having trained teams on optimal tool usage, visual design principles, workflow optimization, and quality assurance practices.

Dustin also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Mary Washington University and brings a unique blend of analytical rigor, creative strategy, and mission‑driven execution to every project he supports.

Whether you're an industry professional, a member of the armed forces, a government employee, or an academic, your unique perspective and skills are essential. Contribute to our initiatives, share your insights, and be a driving force in shaping the future of our industry.

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