Emile Monette, the Senior Advisor for cyber security policy for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), will join us to discuss the agency wide and interagency implementation of cyber security initiatives related to government facilities and acquisition. Linda Mathes, CEO of the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region, will talk about the American Red Cross Ready Rating program and its importance to GTSC’s Designation of Leadership Excellence. Jose Arrieta, DHS Ombudsman, will discuss the year ahead at DHS.

Given sequestration, budget cuts and possible future government shutdowns, GTSC is committed to exploring every business opportunity possible for your success. From the Small Business Collaboration Group to forming vigorous Action Groups and developing the Contracting Officers workshop, we’ve accomplished a lot over the past year and we’re excited to keep moving!

Please note: this is a GTSC Member only meeting. Thank you!

Agenda

I. Welcome and overview of GTSC’s 2012-2013: Discussion of Lion’s Den, Mentor and Workgroup activity.

• Kristina Tanasichuk, CEO, GTSC
• Jon Ostrowski, COO, GTSC
• Workgroup Chairs
  • Chair, International Initiative: RADM Donald P. Loren, CEO, Old Dominion Strategies
  • Chair, Human Capital and Learning: Dr. Sheri Dougherty, President & CEO, DAI
  • Co-Chair, DHS Engagement: Sara Kindsfater0-Yerkes, Managing Partner, The Big Brain Co.

II. A View of the Year Ahead

• Jose Arrieta, Ombudsman, DHS

III. Meeting the Challenges

• Emile Monette, Senior Advisor, Cyber Security Policy, GSA
• Linda Mathes, CEO, American Red Cross in the National Capital Region
• Bruce Davidson, Director, SAFETY Act Office, S&T, DHS

IV. Government Relations

• Incoming Secretary Jeh Johnson
• Hill Activity
  • Michelle Mrdeza, Partner, Cornerstone Government Affairs & GTSC Founding Strategic Advisor
  • Chani Wiggins, President & Founder, Winn Strategies & GTSC Strategic Advisor
• Broadening our Base

V. Business Development

• Overview of procurements and focus areas for business development
  • Bill Carroll, Senior Partner, Strike Force Consulting
  • Andrea McCarthy, Senior Director NTT Data
  • Tony Sacco, Former Vice President, SAIC

VI. What do you see as our top priorities for 2014-2015?

The Challenge

As a business leader, you can’t ignore the facts. Emergencies are inevitable, and as much as 40 percent of businesses never reopen following a disaster. We know the “what if?” is hard to think about and we also know the process for getting prepared can be cumbersome and complicated. Having an emergency preparedness plan in place also helps to ensure the health, welfare and peace of mind of your employees, their families and your business’s community while meeting your business needs.

The Solution

Since its inception, the Red Cross Ready Rating program (readyrating.org) has been recognized by preparedness experts as the necessary and easy solution to help businesses, organizations and schools become ready to respond to and successfully withstand a disaster and other emergencies.

Ready Rating is an easy, web-based, self-paced member program designed to help organizations of all sizes become better prepared for emergencies. Members complete a free online self-assessment of their current readiness levels and receive immediate customized feedback on each area of preparedness, including strengths and areas in need of improvement. Members then gain access to an information-rich Ready Rating program guide with tips to improve preparedness.

Learn more from Linda Mathes next week at GTSC’s National Preparedness Month program on Thursday, September 26!

Linda Mathes CEO American Red Cross in the National Capital Region

Visit: www.readyrating.org

Follow: @RedCrossNCR

Linda Mathes, selected as a 2008 Washingtonian of the Year, is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region which includes the District of Columbia; counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Prince William; and cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park. Linda was recently invited to the White House to help recognize Red Cross Champions of Change.