Afternoon Tea: Recent Episodes
Afternoon Tea
Join us for the behind the scenes scoop and real conversations around Federal contracting including how Government and industry leaders make tough decisions that get the big contract awards, career move insights and discussion on topics that are shifting paradigms from the leaders behind the transformative shifts.
Theresa is joined today by the Vice President of Operations in Cognosante's Military and Veterans Health business unit. Check out part two of their lively discussion.
Randy Tharp
Randy Tharp is Vice President, Operations for Cognosante’s Military and Veterans Health business unit. An Army Veteran, he served two combat tours to Iraq with the 1st Infantry Division. In his current role, Randy oversees the execution of major initiatives supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs and Defense Health Agency.
After his service, Randy amassed over 15 years of experience through positions at the Executive Office of the President for the Office of the Federal CIO, and private industry at government contractors Leidos and ManTech. During that time, he led both business development and operations. Passionate about public service, Randy is the President and Co-Founder of the national non-profit VETSports, an organization that combats Veteran isolation through sports and service programs.
Randy holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Catholic University of America and has served on many boards from local government to non-profits supporting Veteran initiatives.
About Cognosante
Cognosante is a mission-driven technology company delivering innovative and transformative solutions improving the health and safety of Americans. With more than a decade of experience supporting Federal and state government agencies, we address the nation’s critical challenges through multi-faceted technology and customer experience (CX) solutions. Our broad range of capabilities includes enterprise IT and cloud, data science, DevSecOps, telehealth, interoperability, public health surveillance, clinical performance, eligibility and enrollment, and consumer engagement. For more information, visit www.cognosante.com
Theresa is joined today by the Vice President of Operations in Cognosante's Military and Veterans Health business unit. Check out part one of their lively discussion.
Randy Tharp
Randy Tharp is Vice President, Operations for Cognosante’s Military and Veterans Health business unit. An Army Veteran, he served two combat tours to Iraq with the 1st Infantry Division. In his current role, Randy oversees the execution of major initiatives supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs and Defense Health Agency.
After his service, Randy amassed over 15 years of experience through positions at the Executive Office of the President for the Office of the Federal CIO, and private industry at government contractors Leidos and ManTech. During that time, he led both business development and operations. Passionate about public service, Randy is the President and Co-Founder of the national non-profit VETSports, an organization that combats Veteran isolation through sports and service programs.
Randy holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Catholic University of America and has served on many boards from local government to non-profits supporting Veteran initiatives.
About Cognosante
Cognosante is a mission-driven technology company delivering innovative and transformative solutions improving the health and safety of Americans. With more than a decade of experience supporting Federal and state government agencies, we address the nation’s critical challenges through multi-faceted technology and customer experience (CX) solutions. Our broad range of capabilities includes enterprise IT and cloud, data science, DevSecOps, telehealth, interoperability, public health surveillance, clinical performance, eligibility and enrollment, and consumer engagement. For more information, visit www.cognosante.com
Today we hear from Manish Malhotra, Board Member, TiE DC, GovCon 2022 Co-Chair and Sundi Natarajan, Board Member, TiE DC & Board of Trustees, TiE Global.This in-person event will feature panel discussions on digital transformation, cybersecurity, modernization and small business successes, to be followed by TiE DC ELITE Gala awards with a networking happy hour. The event will take place Nov 15, 2022 09:00 AM – Nov 16, 2022 11:00 PM.
Manish Malhotra, Board Member, TiE DC, GovCon 2022 Co-Chair
Manish Malhotra has been active Charter Member at TiE for over 5 years. He served as President of TiE DC (2020) and currently serves on the board of TiE DC. Manish is laos the founder and CEO of Unissant, Inc. that offers Health IT and National Security services to major federal government agencies like HHS. NIH, ACF and DHS.
Sundi Natarajan, Board Member, TiE DC & Board of Trustees, TiE Global
Sundi Natarajan has been active Charter Member at TiE for over 15 years. He served as President of TiE DC (2021) and currently serves on the board of TiE DC. Sundi also serves as a TiE Global Board of Trustees (2022-23) focused on fostering entrepreneurship globally. Sundi also co-founded Sparksoft Corporation that offers Health IT services to major federal government agencies like CMS, HHS, CDC, DHA.
TiE DC
TiE DC is the regional chapter of TiE, the largest global organization of entrepreneurs dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. With a global reach and a local focus, the heart of TiE efforts lies in its five foundational programs, – Mentoring, Networking, Education, Funding, and Incubation. TiE connects the entire entrepreneurship ecosystem from early stage entrepreneurs, serial entrepreneurs, professionals at leading corporations, venture capital, angel investors, thought leaders among others. The organization emphasizes the spirit of giving in all aspects of their work. There are currently 15,000 members (including over 3000 charter members or mentors) in 58 chapters across 14 countries. TiE’s mission is to foster entrepreneurship globally through mentoring, networking, and education. Dedicated to the virtuous cycle of wealth creation and giving back to the community, TiE’s focus is on generating and nurturing our next generation of entrepreneurs.
If you haven’t heard yet, FedHealth IT has a new podcast series aimed at the women making an impact in the industry, and it’s appropriately titled Impact. Susan Sharer joins us to tell us about the series, be sure to check it out HERE.
Joe Salgado of Red Team Consulting deep dives into the latest Fed health opportunities, including SEWP VI! This is a can’t miss podcast filled with info on how to prepare for this opportunity!
Joe Salgado | General Manager, IDIQs & GWACs
Joe Salgado is a professionally trained capture and proposal professional with over 20 years of federal contracting experience. With his diverse background, Joe has successfully run large technical sales and engineering organizations as well as complex capture efforts and large multi-billion-dollar proposal engagements. He has managed annual sales of over $300M and captured over $30B in federal contracts.
Red Team Consulting, LLC
Red Team is a strategic growth consultancy that helps companies scale in the government contracting market. Over our 17+ years, we’ve helped thousands of companies achieve their growth targets with our full lifecycle business development, capture, proposal development, pricing, and training services. With our support, our clients continue to beat their largest competitors, diversify their portfolio of customers, and achieve their financial goals.
Today we continue our conversation from last week with Malcolm Harden, VP & GM, Federal Partnerships Leader at Microsoft on strategic planning on government contracting.
Malcolm Harden, VP & GM, Federal Partnerships Leader at Microsoft
Malcolm Harden is a versatile IT executive with nearly 30 years of experience. He has background in Executive Leadership, Technical Vision, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management, Delivery of Technology projects, and technical Thought Leadership, which have prepared and propelled him towards his current role and dream job, Vice President and GM of Federal Partnerships for Microsoft. Throughout his career in the US Federal market, Malcolm’s passion has been to cultivate an exchange of viewpoints with executives working in Federal IT, to understand the realities within their agencies and enterprises, and connect them to solutions and alternatives that help shape IT and mission support priorities in those arenas.
Outside of Microsoft, Malcolm is Executive Vice-Chair of the American Council for Technology – Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC), supporting the organization’s nearly 500 member companies in interpreting government direction, and accelerating government mission outcomes. Malcolm is also a leader on Boston University’s Black Alumni Leadership Council, helping to advise the President of Boston University on diversity matters.
Today on Afternoon Tea we are taking a deep dive into government contracting and the importance of putting together the right team with Malcolm Harden, VP & GM, Federal Partnerships Leader at Microsoft.
Malcolm Harden, VP & GM, Federal Partnerships Leader at Microsoft
Malcolm Harden is a versatile IT executive with nearly 30 years of experience. He has background in Executive Leadership, Technical Vision, Profit and Loss (P&L) Management, Delivery of Technology projects, and technical Thought Leadership, which have prepared and propelled him towards his current role and dream job, Vice President and GM of Federal Partnerships for Microsoft. Throughout his career in the US Federal market, Malcolm’s passion has been to cultivate an exchange of viewpoints with executives working in Federal IT, to understand the realities within their agencies and enterprises, and connect them to solutions and alternatives that help shape IT and mission support priorities in those arenas.
Outside of Microsoft, Malcolm is Executive Vice-Chair of the American Council for Technology – Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC), supporting the organization’s nearly 500 member companies in interpreting government direction, and accelerating government mission outcomes. Malcolm is also a leader on Boston University’s Black Alumni Leadership Council, helping to advise the President of Boston University on diversity matters.
Tune in to hear the real “tea” on details of one of the biggest single award contracts awarded in Military Health - including lessons learned that might help for the recompete.
Scott Campbell / Account Executive, DHA
Enterprise software industry veteran, having served in numerous capacities, including software development, engineering management, and Federal sales serving the Defense Health Agency, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Customer-focused, strategic thinker, promoting innovative cloud solutions that optimize data-driven operations and improve the user experience.
Palantir
Palantir builds the world's leading software for data-driven operations and decision-making. Our platforms power critical operations, transforming outcomes for military, government, and commercial clients in dozens of industries worldwide.
On today’s episode of Afternoon Tea we're talking with Horace Blackman, Senior Vice President of the Defense, Intelligence and Space Business Unit at CGI Federal about best practices for partnering and how small businesses can partner with CGI.
Horace Blackman, Senior VP, CGI Federal
Horace Blackman leads the Defense, Intelligence and Space Business Unit at CGI Federal, a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of CGI Inc. In this role, he is responsible for strategy development and delivering business and information technology solutions to a diverse set of clients within this market.
Mr. Blackman has worked with government and public sector organizations to support their missions and deliver impactful change through business and information technology solutions. This includes supporting mission-critical programs within the DOD and Intelligence sectors. Prior to joining CGI, Mr. Blackman held leadership roles focused on business development, program execution and strategic planning at major defense contractors. Additionally, he spent six years in various IT leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
CGI Federal
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world. The company is insights-driven and outcome-based to help accelerate returns on investments. Across 21 industries in 400 locations worldwide, CGI provides comprehensive, scalable and sustainable IT and business consulting services that are informed globally and delivered locally.
On today’s episode of Afternoon Tea we get the inside scoop on entering new markets and lessons learned on winning major contracts during transitions with Horace Blackman, Senior Vice President of the Defense, Intelligence and Space Business Unit at CGI Federal.
Horace Blackman, Senior VP, CGI Federal
Horace Blackman leads the Defense, Intelligence and Space Business Unit at CGI Federal, a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of CGI Inc. In this role, he is responsible for strategy development and delivering business and information technology solutions to a diverse set of clients within this market.
Mr. Blackman has worked with government and public sector organizations to support their missions and deliver impactful change through business and information technology solutions. This includes supporting mission-critical programs within the DOD and Intelligence sectors. Prior to joining CGI, Mr. Blackman held leadership roles focused on business development, program execution and strategic planning at major defense contractors. Additionally, he spent six years in various IT leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
CGI Federal
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world. The company is insights-driven and outcome-based to help accelerate returns on investments. Across 21 industries in 400 locations worldwide, CGI provides comprehensive, scalable and sustainable IT and business consulting services that are informed globally and delivered locally.
On today’s episode of Afternoon Tea we continue the conversation with Lisa Tompkins-Brown, the Vice President of Strategy and Growth for Tenacity Solutions on best practices when applying for RFIs and RFPs.
Lisa Tompkins-Brown, Vice President of Strategy and Growth for Tenacity Solutions
Lisa Tompkins-Brown possesses 30 years of experience across the health care spectrum, including over 25 years supporting the federal government in many areas of national significance and over 15 years in large-scale acquisitions. She currently serves as the Vice President of Strategy and Growth for Tenacity Solutions, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Lisa’s primary responsibilities are developing and managing the corporate strategy and growing the business focused on technology, healthcare delivery, and business optimization that advance outcomes for specialized populations.
Tenacity Solutions, LLC
A Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) founded in 2020. Tenacity Solutions, LLC is a leading-edge company, leveraging talent, skill, and knowledge along with Innovative and proven practices to deliver products and results that exceed customers’ requirements and surpasses their expectations. Tenacity Solutions, LLC has immediately become a leading Information Technology (IT) and Management Solutions provider with a mission to advance health care services for specialized populations including Veterans and their families.
On today’s episode of Afternoon Tea we get the inside scoop on how to respond to an RFI and RFPS and the dos and don’t dos with Lisa Tompkins-Brown, the Vice President of Strategy and Growth for Tenacity Solutions.
Lisa Tompkins-Brown, Vice President of Strategy and Growth for Tenacity Solutions
Lisa Tompkins-Brown possesses 30 years of experience across the health care spectrum, including over 25 years supporting the federal government in many areas of national significance and over 15 years in large-scale acquisitions. She currently serves as the Vice President of Strategy and Growth for Tenacity Solutions, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Lisa’s primary responsibilities are developing and managing the corporate strategy and growing the business focused on technology, healthcare delivery, and business optimization that advance outcomes for specialized populations.
Tenacity Solutions, LLC
A Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) founded in 2020. Tenacity Solutions, LLC is a leading-edge company, leveraging talent, skill, and knowledge along with Innovative and proven practices to deliver products and results that exceed customers’ requirements and surpasses their expectations. Tenacity Solutions, LLC has immediately become a leading Information Technology (IT) and Management Solutions provider with a mission to advance health care services for specialized populations including Veterans and their families.
With so much activity in government contracting, we have launched a new podcast with YOU in mind. Here is a deep dive into Afternoon Tea.
Theresa Holder, Host
Ms. Theresa Holder has over 20 years of experience working in the IT industry with 16 years specializing in Health IT. These projects span across the globe with commercial, federal, and local customers. She has led pursuit teams for some of the most impactful Federal Health IT companies with a constant focus on providing innovation and strengthening customer relationships.
Ms. Holder is involved with non-profit organizations focused primarily on Veterans including the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Final Salute, Vetsports, and Wounded Warrior Project. In addition, she has served on the Board of Directors for America's Warrior Partnership, a Veteran Service Organization focused on empowering communities to empower veterans.
Most recently she has launched Holder Strategy Group, a consulting practice focused on helping customers build and execute successful strategies, create meaningful customer relationships & win new business.