Professional of the Year Award Nominees for 2024

As President of Seabrook Solutions, Craig Seabrook embodies the leadership approach of ‘We are here to build each other up’ which he applies to company employees, Federal customers, small business colleagues, local government, charities, and other organizations in the Huntsville Community.

1. Dr. Fola Michael Ayokanmbi has exemplified the American Society of Quality (ASQ) mission by giving his time and talents in quality engineering by teaching the next generation of students at Alabama A&M University (AAMU).

Dr. Polzin has provided pioneering technical leadership in the development and application of nuclear and other propulsion systems enabling human and scientific exploration of the Solar System and beyond, and has been a leader of great impact to the community over the past decade.

Jaden has excelled in her profession, rising quickly and impressively within Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation as a young engineer; leading and mentoring other young professionals; engaging as an employee volunteer for Space Camp and Thanksgiving/Christmas charities; leading numerous community support initiatives as WID-TVC's Director of Awards and Scholarships and member of our STEM Outreach Committee; as well as volunteering with her high school's volleyball team (Huntsville HS) and club/travel teams; Aum Foundation, UAH's Tech Trek Camp for girls, and UAH Girls in Science events.

Mallorie has excelled professionally by supporting the Defense Industry community, leading a team of engineers, particularly in serving on the ASQ Huntsville Section leadership committee and Women in Tech HSV, as well as volunteering with AUSA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter, Women in Defense Tennessee Valley Chapter (WID-TVC), and National Defense Industrial Association Tennessee Valley Chapter (NDIA-TVC), representing them in STEM outreach activities.

NDIA-TVC proudly nominates Sarah K. Smith for the HATS Young Professional of the Year Award, Sarah through her strength and determination has undoubtedly provided the willing hand to accept the "Torch" that was passed to her for the next young professional generation.

AFCEA serves the community in three capacities: (1) professional engagement and career skill enrichment through our technical events focused on AI and Cybersecurity that provide Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) and our Emerging Leaders program providing networking opportunities, resume building opportunities, and mentorships; (2) educational funding support, through our High School grants awards and scholarship program; (3) the local defense contracting community by providing technical engagements, classified and unclassified, that support the exchange between Redstone Leadership Warfighter needs and contractors to aid in solutioning.

HASBAT celebrates their 30th anniversary this year with highlights such as proposing legislation to the Alabama Congressional delegation seeking a contractual preference for Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) equaling $2B anticipated funding of DoD procurement appropriations, recognizing 5 exceptional High School and College students with the HASBAT and HASBAT AUSA scholarships to continue their STEM-related education, and hosting the Space and Missile Defense Small Business Showcase presenting 27 small businesses at this year’s Space and Missile Defense (SMD) Symposium

It is with great pleasure that NDIA-TVC is nominated as Society of the Year for supporting our defense, space, cyber technology community, STEM efforts with in the local schools and universities and for our support to women and men in our community through all NDIA-TVC programs and events.

The Women In Defense Tennessee Valley Chapter excelled this year by prioritizing the community's needs through scholarships, mentorship, and professional development activities; The WID TVC organization fosters career development and professional growth opportunities by supporting STEAMFEST, GreenPower Initiatives at local schools, and various STEM-related projects with UAH; Additionally, WID TVC focuses on developing leadership skills, and establishing strategic connections through Board and committee positions.