Acting ASAALT/AAE Dean G. Popps was the luncheon keynote speaker at the CDG/AAF induction and graduation events held Feb. 11-13, 2008. (U.S. Army photos by Richard Mattox, Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems.)

CDG/AAF, a 3-year leadership developmental program sponsored by the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center (USAASC), held its annual orientation and graduation events in Fairfax, VA, Feb. 11-13, 2008. CDG/AAF, established in 1997, develops future Army acquisition leaders with leadership training, executive leadership education and developmental assignments within the U.S. Army Acquisition Corps (AAC) community, as well as experiential and other career development opportunities. Every year new CDG/AAF Fellows are inducted and third-year Fellows graduate.

This year’s theme, “Developing Our Next Generation of Leaders,” was highlighted by top AAC speakers. Craig A. Spisak, Deputy Director Acquisition Career Management (DDACM) and USAASC Director, welcomed the Fellows from Year Groups (YGs) 05, 06 and 07, and COL Brian C. Winters, USAASC Deputy Director, welcomed the newest group of Fellows from YG08. Dean G. Popps, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASAALT)/Army Acquisition Executive (AAE), luncheon keynote speaker, addressed the Fellows, alumni and other AAC invited guests on leadership and mentoring during challenging times, emphasizing that we are all here to provide a service to our Soldiers. Later that afternoon, the Fellows and alumni participated in the “Art of Leadership” workshop provided by CAPT Ronald R. Woods, U.S. Navy Reserve. Woods presented the highly motivating “Roadmap to ORSA [a Latin word for beginning] Eight Disciplines Highly Productive People Know and Practice!” 

YG05 CDG/AAF graduates. First row (left to right:) Peggy G. Schmoll; Norma J. McKayhan; Barbara Brown; Karen L. Waterford; and Jean Hodges. Second row: Marcos Antonio Gonzalez; Craig Burow; John Arthur Davis; Vic A. Krepacki; Larry D. Bradley; Claude M. Bolton Jr., former ASAALT/AAE; David W. Marck; Marian W. Guidry; Gary P. Appel; and Bruce E. Dahm. Not pictured is William Ray Jones.

During an evening ceremony, new Fellows were inducted into CDG/AAF and YG05 Fellows graduated. Dr. Myra S. Gray, Biometrics Task Force Director, a 1997 program graduate, was the guest speaker. Gray has had many successes since graduating from the program as a product and project manager and most recently in her position as a senior executive service civilian in charge of a major task force. During her speech, she stressed that being a Fellow from the first YG had a direct effect on her future success. Gray encouraged the inductees to grow with CDG/AAF and expressed congratulations to the graduates.

Following Dr. Gray’s remarks, former ASAALT/AAE, Claude M. Bolton Jr., offered congratulations to the inductees and graduates and spoke about leadership and the program’s value. Bolton continues to serve the acquisition community as an executive in residence at the Defense Acquisition University where he has a direct impact on workforce education. Bolton and Gray congratulated graduates and inductees as they were called to the stage to receive their certificates.

YG08 CDG/AAF inductees. (Left to right:) Michael W. Price; Jeffrey B. Hart; Karen M. Arnold; Craig A. Spisak, DDACM and USAASC Director; Claude M. Bolton Jr., former ASAALT/AAE; Dr. Myra S. Gray, Biometrics Task Force Director; Ginette A. Braziel; Todd P. Pesicek; and Horace E. Green.

YG05 CDG/AAF graduates:
Gary P. Appel – Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
Larry D. Bradley – Huntsville, AL
Barbara Brown – Huntsville
Craig Burow – Huntsville
Bruce E. Dahm – Fort Belvoir, VA
John Arthur Davis – Arlington, VA
Marcos Antonio Gonzalez – Huntsville
Marian W. Guidry – Huntsville
Jean Hodges – Fort Belvoir
Vic A. Krepacki – Orlando, FL
William Ray Jones – Orlando
David W. Marck – Warren, MI
Norma J. McKayhan – Arlington
Peggy G. Schmoll – Huntsville
Karen L. Waterford – Huntsville

YG08 CDG/AAF new inductees:
Karen M. Arnold – Warren
Ginette A. Braziel – Fort Belvoir
Horace E. Green – Huntsville
Jeffrey B. Hart – Warren
Michael W. Price – Huntsville
Todd P. Pesicek – Orlando

Congratulations to both of these groups of Fellows. We look forward to their success as graduates and inductees.

Future Opportunities
USAASC is excited about the YG09 open application window anticipated for release in mid-July 2008, via the Army Acquisition Professional Development System (AAPDS) in the Career Acquisition Personnel and Position Management Information System. AAPDS is an online tool to easily complete an application package.

For any questions regarding the CDG/AAF Program, contact Joan L. Sable at (703) 805-1240/DSN 655-1240 or joan.l.sable@us.army.mil.