Chapter Officers
The following list reflects the officers for NCMA Saguaro Chapter during the 2011-2012 Program Year. Positions are held for one year, beginning 1 July.
Alex Dely, President
Alex was elected President for the Program Year 2010-2011 and will continue his term for the 2011-2012 Program Year. Alex previously served as Vice President of Education responsible for the all-day National Education Seminar courses and other educational opportunities.
Alex was born and attended high school in Gent, Belgium and immigrated to the United States in 1976, becoming a proud US Citizen in 1983. He did his undergraduate work in engineering physics at Illinois State University (highest honors) and the University of Chicago (Laboratory for Astrophysics and Space Research, NASA Fellowship). He did doctoral work at the University of Arizona Graduate School in Physics as a DuNuoy Fellow (materials science, solar physics, national security issues), and while an adjunct professor of physics, also attended the University of Arizona Law School (strong focus on international, technology and intellectual property law). During that time he was a consultant to the US Senate Armed Services Committee and wrote a series of papers on Accidental Nuclear War Scenarios. Declassified versions of some of the papers were published in a 4 volume series, and resulted in significant upgrades to telecommunications systems (hotlines) between US and Soviet/Russian decision makers.
Alex developed a range of American Society of Quality certification courses (Quality Engineer, Software Quality Engineer, Quality Manager, Quality Auditor, Reliability Engineer, Lean Six Sigma, ISO 9000 & ISO 14000) and personally delivered this intensive training successfully at numerous major facilities of McDonnell Douglas / Boeing Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, Honeywell, TRW, Intel, Motorola, IBM and many of their Tier I/II Suppliers.
Alex founded TTT Inc (Holding Group) in 1980, specialized in structuring high tech joint ventures in 30+ countries in the sectors of aerospace/defense (MD-80, F/A-18 A/B, C/D, E/F Fighter; F-35 JSF, Global Hawk, ISS), energy/environment (numerous ESCO Shared Savings Project Finance Projects), factory automation (US Army Fort Huachuca, USAF Davis Monthan), infrastructure & construction. He sold TTT Inc in 2007 upon joining Raytheon.
At Raytheon Alex serves as a Contracts Manager, with focus on Value Engineering, Adjacent Markets, and IDIQ Contract Vehicles throughout Raytheon Missile Systems, and within the RMS Advanced Security & Directed Energy Systems Product Line he supports the DARPA, Energy Surety, IO IA Cyber Security and Homeland Security Directorates.
Alex and Sharon are proud parents of 9 children (6 adopted) and 17 grandchildren.
Alex can be reached at president@saguaroncma.com.
Alex was born and attended high school in Gent, Belgium and immigrated to the United States in 1976, becoming a proud US Citizen in 1983. He did his undergraduate work in engineering physics at Illinois State University (highest honors) and the University of Chicago (Laboratory for Astrophysics and Space Research, NASA Fellowship). He did doctoral work at the University of Arizona Graduate School in Physics as a DuNuoy Fellow (materials science, solar physics, national security issues), and while an adjunct professor of physics, also attended the University of Arizona Law School (strong focus on international, technology and intellectual property law). During that time he was a consultant to the US Senate Armed Services Committee and wrote a series of papers on Accidental Nuclear War Scenarios. Declassified versions of some of the papers were published in a 4 volume series, and resulted in significant upgrades to telecommunications systems (hotlines) between US and Soviet/Russian decision makers.
Alex developed a range of American Society of Quality certification courses (Quality Engineer, Software Quality Engineer, Quality Manager, Quality Auditor, Reliability Engineer, Lean Six Sigma, ISO 9000 & ISO 14000) and personally delivered this intensive training successfully at numerous major facilities of McDonnell Douglas / Boeing Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, Honeywell, TRW, Intel, Motorola, IBM and many of their Tier I/II Suppliers.
Alex founded TTT Inc (Holding Group) in 1980, specialized in structuring high tech joint ventures in 30+ countries in the sectors of aerospace/defense (MD-80, F/A-18 A/B, C/D, E/F Fighter; F-35 JSF, Global Hawk, ISS), energy/environment (numerous ESCO Shared Savings Project Finance Projects), factory automation (US Army Fort Huachuca, USAF Davis Monthan), infrastructure & construction. He sold TTT Inc in 2007 upon joining Raytheon.
At Raytheon Alex serves as a Contracts Manager, with focus on Value Engineering, Adjacent Markets, and IDIQ Contract Vehicles throughout Raytheon Missile Systems, and within the RMS Advanced Security & Directed Energy Systems Product Line he supports the DARPA, Energy Surety, IO IA Cyber Security and Homeland Security Directorates.
Alex and Sharon are proud parents of 9 children (6 adopted) and 17 grandchildren.
Alex can be reached at president@saguaroncma.com.
Sandra DiCosola, Vice President
Sandy is the Vice President of the NCMA Saguaro Chapter for the 2011-2012 Program year. She previously served as Vice President in 2010 -2011 and Awards Chair in 2009 -2010. Sandy’s duties are to support the President and assist in the overall management of the Saguaro Chapter
Sandy is the owner and President of Summit Contract Management LLC, a small business consulting firm focused on supporting all phases of contract management. Since 2003, Summit has specialized in supporting companies in the pursuit of Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program and other research contracts and grants. Summit also is a 2011 recipient of a GSA Schedule 874 MOBIS contract award.
Sandy holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in finance from Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois. She has been working in the Contract Management field for over 28 years for both large and small businesses. She is a long time member of the National Contract Management Association.
Sandy and her husband Frank have three beautiful daughters who are now young adults. She enjoys bicycling and playing her flute in the Tucson Flute Club.
Sandy can be reached at vicepresident@saguaroncma.com.
Sandy is the owner and President of Summit Contract Management LLC, a small business consulting firm focused on supporting all phases of contract management. Since 2003, Summit has specialized in supporting companies in the pursuit of Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program and other research contracts and grants. Summit also is a 2011 recipient of a GSA Schedule 874 MOBIS contract award.
Sandy holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in finance from Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois. She has been working in the Contract Management field for over 28 years for both large and small businesses. She is a long time member of the National Contract Management Association.
Sandy and her husband Frank have three beautiful daughters who are now young adults. She enjoys bicycling and playing her flute in the Tucson Flute Club.
Sandy can be reached at vicepresident@saguaroncma.com.
Dan Thelen, Treasurer
Dan is a long standing officer of our chapter and has returned to the position of Treasurer which he previously held for several years. Last year he acted as Vice President of Operations.
Dan is a Contracting Officer for the Department of Veteran Affairs. He previously worked with the United States Air Force within the Davis Monthan Air Force Base 355th Contracting Squadron.
Dan's complete professional biography and picture is coming soon.
Dan can be reached at treasurer@saguaroncma.com.
Dan is a Contracting Officer for the Department of Veteran Affairs. He previously worked with the United States Air Force within the Davis Monthan Air Force Base 355th Contracting Squadron.
Dan's complete professional biography and picture is coming soon.
Dan can be reached at treasurer@saguaroncma.com.
Ina Merson, Secretary and Historian
Ina has been a member of the Saguaro Chapter since 2000 and has consitently been an officer since that time in various positions - President, President-Elect, Secretary, and Graalman Coordinator.
Ina has worked as a Federal employee for 33 years and her entire career was spent in Supply and Contracting with both civilian and military agencies in the Washington D.C. area. Positions included those of a Purchasing Agent, Contract Specialist, Supply Systems Analyst, Policy Analyst, Contracting Officer and the Chief of the Automatic Data Processing Contracting Branch at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the last ten years of her career. After retirement in 1999, she moved to Tucson and began working remotely as a part-time consultant for a D.C.-based consulting firm providing support to federal agencies. She was then hired as an acquisition consultant at Raytheon Missile Systems where she worked from 2005-2009. Since then she takes the occasional consulting job but enjoys her work with the NCMA chapter, her church (including singing with the contemporary Christian band Stranger), and her two grandsons, Samuel and Thomas.
Ina can be reached at secretary@saguaroncma.com.
Ina has worked as a Federal employee for 33 years and her entire career was spent in Supply and Contracting with both civilian and military agencies in the Washington D.C. area. Positions included those of a Purchasing Agent, Contract Specialist, Supply Systems Analyst, Policy Analyst, Contracting Officer and the Chief of the Automatic Data Processing Contracting Branch at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the last ten years of her career. After retirement in 1999, she moved to Tucson and began working remotely as a part-time consultant for a D.C.-based consulting firm providing support to federal agencies. She was then hired as an acquisition consultant at Raytheon Missile Systems where she worked from 2005-2009. Since then she takes the occasional consulting job but enjoys her work with the NCMA chapter, her church (including singing with the contemporary Christian band Stranger), and her two grandsons, Samuel and Thomas.
Ina can be reached at secretary@saguaroncma.com.
Chris Lewis, Vice President, Membership and Awards
Chris joined the Saguaro Chapter of NCMA in October 2010 and was elected for his first term as Vice President of Membership/Awards for the 2011-2012 program year. He currently works for the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) as a contract administrator. His current job assignment includes administering contracts to the Raytheon Company under the TOW, Stinger, and Sidewinder programs.
Chris is a native of Salisbury, Maryland. After graduating high school he joined the Marine Corps and completed a five year enlistment as an electronic countermeasures technician. In August of 2008 he was commissioned an Ensign through the Navy’s Officer Candidate School, Newport, RI. He currently serves as a Naval Supply Corps Lieutenant in the reserves.
He holds a MBA degree with an international business concentration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance/Management from Park University, Parkville, MO. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in acquisition and contract administration from the University of West Florida.
Chris resides in Sierra Vista, Arizona with his wife, Jennifer, and son Parker.
Chris can be reached at membership@saguaroncma.com.
Chris is a native of Salisbury, Maryland. After graduating high school he joined the Marine Corps and completed a five year enlistment as an electronic countermeasures technician. In August of 2008 he was commissioned an Ensign through the Navy’s Officer Candidate School, Newport, RI. He currently serves as a Naval Supply Corps Lieutenant in the reserves.
He holds a MBA degree with an international business concentration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance/Management from Park University, Parkville, MO. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in acquisition and contract administration from the University of West Florida.
Chris resides in Sierra Vista, Arizona with his wife, Jennifer, and son Parker.
Chris can be reached at membership@saguaroncma.com.
Tim Bruchman, Vice President, Operations
Tim Bruchman has been active in the high technology/biomedical Industries for nearly 25 years, with his career focus on high performance optical systems and imaging techniques. Tim has been involved in many successful local Tucson high-tech startup companies, holding the positions of Sales Engineer at Photometrics Ltd., and Vice President of Sales and Marketing at MedOptics, Corp. Most recently Tim held the position of Business Development/Major Accounts Manager at SRI International - Sarnoff in Princeton, NJ (formerly RCA Laboratories).
Tim recently moved back to Tucson and founded a Business Consulting firm (Chuparosa Consulting) that focuses on advising Tucson small businesses on developing successful business strategies and Sales & Marketing plans, with specific expertise on business plan development & execution, and Social Media Marketing.
Tim is a proud graduate of the UA (Biochemistry w/Honors), and has received a Graduate certificate in Business Management w/Honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Tim is happy to be back in Tucson and excited to be involved with the NCMA Saguaro Chapter. Tim is also involved with the local University of Arizona Alumni Association Tucson Chapter (Secretary), volunteers at the Primavera Foundation, and enjoys horseback riding, hiking, cooking, and gardening.
Tim can be reached at operations@saguaroncma.com.
Tim recently moved back to Tucson and founded a Business Consulting firm (Chuparosa Consulting) that focuses on advising Tucson small businesses on developing successful business strategies and Sales & Marketing plans, with specific expertise on business plan development & execution, and Social Media Marketing.
Tim is a proud graduate of the UA (Biochemistry w/Honors), and has received a Graduate certificate in Business Management w/Honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Tim is happy to be back in Tucson and excited to be involved with the NCMA Saguaro Chapter. Tim is also involved with the local University of Arizona Alumni Association Tucson Chapter (Secretary), volunteers at the Primavera Foundation, and enjoys horseback riding, hiking, cooking, and gardening.
Tim can be reached at operations@saguaroncma.com.
Michelle Denning, Communications Chair
Michelle has been a member of the NCMA Saguaro Chapter for 3 years and is excited to join the NCMA board as Communications Chair.
Michelle is a Contracts Negotiator at Raytheon Missile Systems. Michelle started her career at Raytheon in the Contracts Leadership Development Program (CLDP) with her first rotation at the Integrated Defense Systems business unit in Woburn, Massachusetts, supporting the National Theater and Security Programs (NTSP) product line. Michelle returned to her hometown of Tucson, Arizona, for her second rotation at Raytheon Missile Systems, supporting the Air Warfare Systems (AWS) product line. Michelle stayed upon graduation of the CLDP program and has since supported the Naval Weapons Systems (NWS) product line.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Arizona State University (ASU). At ASU, Michelle served as president of the university chapter of AIESEC, the world’s largest student-run organization (60,000 members in 110+ countries) with the mission of promoting cultural understanding and developing global leaders.
Michelle is a sports enthusiast (currently plays tennis, softball and kickball) and enjoys singing and learning to play the guitar. She is also involved in Big Sisters Big Brothers of Tucson as a Big Sister.
Michelle can be reached at communications@saguaroncma.com.
Michelle is a Contracts Negotiator at Raytheon Missile Systems. Michelle started her career at Raytheon in the Contracts Leadership Development Program (CLDP) with her first rotation at the Integrated Defense Systems business unit in Woburn, Massachusetts, supporting the National Theater and Security Programs (NTSP) product line. Michelle returned to her hometown of Tucson, Arizona, for her second rotation at Raytheon Missile Systems, supporting the Air Warfare Systems (AWS) product line. Michelle stayed upon graduation of the CLDP program and has since supported the Naval Weapons Systems (NWS) product line.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Arizona State University (ASU). At ASU, Michelle served as president of the university chapter of AIESEC, the world’s largest student-run organization (60,000 members in 110+ countries) with the mission of promoting cultural understanding and developing global leaders.
Michelle is a sports enthusiast (currently plays tennis, softball and kickball) and enjoys singing and learning to play the guitar. She is also involved in Big Sisters Big Brothers of Tucson as a Big Sister.
Michelle can be reached at communications@saguaroncma.com.
James Vickers, Fellows Chair
Jim is the Fellows Chair for our local chapter and is recognized as a national expert in Value Engineering. He has presented several times at World Congress and other national conferences.
Jim recently retired from Raytheon Company where he last acted as the Senior Manager of Advanced Security and Directed Energy Systems Contracts department.
Jim is a Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) and Fellow as designated by NCMA
Jim's complete professional biography and picture is coming soon.
Jim can be reached at certification@saguaroncma.com.
Jim recently retired from Raytheon Company where he last acted as the Senior Manager of Advanced Security and Directed Energy Systems Contracts department.
Jim is a Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) and Fellow as designated by NCMA
Jim's complete professional biography and picture is coming soon.
Jim can be reached at certification@saguaroncma.com.