Small Business Specialist at Stennis Space Center
Tell us a little about your background.
I currently live in Carriere, MS, but I am originally from New Orleans. I have three siblings—two older brothers and an identical twin sister. My parents were wonderful role models. My dad retired as a civil servant GS12 and served 27 years in the Coast Guard Reserves retiring as an E9. My mom is a person who can fix anything in the home and taught me well. My husband Tim and I have been married 23 years and have two great sons. Derek is a graduate from University of Southern Mississippi and David is in his second year at University of Southern Mississippi. Following my parent’s guidance, I joined the Air Force Reserves in 1989 and retired in 2009. I started my career in 1992 working for the Department of the Navy in finance, before transferring briefly to the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), after which I joined the NASA Shared Services (NSSC) in 2005. In 2013, I accepted a detail to Procurement within the NSSC to start my career as a contract specialist. I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Grantham University. I received my Federal Acquisition Certification (FAC) Level I in 2013 and my FAC Level II in 2015. In February 2017, I transferred to Stennis Space Center to work as the small business specialist in the Office of Procurement. I have been working the Office of Small Business Programs now for several years, and I love engaging in the small business society.
What made you want to become a small business specialist?
I believe the small business is what keeps our economy and neighborhoods strong. I like knowing I can make a difference in helping a small business succeed and ensure that NASA gets the end product or service needed to continue our mission.
What is your favorite part of being a small business specialist?
I enjoy the interaction with vendors, learning what they are capable of, and then being able to provide helpful information to help them begin working with the government.