ICEAA 2025-2027 Election

I am currently the ICEAA Board President, actively involved in the ICEAA workshop planning for over a decade, a CCEA® with 20 years of Department of Defense acquisition cost estimating experience. In addition to serving on the Workshop committee as chair/co-chair for many years, I have held three positions on the International Board, first as Secretary for the 2019-2021 board, the Executive Vice President for the 2021-2023 Board, and most recently as President for the 2023-2025 Board and believe I can help continue to push ICEAA forward with another term as President. I have spent my career supporting Navy, Air Force, and Army programs with various aspects of project management, strategic planning, and cost estimating support. At SPA (previously MCR), I teach our internal training classes for cost estimating, have not only pushed to get more of our analysts certified but have also helped with the CEBoK study for the CCE/A exam, and have been a vocal advocate for ICEAA involvement with all Cost Estimators. I graduated in 2005 from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Applied Computational Mathematics. I currently live in a suburb of Tampa, Florida with my husband, 2 sons, and 2 dogs.

Relevant ICEAA experience
• ICEAA President 2023-2025
• ICEAA Executive Vice President 2021-2023
• ICEAA Board Secretary 2019-2021
• 2022 ICEAA Workshop Best Paper, Trending Topics Category
• 2021 ICEAA Workshop Best Paper, Soft Skills & Communication Track
• 2021 ICEAA Association Service Award
• 2021 Training Summit Virtual Trainer, Data Collection and Normalization
• CCEA certification in 2012 and recertified in 2017 and 2022
• Actively volunteered at the ICEAA workshop from 2012-2023
• Track Chair at the ICEAA workshop 2012 & 2013
• Presented CeBOK training at every ICEAA workshop from 2013-2019
• Deputy Program Chair for the annual ICEAA workshop 2014-2018
• ICEAA outreach committee member
• ICEAA Program Chair for the 2019 ICEAA workshop
• ICEAA Program Deputy for 2021 ICEAA virtual workshop
• ICEAA Program Co-chair for 2022 ICEAA workshop

I am currently seeking the position of President of the ICEAA board because I believe passionately in the mission of ICEAA. ICEAA has been fundamental in my professional growth and has given me multiple opportunities within my career and serving the organization is a part of my career identity. As a member of the ICEAA executive committee since 2019, I am familiar with the expectations of the duties and time commitment required of the Presidency and have a vision of how to ensure our success in the ICEAA mission. I believe our full focus should be in the promoting and furthering the profession of cost estimating and analysis with the primary goal of fostering the professional growth of our members in cost estimating, cost analysis, and allied fields. I believe there is much we could do to further the visibility of our organization such as becoming a bigger role early in an analyst’s career, supporting the development of new ICEAA training, working with industry, government, and international leadership to become advocates for ICEAA, and actively work to bring in new members from previously underrepresented communities. I also think we neglect the reverse mentoring opportunities and should foster more opportunities for more senior analysts to learn novel approaches and creative ways of thinking from our more junior members. Since joining the board, I have tried to introduce ideas to the board and our community at large, focusing not just on the analytic nature of our profession but also trying to train better communication as estimators and empowerment of the teams we lead. I believe that if we want more engagement from all ICEAA members, the ICEAA Board needs to continue to be open and approachable with the goal of making sure we are an organization members truly feel included in and comfortable with sharing their ideas.

Kellie Benefiel (CCEA®) is a senior consultant with over 18 years of experience in the field of operations research and cost estimation. Kellie has worked for the US Army, GSA, and the FAA serving in recent years as an expert in cost estimation and program management. From 2019-2023, she served as Region 5 Director on the 2021-2023 ICEAA International Board of Directors as well as the CEBoK Principal, and she served as Executive Vice President from 2023-2025. She has a BS in Applied Mathematics, a BS in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, and an MS in Data Analytics from CWU. She is currently an Associate Director at Cobec Consulting as well as an adjunct professor at Central Washington University and a doctoral candidate, IT – Data Science, at City University of Seattle.

Relevant ICEAA experience
• Executive VP (2023-2025)
• Region 5 Director (2019-2023)
• CEBoK Principal
• ICEAA 2022 Conference Planning Committee
• Various other committees (electronic testing vendor selection and migration, CEBOK-S development)
• Helps maintain CEBoK 2.0

Certifications:
• CCEA

I wish to continue serving on the ICEAA Board of Directors to continue to help develop and improve the CEBoK as well as grow the organization. I have been involved with ICEAA since early in my career, and I value the professional network and body of knowledge that the ICEAA community provides. I have enjoyed working on the future direction of ICEAA and supporting to Board on numerous efforts. As principal, I have helped support the development of an updated Module 6 and am currently working to incorporate the module into CEBoK 2.0 by the end of 2024. I’d like to continue to offer my time and expertise to update and improve the CEBoK with additional module updates and to help revitalize our national chapters. I would be honored to continue to serve the Board of Directors and the members of ICEAA as we look ahead to the next five years and strategize about how to grow our membership and strengthen our organization.

Ms. Minkiewicz is a software measurement expert dedicated to finding creative solutions focused on making software development professionals successful. She has over 37 years in the software cost estimating industry researching all aspects of the software development process and providing thought leadership to the software community. Ms. Minkiewicz is the Director of Cost Research at Unison Cost Engineering (formerly PRICE Systems, LLC). In this role, she leads the cost research activity for the TruePlanning® suite of cost estimating products and related services that Unison Cost Engineering provides.

Ms. Minkiewicz is a software measurement expert dedicated to finding creative solutions focused on making software development professionals successful. She has over 40 years in the software cost estimating industry, researching all aspects of the software development process and providing thought leadership to the software community. Ms. Minkiewicz is the Director of Cost Research for Unison Cost Engineering (formerly PRICE Systems). In this role, she leads the cost research activity for the TruePlanning® suite of cost estimating products and related services that Unison Cost Engineering provides.

Ms. Minkiewicz has an MS in Computer Science from Drexel University and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University. She has published many articles on software measurement and estimation in Software Development, Crosstalk, and the Journal of Software Technology and has been a contributing author for several books including “Systems Cost Engineering” (Glower, 2010), “The Closed Loop: Implementation Guide for Activity Based Budgeting” (CAM-I, 2004) and “IT Measurement: Practical Advice from the Experts” (Addison Wesley, 2002). Her research is frequently cited in technical papers and presentations, and she holds a patent for research conducted into the estimation of object-oriented software.

She frequently presents at industry conferences on many topics associated with hardware, software and systems estimation and has received numerous best paper awards for her research papers. She is a member of the International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA), Military Operations Research Society (MORS) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE) and has served on committees setting standards and best practices for estimation, measurement, and benchmarking with the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), Project Management Institute (PMI), the International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA), and The Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing International (CAM-I). In 2012, Ms. Minkiewicz received the ISPA Frank Frieman Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the estimation community. She was also inducted into the Drexel Alumni Circle of Distinction in 2012.

Relevant ICEAA experience
• Region 1 Director for 2018-2021
• Executive Secretary (2021-2025)
• Participated with the ICEAA Working Group responsible for review and guidance for software CEBok-S) exam and corresponding training (2019-2022)
• Currently working with the Software Special Interest Group (SIG) providing review and guidance for the maintenance and update of the CEBoK-S (2022-2024)
• Member of the ICEAA Awards committee (2018, 2019, 2022-2024)
• Member of the ICEAA Nomination Committee (2019)
• Member of ICEAA (and formerly ISPA) for over 24 years
• Attended and contributed content at the ICEAA (former ISPA and ISPA-SCEA) Workshop every year since 1998.
• Regularly contributes content to local chapters and participates in working groups
• Regular reviewer of abstracts and presentations for the annual ICEAA Workshop
• Regular reviewer for best paper awards for annual ICEAA Workshop
• Frequent participant in delivery of cost estimating training at the ICEAA International Workshop

Certifications
• ICEAA Software Cost Estimator Certification (SCEC)21

Board Nomination: Treasurer
I am currently seeking the position of Treasurer for ICEAA. I have been a member of ICEAA (and former ISPA) for more than 25 years and have been active in this organization throughout that time. Not only have I attended every annual Workshop since 1998, – I have given at least one presentation at each of these Workshops as well as conducting CEBoK or CEBoK-S training at many. I have also been a cost estimating evangelist through publications and presentations of content in various professional cost estimating and software venues. I attend and make myself available to deliver content to local chapters as appropriate.

I believe ICEAA is uniquely positioned to impact the cost community in so many positive ways, including providing training and professional certifications as well as numerous opportunities for invaluable networking with other cost professionals. As my term as Executive Secretary comes to a close, I would like to continue to help support and propel this extraordinary organization forward as a member of the Board.

As Treasurer I will bring robust analytical skills, financial acumen and deep understanding of ICEAA’s operations and the roles of the various Board members. My professional experience in building cost models and leading research in cost estimating equip me with the precision and organizational skills necessary for this role. As a long-time leader in my organization, I have had significant experience with managing budgets and resources, creating financial reports and performing cost trade-offs. Additionally, my proficiency with spreadsheets and financial tools will ensure accurate and efficient management of ICEAA’s financial responsibilities.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am excited for the opportunity to continue serving this awesome organization and contributing to its growth and success.

I currently serve as Technical Manager for Tecolote Research, Inc., supporting their Arlington Operations and leading tasks across the Federal Aviation Administration and multiple components within the Department of Homeland Security, with 12 years of experience in cost estimating. After completing my BS in Statistics from Virginia Tech, I began my career working as an actuarial assistant and data analyst at Ace Private Risk Services in Salem, Virginia. Upon relocating to Washington DC, I found my way to Tecolote Research, Inc. where I began doing cost estimates for the Marine Corps, then subsequently providing support for the Navy and Department of Homeland Security. Along the way, I developed an affinity for ACEIT, the cost estimating suite developed and maintained by Tecolote Research. I was then offered a role as a certified instructor on the ACEIT Training team, and have been conducting regular ACEIT trainings since 2018. Being able to share my enthusiasm for the ACEIT suite with analysts across our industry is consistently one of the most rewarding facets of my career. Additionally, I enjoy taking an active role in helping our analysts obtain ICEAA certifications, as well as participating in Tecolote’s Analyst Training Program cost class curriculum. When not cost estimating and teaching cost estimating, I serve on the condominium board for my HOA, leading and preparing numerous filings with the District of Columbia. In my free time, I also enjoy trying out local restaurants, doing jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with my family, friends, and cats.

Relevant ICEAA experience
Member of ICEAA since 2017 (WCAC Chapter), Treasurer of ICEAA since 2021

Certifications:
Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst CCEA (Recertified ICEAA – 2022); Software Cost Estimating Certification SCEC (ICEAA – 2023), Project Management Professional (Recertified PMI – 2024)

Board Nomination: Secretary
In 2023, I was re-elected to the Treasurer position on the Board of Directors after initially being elected in 2021. For the past four years, I have had the honor of serving the ICEAA organization and have been privileged to help steer the direction of the organization as we adapt and evolve to meet the needs of the cost estimating community. When the SCEC certification underwent alpha testing, I took the opportunity to be an alpha tester and aid in the question bank development, successfully earning my certification. In my current tenure as treasurer, I have participated in ongoing financial oversight, decision making, and approval. Additionally, I have taken on a role with workshop planning, which has been an exciting departure from my normal duties. Although it is a volunteer position serving on the BOD, I strove to devote maximum time and energy to ensure that I maintained accountability and reliability in my role. As Secretary, I would carry forth my knowledge of the organization gained in my four years as Treasurer, and apply my high organizational skills and attention to detail to the role. If elected as Secretary, ICEAA would continue to be a top priority for me.

To me, one of the most fulfilling aspects of serving on the Board is the opportunity to meet cost analysts and estimators from the Government, other companies, and other countries. Each person provides a unique perspective to the field, and has enriching experience to offer. Also, I have enjoyed the chance to expand ICEAA membership and awareness, both within my own company, the Government, industry, and adjacent fields. Outreach is tantamount to the continued success of ICEAA, and I will continue to take every opportunity to serve as an ambassador for the organization.

As cost estimating continues to evolve to a more data driven approach, I want to continue to ensure that ICEAA is at the forefront of training and connecting analysts, and ensuring that institutional knowledge can meld with new methods to form more defensible, reliable, and credible models. Although data science will continue to expand the field, existing expertise should be leveraged to maximize the full potential of cost analysis. ICEAA’s role in connecting traditional cost and data driven approaches is crucial, and as a member of the Board, I would like to champion that transition. In my current term, I have helped provide feedback on design to cost training as well as submitted questions for the CEBoK-S training, and continued to promote and facilitate ICEAA testing for members to obtain certification.

As Secretary, I will continue to attend and contribute to all Board of Directors’ meetings, and will provide official documentation, develop policy, and serve as an engaged ambassador for the cost estimating community at large. I will continue to undertake special projects, and will work to develop guidance and procedures as needed to ensure full transparency in the organization. I will continue to apply the skills I have learned over a decade of cost estimating to help shape the future of ICEAA and assist in providing guidance to the various committees. Member outreach, certification, and knowledge sharing are particular areas of interest for me. In my various roles leading and assisting with training programs, I realize the importance of communication, not only within my company, but also externally. I believe that when we have more industry stakeholders providing input and ideas, it makes our jobs more efficient and enjoyable, and ensures that we are applying the absolute best knowledge available to solve the problem(s) at hand.

I truly appreciate the opportunities that ICEAA has afforded me thus far, both to serve the organization and to meet so many of our talented members. During my time as an ICEAA member and leader, I have embraced opportunities to become an active member, by attending chapter meetings and conferences (both for ICEAA as well as adjacent professional organizations), and by actively working to increase membership and certification within Tecolote, and awareness and involvement in ICEAA external to Tecolote. ICEAA has been an invaluable organization in my career development and has provided me a myriad of opportunities and experiences to grow, not only as a cost estimator, but also as a manager and trainer.

My professional career began as a civilian working as a Mathematical Statistician for the U.S. Census Bureau. I performed statistical analysis on housing data, as well as participated in human capital study. I transitioned into cost estimating in 2008, where I began supporting the Marine Corps in developing life cycle cost estimates. During my career as a cost estimator, I have had the pleasure of additionally supporting the Army, NASA and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In 2020, I transitioned into data science after becoming interested in incorporating coding and advanced techniques into cost studies. I spent time developing introductory Machine Learning courses for the Army and DHS and taught these courses to students.

I took a short break from the cost community in 2022 to explore my interests in data science. I worked in the financial sector and was immersed in the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance. I expanded my knowledge of data analytics and data science by understanding best practices in managing AI models and products. I focused on assessing bias and fairness in AI models that were being used to impact decision-making within the bank.

In the fall of 2022, I decided to return to cost community in a data science role when I joined Tecolote. I support the Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) office’s Enterprise Visibility and Management of Operating and Support Costs (EVAMOSC) program, as well as the Air Force Cost Analysis Agency. Within my primary roles, I leverage a variety of analytical tools to enhance the quality of available data. I lead the anomaly detection effort for EVAMOSC and guide a team of data scientists in running multiple scripts to assess the quality of data within the EVAMOSC data warehouse.

I hold a MS degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in Applied Statistics and dual BS degrees in Mathematics/Statistics from the University of Georgia.

Board Position Sought: Vice President for Professional Development
Relevant ICEAA Experience: Member of ICEAA for 14+ years (Washington DC area) and Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA)
Certifications: CCEA

Why do I want to serve on the ICEAA Board::
I am seeking to serve on the board as the VP for Professional Development, because I am passionate about expanding the knowledge of junior cost analysts and growing the capabilities of our community. ICEAA plays an important part in educating cost, budget and data analysts in our community and will continue to develop new analysts who support the Department of Defense and beyond in the future.
As a leader in the Data Analytics Working Group within Tecolote Research, Inc., I help develop technical series for staff. Over the course of the last two years, I have had a significant role in developing introduction courses to Python, R and the latest series, Machine Learning. My love of teaching is equal to my love of learning new techniques. Developing content that will help to grow the skills and build confidence in analysts is important to me.
As VP of Professional Development, my passion will be on full display as I help to support the development of dynamic and engaging training programs for analysts of all ages. I am committed to showcasing the value of joining ICEAA by helping to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

• I am seeking to run for a 2nd consecutive term as an ICEAA At-large Board of Directors (BoD) position.
• My relevant ICEAA experience consists of two prior terms on the [Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis [SCEA]) BOD circa mod 2000s
• I have the ICEAA CCA certification, the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Business Cost Estimating (Advanced) certification, and the Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) certification

I would be honored to serve a second consecutive term as an at-large member of the ICEAA Board of Directors (BoD). I have decades of experience leading cost estimating organizations, and previously served two consecutive terms on the BoD from 2005- 2009, where I successfully championed strategic initiatives to improve certification and membership. I am also a passionate advocate for the profession of cost analysis, across government, industry, and the supporting consulting community. Throughout my career, I have been firmly committed to continuously improving cost estimating capability, performance, and influence; and I believe ICEAA plays an important role in bringing the community together to enable key improvements along these lines of effort. As such, I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to serve on the ICEAA BoD as an advocate for, an active participant in, collaborative government-industry efforts to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, innovate, and improve data and methods across the collective cost estimating enterprise. Lastly, I believe my expensive experience working in both government and industry cost estimating leadership positions, and the deep professional relationships I’ve established across the cost estimating community, put me in a unique position to help ICEAA continue to improve it’s positive impact on the profession.

Bio:
Richard Hartley is the Vice President for Estimating at The Boeing Company. He leads a diverse team responsible for preparing program and independent cost estimates, bid and proposal cost volumes, and affordability and optimal cost analysis for nearly all Boeing development, production, and sustainment contracts. He is also responsible for all company-wide cost estimating policy, procedures, and supporting infrastructure. Hartley supports Boeing commercial and government programs and serves as the principal Boeing representative for government, customer, audit, and industry cost estimating and pricing issues and initiatives.

Prior to joining Boeing in October 2020, Hartley served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, where he oversaw the budgeting, cost estimating and financial operations of more than $160 billion in annual resources that support Air Force priorities. Additionally, he was responsible for the professional development of more than 12,000 military and civilian members of the Air Force financial management community.

Previously, Hartley was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (and Acting Assistant Secretary) for Installations, Environment and Energy, responsible for the formulation, review and execution of plans, policies, programs and budgets to meet Air Force installations, energy, environment, safety and occupational health objectives, and the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Requirements, responsible for development and integration of the Air Force’s over $750 billion resource allocation plan, known as the Future Years Defense Plan (FYDP).

Hartley began his career in 1985 as a cost analyst and industrial engineer in the Naval Air Systems Command. In 1992, he moved to the Air Force where he served in a variety of positions at the Air Force Cost Analysis Agency and Directorate of Cost Analysis in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Cost and Economics. In 1997, he joined the National Reconnaissance Office, where he entered the Senior Intelligence Service in 2000. In 2003, he returned to the Pentagon to serve as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cost and Economics in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller.

Hartley holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.

Ms. Pullen is a Senior Operations Research Analyst for the Air Force Cost Analysis Agency (AFCAA), Information Technology Division at the Hanscom Air Force Base Operating Location. She leads several Independent Estimates and serves as the lead of a multi-service Working Agile Working Group. Previously, Ms. Pullen worked for Tecolote Research, Inc. as cost lead in multiple program offices and for Northrop Grumman performing cost studies and authoring sections of the original Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge.

Ms. Pullen is a Distinguished Graduate of the Masters in Cost Estimating and Analysis program from the Naval Postgraduate School. She received her Bachelors of Business Administration with honors from James Madison University.

Ms. Pullen is a Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst has been a member of ICEAA for 20+ years. Her involvement includes Region 1 Director, conference presenter, track chair, exam proctor, New England chapter secretary, nominating committee, and member of the ICEAA abstract review team.

Ms. Pullen seeks the position of At-Large Elected Director. In this position Ms. Pullen aims to foster greater communication between chapters, members, and the ICEAA Board of Directors by imparting the numerous benefits of being an ICEAA member and ensuring the organization continues to be desirable, beneficial, and sustainable.

Patrick Casey is a Senior Cost Analyst at Quantech Services Inc. with over six years of experience supporting the Department of Defense (DoD). Patrick’s professional journey began with a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of New Hampshire in 2018 and certifications in SAFe Agilist, AWS Cloud Practitioner, and Function Point Analysis. Throughout his career, Patrick has applied his expertise to software cost estimation, cloud transformation, economic analysis, and data analytics, using advanced tools such as SEER-SEM, ACEIT, and PowerBI. Recognized for his contributions, Patrick has earned awards including Quantech’s Analyst of the Year (2021) and ICEAA’s Best Paper Award in the Strategy, Soft Skills, & Trending Topics Track (2024). He is a passionate educator, having created and delivered training on various technical topics, and he continually seeks innovative solutions to complex cost challenges.

Board Position Desired: Region 1 Director

Relevant ICEAA Experience:
• Presented at ICEAA conferences on trending topics such as cloud cost comparison and advanced data analytics.
• Member of the winning team in the inaugural ICEAA Cost Challenge (2023).
• Recipient of ICEAA’s Best Paper Award in the Trending Topics Track (2024).
• Active participant and speaker at various ICEAA cost events (including internationally in London) and professional development workshops in New England.

Certifications:
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
• Certified Function Point Specialist (CFPS)
• Certified SAFe 6 Agilist
• SEER-SEM Certified User

I wish to serve on the ICEAA Board to become more actively involved in a professional community I have thoroughly enjoyed for the past five years. My goal is to continue the impactful work of our current Region 1 Director by fostering engagement with new cost analysts at Hanscom AFB, speaking at local cost events, and promoting ICEAA’s values throughout the New England chapter.

Additionally, I am committed to:
• Expanding professional development opportunities for ICEAA members through workshops and training.
• Enhancing outreach to universities and early-career professionals to attract fresh talent to the cost analysis field.
• Advocating for innovative approaches and tools that improve cost-estimating methodologies and practices.

I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the growth and dynamism of the ICEAA community, leveraging my experience and passion to support its mission.

Courtney Gray is a cost analyst at ITA International and has been serving in ICEAA leadership positions at both the Chapter and Association level for the past six years. She currently holds the title of Committee Chair for the 2025 Professional Development and Training Workshop, Vice President of the Washington Capital Area Chapter, and Deputy Chair of the Federal Cost Estimating Leadership Alliance. Last year, Courtney served as the Chair of the Association Awards and Deputy Chair of the Workshop Committee in addition to moderating the second annual “Women in Cost Estimating” session in Minneapolis. From 2019 to 2023, she served as Secretary of the Washington Capital Area Chapter.

In her various leadership roles, Courtney has placed high importance on recognition and the sense of community that ICEAA provides. After reading a survey response from a previous Workshop in which someone expressed difficulty with making connections earlier in the week, she pioneered the idea of the “Monday Night Mixer,” which debuted at last year’s Workshop and received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Held during the evening of arrival day, this event offered first-time attendees and solo travelers the opportunity to play icebreaker games and make new friends before the Workshop officially began.

Courtney is adamant about making every ICEAA member feel welcomed and valued. One of her greatest initiatives over the past six years has been improving the Chapter Awards process and, more recently, the Association Awards process. In 2024, she created a list of FAQs and tips for improving award nominations, which was published and advertised on ICEAA website. Leading up to the 2025 awards season, she was tasked by the Executive Committee with refining the criteria for certain categories, implementing measures to promote fairness when ranking nominations, and documenting the entire awards process for the sake of transparency and continuity.

Communication and engagement are two of Courtney’s top priorities. She is currently spearheading an effort to create and disseminate lists to employers on a habitual basis of all ICEAA members and certificants within their own organizations. While automated reminders are sent to individuals when their membership or certification is due for renewal, these emails are frequently blocked by spam filters, causing a lapse that may go unnoticed for a long time. Giving these companies/agencies who maintain a large presence in ICEAA a glimpse of their workforce’s statuses should help increase memberships and certifications as well as facilitate accountability.

After spending six years on her Chapter Board, Courtney has decided to run for Region 2 Director, where she feels she can make an even greater impact serving the cost community. With her experience interacting with both the local and international boards, she believes that she would be an ideal candidate for acting as a liaison between them. She plans to take an active role in attending meetings with the Chapter Boards in her region and checking in periodically with their Presidents to answer questions and ensure they have the proper support from ICEAA to best serve their constituents.

Carol Dekkers, President of Quality Plus Technologies, Inc., brings over 25 years of expertise in guiding companies and government agencies towards success in software measurement. From 2020 to 2021, she served as the lead author for the emerging ICEAA Software Cost Estimating Body of Knowledge (CEBoK-S) and recently held the position of Director at Large on the ICEAA Board of Directors.

Ms. Dekkers is a distinguished author, having written several seminal textbooks on software measurement, including “The IT Measurement Compendium: Estimating and Benchmarking Success with Functional Size Measurement,” “Program Management Toolkit for Software and Systems Development,” and “Practical Software Project Estimation,” 3rd edition. Additionally, she has contributed nearly 100 peer-reviewed journal articles. As a frequent speaker at industry conferences, Carol covers a range of topics such as software cost estimating, measurement, international standards, quality, and technical communication. Since 1994, she has been a contributing expert and project editor for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in software and systems engineering standards. In February of this year, Carol will be honored as one of Consulting Magazine’s Global Leaders in Consulting 2023 for Excellence in Pro Bono. She is a past president of IFPUG, the current chair of the industry standards committee, and has held volunteer leadership roles with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Carol is running for the Region 3 Director position, and as a Florida resident, looks forward to working with our regional Chapters: Greater Alabama, Atlanta, Central Florida and Northwest Florida.

Relevant ICEAA Experience:
In addition to her role as lead author, Ms. Dekkers was named the ICEAA 2022 Educator of the Year and previously worked with the CEBoK-S volunteer curriculum committee. She has been an active participant in the last eight ICEAA annual professional development and education conferences across the US, Canada, and the UK. Carol has delivered presentations on CEBoK-S modules, CEBoK Lesson 12 (software), and numerous software metrics sessions. She also moderates the ICEAA Women in Cost Estimating LinkedIn group.

Certifications:
• ICEAA SCEC (Software Cost Estimator Certified)
• International Function Point Users Group (IFPUG) Certified Function Point Specialist – Fellow (CFPS-Fellow) and Honorary Fellow
• Project Management Institute: Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Scrum Alliance: Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
• Association of Professional Engineers and Geologists of Alberta (APEGA): Professional Engineer in good standing (P.Eng.)

Why I Want to Continue Serving on the ICEAA Board:
I strongly advocate for professional cost estimating as a vital competency for government agencies and product development organizations, especially where cost, schedule, and quality are crucial for stakeholders. I am passionate about elevating software cost estimating as a profession, which is often undervalued in the software industry. Many companies rely on expert opinion over data-driven estimates, leading to projects exceeding budgets and schedules.

I believe ICEAA is uniquely positioned to provide value through education and certification to cost estimators worldwide. The new CEBoK-S for software can transform the industry from reliance on expert opinion to solid estimating practices. I aim to explore outreach and partnerships with organizations like IFPUG and PMI to broaden CEBoK-S’s reach.

The dedication of current ICEAA board members and committee participants inspires me. I am eager to contribute positively to ICEAA’s influence and growth in the coming years. Serving on the ICEAA board offers new insights and opportunities to give back to an industry I deeply value.

I have had the pleasure of serving as the Region 4 Director for the ICEAA National Board for the past two years. I am passionate about growing and supporting our profession and am looking to energize the chapter-to-national board relationship in Region 4. As an active member for my entire career and the 2022 and 2023 Workshop Chair, I have witnessed the importance of a strong liaison between the chapter and the national board. I think there is much we could do to further the visibility of our chapter and support the mission of ICEAA, including broadening our subject matter beyond the Department of Defense (DoD) focus, direct engagement with local cost estimators that have not yet joined ICEAA, and strategizing with other chapters to maximize outreach and resources. I have been working with chapter leadership to further our training goals and engage in our community to increase active membership, a commitment I began back in 2010 with the Washington Capital Area Chapter (WCAC) as the membership chair.

I have over 15 years of cost estimating and analysis experience for both government and commercial clients, such as NASA, Space Development Agency, and Virgin Galactic. I have independently estimated the costs of Constellation, Astrophysics Explorer, Heliophysics Explorer, Earth Venture, New Frontiers, and Martian Moons Exploration missions, as well as evaluated their management and contracting strategies. I passed my certification exams in 2010 and earned my CCEA in 2012. I graduated Cum Laude with a BS in Finance from the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University and a BA in German.

Relevant ICEAA Experience:
• ICEAA Workshop Chair for the 2023 ICEAA workshop
• ICEAA Workshop Chair for the 2022 ICEAA workshop
• ICEAA Workshop Chair Deputy for the 2021 ICEAA virtual workshop
• Recipient of the 2019 Team Achievement of the Year Award
• Four-time presenter at ICEAA Workshops
• Certified Cost Estimator / Analyst (CCEA) Certified in 2012 and recertified in 2017
• ICEAA WCAC Membership Chair 2010-2013
• Recipient of the 2010 Washington Capital Area Chapter (WCAC) Junior Analyst of the Year Award

I have a strong desire to help give back to an organization that has had such a positive influence on my career as a cost estimator and analyst. Throughout my career in cost estimating within the Government and Industry, I have gained a great appreciation for the importance of professional development and established standards. ICEAA is an incredible organization and I have really enjoyed my past four years serving on the board and becoming more involved in ICEAA leadership. I bring a unique background to the board having diversified my career experience as cost analyst in the military, as a government support contractor, and as a hardware contractor.

Bio:
I joined BAE Space and Mission Systems (formerly Ball Aerospace) in 2019 and currently lead the Cost Estimating & Pricing team for our space program portfolio. Previously I had led our Civil Space estimating & pricing team as well as our Enterprise Cost Analysis team, which was responsible for historical data analysis and CER development. Prior to joining BAE, I spent over 15 years in leadership and cost analysis roles as a support contractor at Tecolote Research, Inc and served as an Active Duty Finance Officer in the U.S. Air Force, predominately at the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) at Los Angeles Air Force Base. Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure of helping develop and implement various cost estimating standards and guides, as well as mentoring (and being mentored by) other cost analysts – which has given me a deep appreciate for what ICEAA is all about!

Education:
• Webster University, M.A. Procurement & Acquisition Management
• Webster University, M.B.A. Emphasis in Environmental Management
• Air Force Institute of Technology, M.S. Cost Analysis
• U.S. Air Force Academy, B.S. Management

Relevant ICEAA Experience:
I have been a member of ICEAA for over 14 years and earned my CCEA® certification in 2012. I have recently served two terms on the board, as an At Large Director from 2021-2023 and Region 5 Director from 2023-2025. In the past I have attended ICEAA’s SoCal events, Annual Workshops, and webinar events. I have also contributed to CEBoK and OEM COG efforts. I have encouraged and helped train over 15 colleagues who have successfully earned their CCEA® certification. I am a heavy user of the CEBoK and have always been a strong proponent of ICEAA. Currently, I am actively encouraging and assisting other colleagues at BAE Space & Mission Systems to join ICEAA in hopes that it will help us one day revive our Rocky Mountain Chapter within Region 5.

It has been an honor to serve the ICEAA community as the Region 5 Director and appreciate your consideration in supporting my desire to continue representing the region on the Board of Directors.

As of January 2025, Javier has joined Otto Aviation. Previously Mr. Provencio was afforded numerous opportunities at Lockheed Martin to hold expanding roles at Aero, MFC, and RMS/CETO. Each assignment has highlighted the unique cost challenges and available synergies. In coordination with highly respected senior leadership, he will continue to identify and drive cost control mindset as the Affordability Process & IT Tools Project Engineer. The affordability group is positioned to make a notable impact on 3P – People, Process and Product. Previously, Mr. Provencio was Value Engineering at Triumph Group (Stock; TGI) at the company’s Triumph Aerospace structures business unit. A position he has held since September 2017. Triumph’s Aerostructures business unit is a Tier 1 supplier with capabilities to engineer/manufacture large complex structures & integrated sub systems for military & commercial O.E.M.s; During his tenure, Mr. Provencio led the vitalization of cost control awareness, process & procedures, alignment with vertical integration plan, awareness of sites competencies and talent development plan. Prior to September 2017, Mr. Provencio served as Cost Analyst Engineer- Commercial ships management at Bell Helicopter. A subsidiary of Textron (Stock; TXT) umbrella. Bell Helicopter is an Industry leading producer of commercial and military vertical lift aircraft. Mr. Provencio lead the effort to influence the engineering during pre-design, detailed design, low rate & full production phases towards cost control of configuration selection. He supported many multi-disciplined teams to ensure they were meeting deliverables, alignment to company objectives, negotiations, aircraft operational cost, respecting schedule & established high fidelity cost analysis.

A highly diversified portfolio in the aerospace sector and proven leader.

Relevant ICEAA Experience:
I have been an active member of the organization and mentored under the watchful eye of the current director, Brent Johnstone. I also had the honor to present at the ICEAA yearly membership conference in San Antonio Texas, Take the blue pill.

Certifications:
• Lockheed Martin certified Affordability course instructor.
• CAM Certified

Why I Wish to Serve on the ICEAA Board:
I look forward to networking with region members and building a likeminded community as the region 6 director. I will seek to grow, knowledge share and drive an engaged chapter representing Texas. The opportunity to serve as your elected official is a privilege and it would be a great honor. I look forward to meeting the members and building upon what previous directors have already established for the chapter.

By striving to become the next ICEAA Region 7 Director, Mr. Bosmans would be pleased to contribute his more than three decades of Aerospace & Defense industry cost estimating and pricing leadership skills to this exciting role. He earned a BS in Mathematics from the University of Tennessee and an MBA, emphasizing Finance, from San Diego State University. Since 1995 he has performed strategic estimating and pricing duties for Leidos Inc (originally as SAIC) where he began as a Pricing Analyst for a $50M/Yr organization and progressed to Group Pricing Directorship for the $3B National Security Group. He continues to be active in talent recruitment, policy development, and estimating tool improvement in his role as a Leidos Consulting Employee.

Inspired by his attendance at half a dozen Edwards AFB Space Shuttle landings, Tom began his estimating career at the ECON Corporation in San Jose, California in the late 1980s. After being mentored by such ISPA legends as Charlie Hopkins, John Skratt, and Tom Fenton, Tom migrated to Southern California to work with NC “Duke” O’Brien at McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Corporation in 1989. While at MDC’s Huntington Beach facility, Mr.Bosmans participated in a wide variety of life cycle cost estimating adventures which included SDI, the International Space Station, the C-17 aircraft, and a wide variety of advanced launch vehicle concepts. In 1995 Tom joined SAIC (which morphed into its current Leidos form) in Torrance, CA, where he broadened his horizons to include the pricing function and has continued to this day.

Mr. Bosmans is lifetime ICEAA member and has served as Southern California chapter vice president (4 years) and chapter Director at large (4 years). He also performed as the Nominating Committee Chair (ie – Election Lead) for the last two SoCal Chapter elections. In addition, thanks to the generous support of SAIC/Leidos, Tom’s Team also hosted ICEAA SoCal Chapter workshops at the El Segundo and San Diego Leidos locations.

Tom would be honored to play an active role in the transformation of ICEAA’s role in our industry’s evolution. It is up to us to leverage new tools, new members, and new organizational value propositions so we can “Grow the Pie” for all stakeholders. Our annual Professional Development and Training Workshops have always provided a great launching pad for our quest.

Outside of work, Tom enjoys spending time with his wife Renee, daughter Krystal, and Great Pyrenees companion Cosmo in the beautiful Kern River Valley of California’s beautiful Southeastern. He is an avid whitewater boater, reader, and advocate of the great outdoors.

I Mohammad Rahimi, am a CCEA-certified cost estimator with over 10 years of experience spanning both the private and public sectors. I am also the Director and co-founder of Capital Costing Services, a boutique consultancy specialising in cost estimation and finance consulting services for the public sector, based in Canberra, Australia. I am interested in the Regional Director role for Australia.
I have a diversified cost estimation background with experience in working with large government clients such as the Department of Defence, the Department of Agriculture, Home Affairs, and the National Disability Insurance Agency. I am also a qualified CPA, hold a Master’s degree, a certified ACEIT trainer, Professional Agile Scrum Master, and Robotic Process Automation developer.

The Australian cost estimation profession is currently challenged due to non-standardised practices leading to cost over-runs and would benefit from having ICEAA certified regional director to drive strategic change. If elected, I would strive to establish a strategic agenda that includes:
• Actively managing ICEAA’s affairs and provide positive representation in Australia
• Raising awareness and promoting the value of ICEAA qualifications
• Positively engage with bureaucracy and Government to highlight the values of being ICEAA qualified
• Develop a roadmap to ensuring ICEAA qualifications are required for cost estimators working on projects (Similar to the US Department of Defence)

I acknowledge that achieving these objectives will be challenging. However, given the Government scrutiny on cost estimation practices in Australia at the back of cost overruns and unrealistic assumptions, it is critical for professional bodies like ICEAA to work towards uplifting the profession. I firmly believe that having a representative that is a practicing and certified cost estimator will lead to growth in total membership numbers, raising the percentage of ICEAA-certified professionals, and embedding qualified estimators in all cost estimation projects.

My experience across both the private and public sectors positions me to drive this change effectively. Over the past decade, I have built valuable professional and personal connections. Having led the cost estimation practice at a Big Four firm, becoming one of the very few CCEA-certified cost estimators in Australia, and establishing a consultancy specialising in cost estimation, I have demonstrated my passion and commitment to advancing the profession.

I am determined to take the cost estimation profession to new heights and firmly believe I can achieve this through the ICEAA Regional Director role for Australia.
further the reputation of ICEAA within the Australian Department of Defence and contribute to training and mentoring young generations of cost estimators and cost analysist. By doing that, Anh hopes to contribute to the sustainable development of ICEAA.

Professional Summary:

Highly analytical and results-oriented finance professional with a proven track record in financial analysis, project management and cross-functional collaboration. Recognized seven times as collaborative partner by Bell senior managers and three times by the Values and Ethics Steering Committee of Citizenship and Immigration Canada for integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.

SKILLS :

Analytics & Strategy Development: Costing Models | Financial Modeling | Data Analysis
Tools & Software: Microsoft Excel | Alteryx | Tableau | Power Point
Core Competencies: Project Management | Cross-Functional Collaboration | Communication | Leadership
Industry Expertise: Telecom Regulation | Market Analysis | Revenue Optimization | Policy

EXPERIENCE:

Bell Canada, Toronto, ON 10/2019 – 11/2024
Manager, Finance
• Developed unit costs for network equipment and capital economic factors, supporting regulatory filings and internal economic applications.
• Managed internal unit cost tool, ensuring up-to-date, accurate data for service cost models.
• Collaborated with engineers, network planners and purchasing to standardize cost.

TELUS, Toronto, ON 07/2017 – 05/2019
Senior Regulatory Advisor
• Led company’s participation in renewable project, run by CRTC, securing contract and meeting targets.
• Implemented records management policy and controls for regulatory team, increasing regulatory compliance score by 30%.
• Researched aggressive sales practices and regulatory actions taken internationally and prepared a briefing note for senior management to support the decision-making process.

Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission, Athens, Greece 01/2009 – 07/2017
Senior Analyst
• Performed price squeeze tests, to identify and mitigate market power abuses, by incumbent’s fixed telephony service offerings.
• Developed financial models for nationwide telecom spectrum pricing and satellite usage valuation.
• Implemented accounting protocols and monitored wholesale pricing for new telecom operators, ensuring regulatory compliance.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Toronto, ON 11/2003 – 12/2007
Financial Officer
• Conducted 88 on-site financial audits over four years, enhancing accountability in program funding.
• Evaluated funding proposals for compliance.
• Planned and executed internal reviews, leading to actionable management plans.
• Provided financial training to 10 program officers and 2 newly hired financial officers, through job shadowing, formalized one-to-one sessions and functional supervision.
• Designed and delivered a formalized financial monitoring course to financial officers.

EDUCATION:

Master of Management and Professional Accounting (MMPA)
Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto – Toronto, ON
Graduate Diploma in Accounting

Wilfrid Laurier University – Waterloo, ON
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology

Graduate Diploma in Management
McGill University – Montreal, QC

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Statistics, specialization in Economics
Graduate School of Industrial Sciences – Piraeus, Greece

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING:

• Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCEA) Certification (In Progress)
• Data Science for Business decisions (Alteryx, Tableau) | McGill University
• Price Squeeze Model | SVP Advisors
• Cost Accounting and Accounting Separation | Analysis Mason
• Audit and Evaluation, A Financial Perspective | Financial Management Institute
• Internal Audit Workshop| Institute of Internal Auditor
• Orientation to Financial Management and Internal Auditing | Government of Canada

VOLUNTEER:

Global Medic HQ, Toronto, ON
• Packed emergency food kits.

New Circles, GLOW Clothing Bank, Toronto, ON.
• Assisted seniors with shopping during GLOW Day events.

Vice President School Council, Masonville Public School, London, ON
• Provided advisory support to the principal on school-wide initiatives.

Food Bank, London, ON
• Organized and sorted non-perishable food supplies.

Board Position: Region Director Canada

Why I Wish to Serve on the ICEAA Board:
I would like to express my interest to serve as a Regional Director (Canada). I would like to contribute to the profession’s advancement. It would be a great opportunity to grow professionally and personally and at the same time serve the interests of the community. I do not have direct experience in this role, but I am willing to learn from other experienced board members.

I, Sanathanan Rajagopal PhD, would like to be considered for the Board position of Director, UK and Europe.

I have been member of ICEAA for over a decade and over these years I served the ICEAA Board as UK and Europe Director in 2017 during which I actively engaged with key UK and Europe’s Defence, Aerospace and Automotive industries to better their estimating challenges, encouraged them to be part of a common interest group to share knowledge and experience. Encouraged these industries to get professional qualifications through ICEAA Accreditations

I am the current Chairman of SCAF (Society for Cost Analysis and Forecasting) UK. In this role I am engaging with the UK wide industry to address the issue of engaging the next generation of Cost Estimator/Engineers through SCAF and to look into the future of Cost Estimating such as Machine Learning, AI and Big Data and formulate the ways of adapting and incorporating this into the current norm.

I am part of the Review committee for the development of our Software Estimating Body of Knowledge. This gives me an opportunity to shape the future of professional development of our software estimators. I was one of the key contributors to a study undertaken by Institute for Defence Analysis (US DoD) sponsored by Defence Logistics Agency (DLA, DoD) titled “A Research and Development Investment Portfolio for Diminishing Manufacture Source and Material Shortage” and at home I was one of the key reviewer of “guide to Measurement of Software Sizing” which is a standard for measuring Software Sizing using COSMIC methodology. I have contributed heavily to the scientific communities by publishing in national, International Scientific journal papers and conferences. These efforts were recognised by both Defence Equipment and Support (UK MoD); and QinetiQ by honouring me with Fellowships.

I believe with my above experience and skills I should be able to achieve the collective objective of ICEAA.

Personal Bio:
Dr Sanath is a highly capable and internationally recognised Cost Engineer/Cost Estimator specialising in Software Estimating, Software Obsolescence Management, Software Obsolescence Cost Estimating and Parametric Estimating. Sanath is an ISPA (International Society of Parametric Association) certified parametric estimator who worked in various high profile Defence projects in ISS/ISTAR, Cyber, Air, Maritime and Land domains, providing costing services at all stages of the procurement cycle in setting budgets, historic trends and Independent Cost Estimates assurances for government business cases. Combination of industrial experience with Sanath’s academic achievements enables him to implement and provide advice on project Cost, Schedule, Software Obsolescence Management, Assurance, Risk Management, Parametric, Software & System Whole Life Cost Modelling, Cost Risk Assessments concerning COTS Software, Software of Unknown Pedigree, Commercial off-the-shelf and Safety Critical functionality during acquisition development.

Sanath currently Heading up the Cost Engineering at Sirius Analysis. Sanath is also a Professor of Engineering and Cost Management at Birmingham City University, UK and a Senior Visting Research Fellow at City University, London.

Professional Leadership and Memberships:
• Fellow of QinetiQ
• Fellow of Defence Equipment and Support
• Chairman of Society of Cost Analysis and Forecasting (SCAF)
• Deputy Chair of Society of Cost Analysis and Forecasting (SCAF),2015 to 2019
• UK Director for International Cost Estimating and Analysis Associations (ICEAA), 2017 to 2019
• Member of International Cost Estimating and Analysis Associations (ICEAA)
• Member of EPSRC Centre of Innovative Manufacturing (Through-Life Engineering Services)
• Technical Member of Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Awards and Recognitions:
• Technical Achievement of the year Award from ICEAA, 2017
• Defence Equipment and Support Specialist Fellowship, 2015
• P Phuge Award for innovation (Commendation) 2014, 2015 and 2017 from SCAF