Board of Directors
Chapter Chairperson
Shakita L. Briggs, CF APMP
Shakita has over 15 years of experience in business development, supporting new business growth by winning Federal and state contact awards. Her ability to lead large and complex proposal development projects has provided the ultimate platform for her leadership and communication skills. Through her vast knowledge and understanding of the Federal contracting sales cycle and proposal development process, Shakita has managed the successful development of compliant, competitive, and compelling proposals through effective collaboration across teams that include internal staff, corporate partners, consultants, and supporting vendors. Shakita provides the necessary integration of marketing communications, negotiation, business intelligence, and research skills to ensure the execution of successful business and proposal development projects. Shakita has a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Marketing from Virginia State University. She joined APMP in 2011, certified in 2014, and presented at SPAC in 2017. Outside of the demands of managing complex proposals, Shakita loves to travel and write poetry.
Secretary
Kathleen Swacina, CF APMP
Kathy has more than five years experience in writing commercial and defense agencies proposals. Recently Kathy started a small business offering technical writing for proposals, IT strategic planning, quality assurance manager and capture management services. Kathy is an IT Director with over 17 years of IT architecture, IT portfolio management, IT program management, IT policy development, COOP design, and CIO proficiencies experience. She has most recently been assisting in several CMMI and ISO certification efforts along with Quality Assurance (QA) responsibilities. Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Fine Art from Western Michigan University, a Master of Arts in Computer Science from Webster University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from University of Texas. She also holds several certifications including; DOD/GSA CIO, ITIL, Project Management, Advanced Joint Military Professional, Proposal and Capture Management. Kathy lives in Atlanta with her husband.
Treasurer
Alan L Lewis, CP APMP
Alan has enjoyed a distinguished career leading the planning, staffing, budgeting, and operations of international organizations. His areas of expertise include communications, organization development, process/performance improvement, team building and leadership. He has proven abilities in project and people management, with the capacity to develop and execute cross-functional programs. Alan is employed by Alliant Health Solutions as the Director of Capture Management. In this role, he identifies, develops, and secures business with new and existing customers by applying his knowledge of the entire business development lifecycle, from opportunity qualification to strategic capture and proposal/solution development. He considers his work super rewarding because it promotes improving health care with a patient-first approach. Alan joined APMP in 2002 and has actively participated in the Georgia Peach State Chapter since 2012. He has served in several board leadership roles including membership director, treasurer, board chairperson. He and his wife are "empty nesters" living in northwest Georgia. They have two children and three grand children.
Program Director
Cynthia Rhodes
Cynthia Rhodes serves as Program Director and Board Member of the APMP Georgia Chapter coordinating life long learning opportunities for members. As Founder of Rhodes Porter LLC, with a specialty in business development and logistics process management supporting SMEs supporting strategic planning, executive communications, and process improvement working across the executive leadership teams and entrepreneurship collaborations. With 20+ years of experience in strategic corporate business development for B2B and government contracting, Cynthia has managed multiple projects and led strategic pursuits with agencies including the VA Medical Center and HUD Community Development programs. Her expertise spans in revenue/sales enablement, pre-bid readiness, capture strategy, proposal compliance, and business development execution, helping clients convert opportunity pipelines into profitable, contract-ready results.
Social Media Director
Lisa DeCerchio, CF APMP
Lisa started her career as a proposal and project manager in the Satellite Communications (SATCOM) industry in 2010. Her background includes developing proposals to the U.S. Government, United Nation/Non-Governmental Organizations, energy, airline, cruise, and commercial shipping industries focused on SATCOM solutions, cloud services and geospatial imaging solutions. Lisa is currently a Senior Proposal Manager for Trace Systems where she leads the proposal management process in communications, cyber and intelligence. Lisa was inducted to the elite 40 Under 40 class of 2022 by the APMP, which highlights her contributions as a rising professional who has already made a noticeable impact on the proposal profession. She received her Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from George Washington University and a Master’s in International Management from Schiller International University in Heidelberg, Germany. She enjoys traveling, kayaking, playing the piano and spending time with her family.
Publicity Director
Tiffany Smith
Tiffany has worked in business and proposal development for six years after transitioning from an extensive career in higher education administration. Her current role is as Business Development Manager for a firm that specializes in life sciences where she devotes her energy to supporting new business acquisition activities with a focus on writing and designing compelling proposals, and presentations. Her experience also includes previous roles with professional services firms in a/c/e and information technology. Tiffany’s earned an MS degree in Information Design and Technology from Kennesaw State University and a BBA degree in Business Management from Mercer University. Additionally, she recently received a project management certification and is an ATD certified trainer. When Tiffany is not busy crafting winning proposals, she can be found practicing yoga, hanging out at a cultural or art inspired festival, or appreciating a live creative performance at a beautiful Atlanta venue.
Membership Director
Dionna Anderson, MBA, CF APMP
Dionna is a Proposal Specialist with extensive project management expertise spanning government, SaaS, and retail sectors. She excels in crafting persuasive proposals for business continuity and disaster recovery solutions. Her academic journey includes pursuing a DBA in Project Management, complementing her MBA and Bachelor of Arts in English with a Creative Writing specialization from California State University, Northridge. Having served as a former Senior Operations Manager, Dionna’s experience has equipped her with a solid foundation in organizational efficiency and communication strategies. Her ability to drive marketing performance and acquire customers reflects her aptitude for identifying market trends and crafting persuasive proposals that resonate with target audiences. This background underscores her proficiency in proposal management, where market insight and customer engagement play pivotal roles in crafting successful proposals. Dionna enjoys traveling, running, and spending time with family.
