Behind-the-Scenes with NGA: Networking & Hiring Event

I grew up in a small town in southern Illinois and as I got older I decided to pursue my love for mathematics. I went to Southern Illinois University Carbondale where I got my BS in Mathematics and became licensed to teach secondary math. From there, I went on to become a high school math teacher and taught for around a year before I realized I needed to make a career change. I decided to accept a graduate assistantship at the University of Missouri-Columbia where I was a university math instructor while I obtained my MS in Applied Mathematics specializing in mathematical modeling –both physical and biological. At that point, I knew I wanted to work for the Department of Defense to serve my country in some form and I was lucky enough to come across the mission here at NGA and accepted a position as a Geodetic Orbit Scientist within the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS division. Geodetic Orbit Scientists provide timely, accurate, and leading-edge GPS-based products with technical support and analysis to the Department of Defense and scientific communities. We fulfill this mission through collecting and monitoring real-time data flow from our GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) Collection Stations around the world on a 24x7 basis ensuring accuracy and robustness. We create the DoD truth standard for GPS satellite orbits and maintain predictions for satellite orbits for up to nine days. Orbit scientists utilize tracking data from ground monitoring stations for the realization of the World Geodetic System 84 (WGS84) on Earth’s surface and provide daily Earth Orientation Parameter Predictions supporting GPS operations and leap second configuration.

Here at NGA we “understand the Earth from the bottom of the ocean to the top of the world” as we fulfill our mission and create better products every day.

I currently serve in the Acquisition and Technology Career Service as a Career Development Officer responsible for empowering the workforce with career opportunities, external hiring, student interns, and the IT ambassador program. I earned a bachelor’s degree in IT Project Management in 2017 and a master’s degree in Information Technology Management from Webster University in 2020. During my tenure at NGA prior to my current role, I served as a Program Manager within the Source Directorate in the Capabilities and Integration division responsible for migrating systems used for Geospatial-Intelligence from legacy hardware to operate in a cloud environment. I also supported NGA as a contractor for 12 years on the Western Modernization team (building a data center in the west), the Directed Implementation team (incremental project enhancements), as well as FastTrak
(adding new industry capabilities into the NGA enterprise). Some key accomplishments were receiving the highest team award in the Department of
Defense for cybersecurity, the 2014 DOD CIO Award for Project Ghostfire. And receiving a meritorious unit citation for crisis support operations for various hurricanes and mission operations.

Prior to joining NGA, I served in the US Army as a Signal Soldier as a 31P, Microwave Systems Operator/Maintainer (Satellite Communications equipment). I am passionate about the recruitment of women
in STEM for the advancement of NGA.

Dr. Anita L. Timmons serves as the Career Development lead for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Chief Information Officer and Information Technology Services Directorate. As the Career Development lead, Anita is responsible for assisting NGA officers with career management, development, and progression. Dr. Timmons coordinates with NGA executives, analyzes, and forecasts her directorate’s position needs, and acts as a liaison across all NGA departments. She holds a Master of Science degree in Information Technology, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.

Dr. Timmons is renowned as an expert facilitator, coach, systems engineer, and intelligence officer. Prior to pursuing her interest in career development, Anita managed various IT roles. Dr. Timmons flourished as a chief systems engineer, IC chief information officer, and Lead certification and accreditation engineer. In these capacities, several of her duties included delivering a $2.1 million network capability to improve insider threat monitoring, collaborating with IC Executives on Office of Management and Budget guidelines, Director of National Intelligence, and CIO planning initiatives, and supervising a certification and accreditation unit. With over 13 years of military and civil service, Dr. Timmons has received several awards and honorable service recognitions throughout her
career.

Ms. Susan Kalweit is responsible for designing an executable culture plan that facilitates achieving the Director's intent and NGA's strategic "Moonshot," which unite business initiatives aligned to NGA Core Values, create metrics to measure success, and inform the workforce of culture changes for solutions. Additionally, Ms. Kalweit is responsible for revamping NGA's Leader Development Program to prepare leaders with the skills needed for NGA's mission. Formerly, Ms. Kalweit was the Director of the Analysis Directorate, where she was responsible for leading geospatial intelligence capabilities and modernizing NGA's efforts towards the future. Before joining NGA, Ms. Kalweit was a senior business manager at Booz Allen Hamilton, serving clients in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, and commercial sectors. She led the Global4Sight™ business area, providing open-source and social media analytics services to multiple clients.

Prior to Booz Allen, Ms. Kalweit enjoyed a 17-year career with the NGA and its predecessor organizations, recognized for outstanding achievements with the NIMA Outstanding Woman of the Year Award, the Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Distinguished Civilian Service Award.

Ms. Kalweit lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, Rick. They have two children, Ricky and Michele. Ms. Kalweit is a masters CrossFit athlete, certified CrossFit Level 1 coach, and enjoys all things Disney.