Who We Are
The FMA NextGen Leaders is a group of emerging professionals 40 years old and younger from diverse Fort Meade Alliance companies and organizations. Our mission is to empower young professionals in the Fort Meade region by providing engaging events and programs aimed at developing world-class community leaders. Our focus areas include networking, professional development and community efforts.
Our Three Focus Pillars
Networking Opportunities
Networking is a key feature of professional development. Our events create organic opportunities for young professionals to develop meaningful connections, exchange knowledge, and discover new perspectives. By engaging in networking activities, our NextGen Leaders can access new resources, unlock doors to career advancement, and cultivate a support system. These opportunities are essential for personal and professional growth.
Executive Insights/ Professional Development
The NextGen mentorship program and panel series are designed to bridge the gap between experienced industry executives and aspiring young professionals. Through this initiative, seasoned leaders share their invaluable insights and practical advice with the next generation of leaders.
Community Efforts/Giving Back
The NextGen Leaders want to give back to the community whether it is through fundraising for education and workforce development initiatives amd resiliency programs, rolling up our sleeves and taking action or heading into the classroom to inspire a younger generation of students.
Upcoming Events
Saturday,
December 13, 2025
Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying Ceremony
12pm-2pm
Annapolis National Cemetery
Thursday,
March 12, 2026
Shamrock Soirée
5pm-7pm
Kelsey’s Restaurant
Past Events
On November 6th, the FMA’s NextGen Leaders gathered for Unlock Your Voice, a dynamic workshop on confident public speaking presented as part of the group’s Professional Development Series. Rachel Adams, Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Howard Community College, shared practical strategies to help young professionals strengthen their presence in meetings, presentations, and networking settings.
Thank you to Food and Beverage Sponsor Reflexive Concepts and Venue Sponsor COPT Defense Properties!
On October 9th’s “Pathways to Success” panel, NextGen Leaders received valuable insight from industry leaders on strategies for growing from sub to prime in the IC ecosystem.
Panelists included Michael Hackett (Amentum), Jason Servary (RealmOne), and Jerry Schepers (Nexxis Solutions), with Kathryn Reitenbach (EverWatch Corportation) moderating the engaging conversation.
A huge thank you to RealmOne for sponsoring and hosting this event, our panelists, and everyone who joined us for an evening full of learning and networking!
On August 28th, the Fort Meade Alliance NextGen Leaders hosted their annual Crab Feast Fundraiser at Nick’s Fish House in Baltimore, bringing together a great crowd in support of the Fort Meade Alliance Foundation. The evening raised $5,000 to advance programs that strengthen the Fort Meade community.
A huge thank you to sponsors RealmOne, Athenix Solutions Group, GRVTY, Mazzuca Contracting, RACTSOL, MOJO Creative Digital, Prime Time Consulting, SlyFox Solutions, and Tower Federal Credit Union, and to everyone who joined us to crack crabs for a great cause!
On May 29th, the FMA’s revamped NextGen Leaders marked their first year of networking opportunities, professional development, and community engagement with a Cheers to One Year Happy Hour.
Thank you to Platinum Toast Sponsor Mesavita Engineering and Gold Cheers Sponsors AT&T, Dynamics Technologies, Mindgrub Technologies, and the Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. for helping to make the celebration a success.
On May 15th, NextGen Leaders hosted their second panel in their Pathways to Success Panel Series. The event featured three small business leaders—Timothy Gorski, Founder of Omnyon; Sam Porcelli, CEO and Founder of 3 Vectors; and Dave Knopp, President of Reflexive Concepts—who shared insights from their journeys as small business leaders at different stages of growth.
Thank you to the speakers for their time and expertise, and all who attended for making the event a success.
NextGen Leaders kicked off its Professional Development Series with Network Like a Pro on Thursday, April 10th. Attendees enhanced their networking skills with expert insights from Mike Duvall of FosterThomas and Donté Lewis of Vine Technology Solutions, connected with seasoned industry professionals, and enjoyed a lively round of Networking Bingo.
Thank you to industry leaders Paul Gentile of Panther, LLC, Christopher Gile of RealmOne, Mike Hackett of Amentum, Doreen Harwood of DEHarwood, LLC, Tina Kuhn of KaRDS Cyber Solutions, John McBeth of John McBeth, Inc., Joe Pacileo of MasterPeace Solutions, and Kate Sim of BlueHalo for sharing their time and expertise with the young professionals group. Thank you to sponsors 10x National Security, MPA Technologies and COPT Defense Properties for helping make the evening a success.
On Thursday, March 6th the FMA NextGen Leaders and AFCEA Emerging Leaders kicked off St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with the Shamrock Soiree at Guiness Open Gate Brewery. The night was filled with new connections and perfect pours.
Thank you to our sponsors: RealmOne, Leidos, Athenix Solutions, Cymertek, Pointer Technologies and RACTSOL. And thank you to AFCEA for their collaboration in putting this sold-out event together.
The FMA NextGen Leaders held their first Pathways to Success Panel Series event featuring leaders in the cybersecurity industry on Wednesday, October 30th. NextGen Leaders Committee Chair Brittainy White of RealmOne moderated the discussion as Dobbs Defense Solutions President and CEO Erica Dobbs, RealmOne Chief Technology Officer Doug Jeruzal, Kaizen Approach Chief Technology Officer Melissa McCoy, and Intelliforce-ITSG President and Founding Partner Dawn Young-Bermudez shared insights from their career paths with FMA’s young professionals.
Thank you to RealmOne for generously hosting and sponsoring the event!