Women In Defense gains a Capital Chapter.

• Author: Menker, Janice M.
• Position: NDIA news

Women In Defense closes the calendar year 2003 with considerable growth and success. WID now has more than 700 members and five chapters throughout the nation.

WID continues to promote the professional growth of individuals, and as the individuals align with their organization's strategic objectives, a synergy is created as all work to seek a secure nation.

WID was born from the collective desires of a group of individuals to join for a common purpose--individual and professional growth. While members were located initially in the Washington, D.C. region, the network continued to expand.

As WID membership increased in the Washington area, interest grew throughout the United States, and a network of chapters was created. That network continues to build, with the formation in 2003 of the Capital Chapter, serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Its inaugural board of directors includes:

* President, Merritt Allen, CES Inc.

* Vice President, Terri Merz, Cynergy Group of Baltimore.

* Secretary, Gloria Hubbard, Department of State.

* Treasurer Lois Brand, National Community Pharmacists Association.

* Programs, Michelle Hertz, Holland & Knight.

* Membership, Amy Gaudry Gray, KEI Pearson.

* Sponsorship, Kelli Short, The PMA Group.

* Mentorship, Nancy Margeson, DCS Corporation.

* Communications, Jennifer Black, The Veterans Corporation.

With more than 220 members, the Capital Chapter joins WID chapters in Picatinny Arsenal, N.J.; Lexington Park/Patuxent River, Md.; Huntsville, Ala., and Rock Island, Ill.

The advent of the Capital Chapter enables the WID National Board to focus on strategic objectives, build the institutional capacity and develop strategic alliances that will support the WID vision.

The Capital Chapter board began operations by developing a business plan and conducting a sponsorship drive. In the fall, the chapter held its kick-off reception at the Capitol Hill Club, sponsored by The PMA Group. Attendees included more than 100 people from industry, the military and Congress.

At the reception, the chapter unveiled its Web site, www.widdc.org. The Web site represents a critical collaboration both for the chapter and fur the national organization. The site is provided as an in-kind service by Metamorphosis Consulting and MetroStar Systems. More than 50 people who attended the event signed up to join the chapter or participate on its...