Hall of Fame, New Board Members and Membership Night

Choosing the 2015 Hall of Fame Class – Nominations are Open

The National Center for Simulation is currently accepting applications for nominees for the Modeling and Simulation 2015 Hall of Fame class. The principle objective of the NCS Modeling and Simulation Hall of Fame is to honor and recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to advancements in modeling and simulation. It was founded in March 2014 in Orlando.

Nominees are not limited only to defense as their field or area of achievement. Nominees who have given significant contributions in other areas like medical/healthcare, technology, entertainment, transportation, education, homeland security, gaming, and other areas are also encouraged for consideration.

Anyone may submit an individual for consideration, using the nomination package paperwork, and the deadline is right around the corner, Oct. 31, 2014. Visit NCS for more information and to download the application.

NCS Membership Elects New Board Members

The National Center for Simulation announced the results of its recent election to fill two seats left open by the departure of board members Jim Siebold and Dr. Roger Smith. Karen Connors, president of Quality Project Control LLC, and Pete Marion, CEO for TMST Consultants LLC, were elected by the membership to the NCS Board of Directors, effective Oct. 1, and will serve a three-year term. Both Connors and Marion are first time members to the board.

Connors has spent the majority of her professional career working in the defense industry after earning her undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech, and later her master’s from the University of Central Florida. “My passion for my work, as well as my desire to learn and do more for this great community, was the driving factor to seek election to the NCS Board of Directors,” Connors said. “The partnership with academia, specifically UCF, also resonates with me and complements my career development path.”

Connors said she would like to bring new ideas to the organization and continue her long-standing history of volunteerism and community involvement.

Marion has more than 39 years of progressive leadership experience in organizational and executive management as a military, business and government professional. “I am passionate about the Department of Defense training community here in Orlando, and I have a desire to continue to see us grow and mature in support of our country’s Warfighters,” Marion said.
“NCS is lucky to have talented volunteers in our community, like Karen and Pete, as we continue to share the important story about Orlando’s leadership in the modeling and simulation industry, and the impact that Team Orlando and NCS industry partners are making, not only statewide, but regionally and nationally,” said Lieutenant General (Ret) Thomas L. Baptiste, President/CEO, National Center for Simulation. “I look forward to working with the board and our simulation community to find new opportunities to help protect and grow this important high tech cluster.”

NCS Hosts Membership Night Oct. 30

Join National Center for Simulation and President/CEO Lt Gen (Ret) Tom Baptiste on Thursday, Oct. 30, for the second membership night of 2014. The event will be held in the UCF Partnership 3, Room #233, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and attendees will enjoy an opportunity for networking, heavy appetizers, as well as cocktails and soft drinks. Also expect an update from Baptiste on what NCS is doing to support its members. The event is free for members, but please RSVP by emailing or calling Carla Hoskins at 407-384-6111.