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Our Team

Meet the innovative individuals who power our creative communications and outreach:

Kimberly Alexander

Senior Engagement Specialist

Virginia Quiambao Arroyo

Partner and Chief Operations Officer

Jesse Baskett

Financial and Budget Director

Rashaun Bennett

Senior Communications Specialist

Jasmine Buford

Project Analyst

Sarah Cox

Creative Director

Carolee Doughty

Geospatial Management Specialist

Melissa Gomez

Communications Specialist

Rossana Gonzalez

Engagement Specialist

Susan Hernandez

Project Administrator

Albert Johns

Vice President

Victoria Macdonald

Communications Specialist

Stephanie Mace

Chief Growth Officer

Angela Paglia

Senior Interagency Agreement Specialist

Amanda Roberts

Partner and Chief Marketing Strategist

Alex Russell

Communications Specialist

Travis Turlis

Financial Analyst

Alexander Watts

Sr. Vice President

Sabine Willis

Administrative Specialist

Rebecca Wolfson

Project Management Director

Rigoberto Guerra

Project Management Director

Gabriel Olivas

Financial Analyst Intern

Andrea Gomes

Project Management Specialist

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Kimberly Alexander

Senior Engagement Specialist

"My love of foreign languages and other cultures became a guiding influence in my life at a young age. Throughout my formal education, I studied Japanese, Chinese, French, and Spanish, and I had the opportunity to study abroad in several countries. I think nothing impacts young minds like seeing firsthand how other people live. After leaving James Madison University with a B.A. in International Affairs, I began work at the Virginia Governor’s Office where I found my second love – editing. There is something very satisfying about transforming a document into clear, understandable communication that audiences can appreciate as relatable. My third love, local government, found its way to me a few years later. I appreciate the direct and daily impact on local communities that municipal work offers. Avid Core’s mission and the projects we support allow me to nurture all three of these passions. I live in Spotsylvania, Virginia, and have a 15-year-old son who is the love of my life. We spend our weekends travelling for volleyball, and our goal is, once a year, to go someplace we have never been."

Virginia Quiambao Arroyo

Partner and Chief Operations Officer

"20 years ago, I visited a friend's older sister at her workplace, a trendy PR powerhouse on K Street in Washington, D.C. I still remember how excited she was to tell me all about what public relations professionals do and how she thought I'd be great at it. I decided right then and there to major in communications at Old Dominion University. From interning at ODU's development office, to the media relations firm in New York City where I landed my first media pitch, to the small, woman-owned business in D.C. where I spent over a decade supporting Federal government contracts, through my own challenges—and let's call it an 'evolving' understanding of what public relations should look like—I remain committed to helping clients and stakeholders communicate effectively. I founded Avid Core to better achieve this commitment to myself and the individuals and communities I've worked with throughout my career. I live in Woodbridge, VA—my hometown—with my parents, husband, pre-teen, and toddler. We spend most of our weekends traveling the east coast watching my oldest play softball for Hampton University."

Email

varroyo@avid-core.com

Jesse Baskett

Financial and Budget Director

"The art of communication is the language of leadership. I have always been fascinated with not only communication, but the various types of communication that directly motivate or demotivate people. It often times has a direct correlation on whether an organization achieves its goals. With sports playing an important part in my life, I learned early on that constant and effective communication has a direct correlation to strong development and success. After graduating from Shippensburg University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and then from Bowie State with a master’s in organizational communication, I have always taken it upon myself to assist in organizational communication and impact employee morale, engagement, job satisfaction, and productivity. Most importantly, it creates a supportive work culture that inspires employees to go above and beyond. Throughout my professional career I have enjoyed and used communication to develop and implement an organization’s budget process and advise leadership on financial planning strategies. Outside of work, I enjoy watching my son play football, spending time traveling with my family, and creating memories."

Rashaun Bennett

Senior Communications Specialist

"I've always disliked the feeling of being on the sidelines and not having a voice in decisions that impacted my daily life. At a young age, that discomfort led me to work with the Superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (NC) and eventually the Mayor’s Office to improve educational outcomes for local high-need schools. Since graduating Davidson College with a degree in Political Science and Economics, I've strengthened this passion and experience into engaging and equipping underrepresented groups to have direct control over their built environments. From working with cities across the country to shape the next generation of workforce development to exploring how parking subsidies can be used by individuals without cars, I work every day to ensure more people feel empowered to come off the sidelines and be active organizers of their lives."

Jasmine Buford

Project Analyst

"As Forrest Gump's mom once said 'Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get.' This phrase has rung true on my career path as my curiosity has led me to embrace opportunities presented to me. Once I graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering in 2016, I accepted a position as a Project Analyst for BayFirst Solutions and then worked as an Environmental Specialist supporting a large federal agency for six years at Parsons. In my roles, I have tackled a variety of tasks from conference planning and website administration to managing facility compliance with both federal and local regulatory requirements. While I was not expecting to experience such a diverse work portfolio (or as Forest Gump’s mom would say, 'box of chocolates') when I started my career, I wouldn’t change the knowledge I've gained for anything. I'm excited for this new venture with Avid Core because I thoroughly enjoy engaging with stakeholders, working on innovative projects, and collaborating with creative individuals. Outside of work, I also enjoy volunteering, taking nature walks, watching movies and TV, and spending quality time with friends and family."

Sarah Cox

Creative Director

"As a young arts student, I was fortunate to live near Washington, D.C. and have parents who appreciated the great resources the city had to offer. I distinctly remember visiting the Phillips Collection and my father excitedly pointing out a Paul Klee. I was unimpressed. My perspective aligns more closely with my father's now, and I'm happy to report my own seven-year-old is more receptive to the nuances of different styles and movements. Like me, she only has a favorite color to be succinct when asked. Her real favorite "color" is the rainbow wheel we make at least weekly, using Adobe Illustrator. There’s beauty in every color, every style, and every story. That's what makes working with Avid Core so rewarding. We build stories that empower and connect communities and individuals. I'm proud to support the team with my almost 20 years' experience uniting creative elements into cohesive, impactful packages. Also, I'm happy to send you a rainbow wheel on request."

Carolee Doughty

Geospatial Management Specialist

From an early age, I remember being interested in maps and any bird’s eye view image. My father used aerial photography for his analysis as a U.S. Department of Agriculture employee. I still remember going into his office and looking at the pixelated monotone 8.5 by 11-inch Landsat tiles mosaicked on his office wall. I knew that I wanted to combine my creativity and interest in computers with my curiosity and fascination of spatial relationships, satellite imagery, and navigation skills. I was undecided about what to study, but after I had a chance to tour the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Lab at Virginia Tech, I could see myself being content with studying Geography and getting a chance to create maps. With over 20 years of technical GIS experience, I have been a lifelong federal contractor—having worked for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Department of Defense. I love the mix of skills I get to use daily—from brainstorming technical processes and scrubbing attributes to troubleshooting software problems. A GIS career incorporates a variety of skills and experiences: database management, graphic design, basic scripting, and logical analysis. I greatly enjoy any type of layout/spatial relationship, especially when it’s used to build an aesthetically-pleasing and functional design product that will enhance the decision making process.

Melissa Gomez

Communications Specialist

Growing up in a small town in Colombia, I never imagined that one day I’d go across the continent alone to experience a new culture, speak another language, and build meaningful relationships with people completely different from myself. The same desire for growth and curiosity about unique stories that have led me through initiatives in radio, communications, film, and content creation, today motivate me to help individuals from diverse backgrounds like me feel seen, heard, and connected. I enjoy collaborating on innovative projects that inspire, empower, and engage audiences through strategic communications, compelling digital experiences, and human-centric approaches. After graduating from Marymount University with a degree in Communications, a minor in Business Administration, and a User Experience Research and Design certificate, my journey continues at Avid Core, implementing tactics for effective outreach and impactful messaging to move the conversation forward and bring communities and organizations together.

Rossana Gonzalez

Engagement Specialist

"As a young child in Cuba, I wasn't used to seeing women in high-regarded positions. When my family and I relocated to the United States as refugees, I remember being star-struck by women in leadership. I would play pretend “businesswoman” as one of my favorite pastimes and my love of business and project management has only grown since that time. Being part of the Avid Core team is the ultimate manifestation of that childhood dream and then some. Engaging and working with our team is always insightful and empowering. Seven-year-old me would be proud!"

Susan Hernandez

Project Administrator

"Throughout college I was unsure of what I wanted to do with my degree in political science, but I knew I wanted to make a difference. This desire to make an impact led me to explore a career in outreach and communications; I wanted to help people learn about the projects in their communities. Although this may seem like a completely different career path, my political science degree allows me to implement my research skills and knowledge of the impact of political systems into outreach and communications. Joining Avid Core has given me a chance to be part of a team that focuses on reaching underserved communities and informing those who have typically not been made aware of major programs or projects in their regions. I’m learning how to make connections through writing and have the opportunity to do what I always wanted — to reach the unreachable."

Albert Johns

Vice President

"My fascination with the natural environment influenced my career path - from starting in a laboratory analyzing contaminants, to field investigation, regulatory reviews, and program management. Growing up without handheld devices, I was left with idle time wandering through creeks, wetlands, sewers, and forests. After finishing at Virginia Tech with a Bachelor's of Science in Biology, a minor in Chemistry and a concentration in Molecular Biology, my first stop was at a professional laboratory analyzing biological tissue, water, and soil contaminants. After spending time supporting multiple Federal clients, I completed a Master's program in Environmental Management while balancing family life raising three very young children with my wife (and high school sweetheart). In addition to serving as a subject matter expert, I had the opportunity to manage large Federal contracts and mix-disciplined project teams supporting clients across the United States and internationally. I am passionate about understanding a client's needs, educating them on regulatory requirements, and the steps they can take to mitigate and minimize environmental impacts. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, coaching football, attending equestrian events and cheer competitions, and taking every opportunity to put down the electronic devices and enjoy nature."

Victoria Macdonald

Communications Specialist

"I've always thrived on creative expression. From writing stories to capturing life’s moments through photography and film, I love letting my imagination run wild. Growing up in Nicaragua, I was surrounded by a vibrant culture that nurtured my creativity and taught me to appreciate the richness of different perspectives. Alongside the beauty, I also witnessed the challenges faced by my community. These experiences opened my eyes to the importance of Communication as a tool to drive change. After graduating college, I gained valuable experience supporting small businesses and non-profits in their marketing and communications efforts. Now, I'm eager to take the next step in my career. Joining Avid Core is an exciting opportunity for me to learn, grow, and pursue my passion of building stronger, more connected communities."

Stephanie Mace

Chief Growth Officer

"As the unofficial family administrative assistant and gadget guru, I quickly learned the importance of clear communication, new technology, and building relationships. Shortly after graduating from York College of Pennsylvania with a degree in Public Relations and Marketing, I was able to launch my career in public service. My first project gave me the opportunity to travel across the country and meet fascinating people that wanted their voices to be heard. This sparked my passion for connecting people to find solutions. Since then, I've worked with various agencies to help promote innovative technology and improve users' digital experiences for nearly 20 years. When I'm not on my devices, I am chasing the next adventure with my husband, daughters and dog."

Angela Paglia

Senior Interagency Agreement Specialist

"My late father retired as an executive for McDonald's Corporation at the age of 48 (yes, Big Macs put my sister and me through college/med school). He was the utmost professional and expected the same from my sister and I. He encouraged us to always build and maintain healthy relationships in the workplace. I attended Western Michigan University, not far from my hometown of Detroit. Although I loved numbers and obtained my Bachelor's degree in accounting, I also loved technology and my AutoCAD courses. My first job out of college was at Hewitt Associates, the largest HR outsourcing firm in the world at the time. Knowing my skillset, I was approached about programming their proprietary pension calculation system. I was thrilled to have my hands in both technology and numbers again and this is still what I love. Meeting my husband there was a bonus! I reside in Indianapolis, IN, and I'm a huge Colts fan and love to travel. I have two amazing sons, one who graduated from Ball State University in 2017 and is now a successful sales rep for MOEN in Orlando, FL. My youngest is a 2024 graduate and will be attending Wittenberg University where he will also be part of the swim and track teams."

Amanda Roberts

Partner and Chief Marketing Strategist

"Ever since I was the editor of my high school newspaper, and throughout my career, I've loved being close to the sources of information and being able to tell stories in a way that addressed all perspectives. It was this love for information sharing that led me to pursue a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications at Ithaca College. I've combined my communications expertise with my passion for fairness and objectivity to help my Federal government and private sector clients reach new audiences and encourage public involvement. Along the way, I have developed a robust understanding of Federal government contracting, project management, and business development. I live in Northern Virginia with my husband, my cat, and my two young children, who constantly test my empathy and communications skills."

Email

aroberts@avid-core.com

Alex Russell

Communications Specialist

"My career path has seen a lot of twists and turns, but at the end of the day, the one craft I consider integral to my being, both personally and professionally, is writing. Finding authors I still love to this day helped me get through high school; being able to express myself through writing allowed me to better grasp various concepts and themes in college while exploring aesthetics and art history; and writing in my spare time, from poetry to short prose, lets me discover new ways of communicating my ideas and feelings. After interning and contributing at various places, I worked at a locally-owned newspaper in Falls Church, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. While what I do at present is nothing like being part of the weekly news business, my appreciation and respect for the writing trade and for all the benefits that come from clear, equitable communication have led me to Avid Core. With Avid Core, I'm given the opportunity to apply my knowledge and experience to a very different sort of writing, learning new things along the way, and helping push forward a variety of dialogues and projects in the DMV region and across the nation."

Travis Turlis

Financial Analyst

"I'm passionate about finance and the great outdoors. Living in Alaska and spending months in the Denali Mountain range and Delta Junction, I developed a deep appreciation for those living on the frontier and having to solve complex problems with few resources. I also spent a lot of time playing hockey and skiing, balancing my love for adventure with my professional pursuits. I started my career in financial planning and analysis, working in both public and private sectors. My roles have included developing financial models and optimizing budget strategies, always with a focus on risk management and compliance. I moved to the DC area for school and professional development, but unexpectedly also met my fiancé. We now enjoy spending time in DC, trying new restaurants, going to hockey games, playing golf, exploring our local parks, and are excited to plan for the future."

Alexander Watts

Sr. Vice President

"I am fascinated by how the world works. My grandparents lived in Japan and traveled extensively. Their stories enchanted me, and I wanted the same experiences and insights. I studied economics and history at Miami University (Ohio) and then set off traveling. I spent a year in China and two and a half years in the Peace Corps in Bulgaria. The time abroad deepened my appreciation for the complexity of world systems and how we manage them. I have worked with an array of government clients providing strategy, budget, and systems and operational solutions that impact not only our nation, but our international partners. I love building teams to solve analytical challenges and helping our clients execute their mission. While traveling, I met my wife and she convinced me to move to Northern Virginia. We have two children whose activities are my other full-time job."

Sabine Willis

Administrative Specialist

“Welcome to the United States of America!” A Customs and Border Protection Officer greeted me with these words at the start of my new life in a different culture. After more than 10 years in the U.S., I still call Bavaria, Germany my home. However, I always wanted to see more of the world. I was eager to learn about and experience other cultures beyond my own. Early on I developed an interest to learn English as a second language. While studying Business at a German Academy, I started my career as a Controller and stayed in this profession for more than 10 years. During the budget/forecast and month-end closing process, I enjoyed working closely with my counterparts from Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, and Hong Kong. When I traveled to the U.S. (Miami, FL) for the first time to further improve my language skills, I absolutely loved it. That’s why I started playing the green card lottery upon my return to Germany. Little did I know that I would end up in Manhattan, KS (The Little Apple) a few years later. Back in Germany, I met my future husband, a U.S. Army Infantry Officer. During his deployment to Iraq, I won the green card lottery. Since then, I have been enjoying the military lifestyle, which allowed me to live in 5 different states (KS, MO, NC, CA and VA) during the past 10 years. It gave me a new perspective on where I came from, who I am and what it is like to live in the U.S. I was looking for a perfect supplement to Business, so I studied Organizational Communication at Kansas State University (Go Wildcats). After I successfully finished my degree, I had my daughter who turned my life upside down. A few years ago, we moved from Monterey, CA to the greater Washington, D.C. area. I’m excited about my new chapter and look forward to contributing to Avid Core’s success story.

Email

swillis@avid-core.com

Rebecca Wolfson

Project Management Director

"Growing up in a multi-cultural family from Eastern Europe, I developed an internationalist perspective at an early age. I further expanded this perspective while completing my Juris Doctor with a focus on international law at George Mason Law School, followed by a Master’s in International Policy from the Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University. Since graduating, I have stayed in the international relations space, managing global programs, fostering relationships with international partners, and providing international legal support for multiple Federal Government agencies. My work has spanned numerous regions and countries, but in recent years, I have returned to my family roots and have focused primarily on initiatives in Eastern Europe. Outside of work, I am an avid traveler, always eager to immerse myself in diverse cultures. My hobbies also include performing in musical theater productions, volunteering at an animal rescue, and spending time with my cats."

Rigoberto Guerra

Project Management Director

Rigoberto Guerra is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 25 years of experience as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent. Before joining the Border Patrol, he served as a police officer for the City of Weslaco, gaining valuable experience in community policing and public safety. Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Rigoberto has a deep understanding of the region and its unique challenges. Over the past decade, he has also specialized in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), leveraging advanced mapping and spatial analysis to enhance border security operations and tactical decision-making. With extensive experience in field operations, investigations, GIS technology, and interagency collaboration, Rigoberto continues to play a vital role in border security and law enforcement.

Email

rguerra@avid-core.com

Gabriel Olivas

Financial Analyst Intern

I am a third-year finance student at Texas Tech University with a strong interest in financial analysis and business strategy. Outside of academics, I enjoy fishing, playing basketball, and golf. I am still early in my finance career, but I am eager to learn, develop my skills, and gain hands-on experience. I am especially excited for this new opportunity to grow professionally through my internship at Avid Core and further expand my knowledge in the field.

Email

golivas@avid-core.com

Andrea Gomes

Project Management Specialist

Passionate about international relations, I’m driven by an interest in global diplomacy, cultural exchange, and the complexities of international security and the policies that shape our world. In the last 8 years, I have been committed to contributing to national security efforts, with a goal to bridge the gap between global trends and strategic decision-making in an increasingly interconnected and complex world. I am dedicated to fostering dialogue and partnerships that promote cooperation across borders. My interest in international relations and national security developed from an early curiosity about global events and security. Over time, I became increasingly focused on how nations navigate conflicts, alliances, and emerging threats, and recognized the importance of strategic thinking and collaboration in addressing these challenges. In my over 8 years of experience in various roles, including international work experience in Spain and Germany, developing capacity building efforts in CISA’s International Affairs division, supporting the Office of the Director as a program analyst at the Foreign Service Institute, and my time as the Executive Assistant to the Defense Attaché of the State of Qatar to the United States, I gained valuable insights into the operations and challenges of the diplomatic and defense sectors. I aim to use my comparative international studies background to help organizations achieve their goals, and I am excited to bring my experiences and perspectives to the Avid Core team and contribute to our success.

Email

agomes@avid-core.com