Kudos to Jonathan Benett

Jonathan Benett of Blackstone Technology Group, an active leader with AFCEA-Bethesda and the leader of the chapter's Young AFCEANs, has been recognized by AFCEA International.

Jonathan Benett, Blackstone Technology Group, was selected by AFCEA International as the "2006 Young AFCEAN of the Year" from among 30 Regional Distinguished Young AFCEAN finalists. He was recently recognized at the AFCEA West 2007 conference for his exceptional service to AFCEA International at the National Capital Region and local Bethesda Chapter level, and for fostering an environment in which young professionals from the private and public sectors can network, seek guidance and professional development. With over 31,000 members and 134 chapters located around the world, AFCEA is the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. AFCEA International is an industry/government organization that serves as a bridge between government requirements and industry capabilities, representing the top government, industry, and military professionals in the fields of information technology, communications, and intelligence. AFCEA's members, associates, and sponsors are among the world's leading designers, planners, manufacturers, testers and users of systems, services and components for IT, communications, and intelligence.

Young AFCEA (or YAFCEA) is a committee within each chapter specifically for young professionals thirty-five (35) years of age or under. Jonathan, as one of the founding members, has helped organize and guide the Young AFCEA Committee for the Bethesda Chapter since it's inception in June 2004. Over two and a half years, Jonathan has continued to actively support both the Chapter and the YAFCEANs in a number of leadership roles including: President of the Bethesda YAFCEA Committee (2006), Vice President (2005); 2005/2006 Golf Tournament Co-Chair (this tournament raises money ($26,000 in 2005 and $23,000 in 2006) for deserving Montgomery County high school students); Logistics Chair for the Bethesda Chapter's first ever one-day "Health IT" conference; and Director of Programs for the Chapter (2005/2006) (directly supporting the Vice President of Programs) expected to take over as Vice President of Programs in September of 2007. He also helped to initiate the 2006 inaugural "Federal Computer Week - Rising Stars Awards" as well as helped organize a number of joint activities with other local professional development organizations including the Young Government Leaders (YGL) and the NOVA YAFCEA Committee.