OrangeSlices Winning Series

Dayton continues to emerge as one of the most important defense, research, manufacturing, and innovation ecosystems anywhere in the country, but for many companies looking to engage in the region, the biggest question is often simple: Where do you start? This special one-hour discussion hosted by OrangeSlices AI was designed to help answer exactly that. Featuring leaders from several of the organizations helping shape and strengthen the broader Dayton ecosystem, this fast-moving conversation serves as a practical flyover of the market, the missions, the organizations, and the relationships helping drive momentum across the region today. Anchored by Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and supported by organizations like Air Force Research Laboratory and Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the Dayton market sits at the center of major conversations around AI, autonomy, advanced manufacturing, digital engineering, cybersecurity, logistics modernization, and mission acceleration. In this discussion, we hear directly from leaders representing organizations across the ecosystem as they share: • how their organizations support the broader Dayton mission community • where they see momentum building across the market • how companies can authentically engage and build relationships in the region • what capabilities and technologies are becoming increasingly important • and some big, bold predictions about where this market is headed next Whether you are already operating in Dayton, considering expansion into the region, or simply trying to understand where defense innovation and investment are accelerating, this conversation offers a valuable starting point. More importantly, it provides direct access to the perspectives of leaders who are actively helping connect government, industry, academia, manufacturers, innovators, and mission-focused companies throughout this ecosystem every single day. If you are looking to better understand which organizations align with your goals, where you should be investing your time, and how to more quickly engage in this market, this conversation is absolutely worth your time. And hopefully, it also encourages you to reach out, get involved, support these organizations, and become part of one of the most dynamic defense ecosystems in the country. Connect with the speakers. Richard Green President & CEO — Ghostworks LLC David Hart CEO, First Fast Roper & Founder — FastRope, LLC Rachel McClain Maki Managing Partner — FastRope, LLC Yvonne Vermillion Air Force Business Development Lead — Hathiant LLC Cynthia Anderson Contracts Manager — KBR, Inc. David Dunn Director, Innovation, Initiatives, and Collaboration — University of Dayton Research Institute Shanna Staten Business Development Executive — Chugach Government Solutions, LLC Carl “Shof” Shofner Director of Community Relations — Dayton-Wright Chapter of AFCEA Dan Prindle Principal Program Manager — Digital Transformation Center at University of Dayton Research Institute Jim Masonbrink Senior Associate — Aerospace Business Development Associates John Nolan — Sponsor VP of IT Operations — ISI  

In today’s GovCon market, visibility, credibility, and alignment with federal priorities are essential for growth. In this episode of the OrangeSlices AI Winning Series, industry experts share practical insights on how contractors can strengthen their market presence and position themselves to win more federal work.   The conversation focuses on three key pillars: building credibility through strategic associations, rankings, and awards; leveraging industry events as catalysts for growth rather than simple networking opportunities; and aligning messaging and positioning with the evolving federal procurement landscape. Drawing from their experience supporting contractors across the ecosystem, the speakers share real-world perspectives on how companies are differentiating themselves, building influence, and navigating an increasingly competitive environment.   If you’re looking to sharpen your positioning, strengthen your visibility, and compete more effectively in the federal marketplace, this episode offers actionable insights to help guide your strategy.   Connect with the speakers, Shirley Collier, Ashley Gork, Stacey Piper, and Luke Voivoda.

What are the firms at the top of the GovCon market doing differently — and why are they still winning while others stall? Welcome to Vanguard 250 GovCon Gamechangers — the fast, candid conversation you cannot afford to miss. On the heels of the 2026 Vanguard 250 announcement (highlighting the 250 companies consistently winning in today’s federal IT and consulting market), this episode goes beyond the list. We sit down with the advisors working behind the scenes with many of those top-performing firms — the leaders who see trends early, anticipate market shifts, and understand what truly separates sustained winners from the rest of the pack. In this rapid-fire, high-impact conversation, you’ll gain cross-cutting insights you simply can’t get from inside a single company. We unpack the real data signals shaping the market, where leading firms are placing bets right now, and how successful GovCon leaders are positioning for 2026 — and already aligning for 2027. If you care about growth, positioning, pipeline, and staying competitive in a shifting federal landscape, this isn’t just another webinar replay. It’s the most valuable hour you can spend understanding how the best are actually winning — and what that means for your strategy next.

This session brings together a group of seasoned industry leaders who will share their take on the tasks expected to be competed over the next year. the shifts in priorities and mission needs that are starting to shape the landscape. and the acquisition trends that matter for anyone focused on being ready for what comes next. They will also offer perspective for those looking to get out in front of the work and be better positioned to support the mission in 2026. OrangeSlices Insiders are invited to join as a virtual audience in our podcast studio for this action packed one hour recording. The session will be interactive and will include time to connect. network. and ask questions. The Q and A portion will not be recorded which allows for open and honest conversation about the topics driving the mission today. Hear from the following speakers: Enrique Gomez, Chief Digital Experience Officer, Technatomy Eric Gonzales, Sr. Director, Client Growth & Strategy, Ad Hoc Melinda Pitchford, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Connected Logistics Ned Struzziero, Vice President of Growth, Sprezzatura Management Consulting Todd Van Haaren, Sr. Director of Customer Engagement, Pingwind Mike Vogel, Senior Client Executive, Credence Management Solutions

This session brings together a group of seasoned industry leaders who will share their take on the tasks expected to be competed over the next year. the shifts in priorities and mission needs that are starting to shape the landscape. and the acquisition trends that matter for anyone focused on being ready for what comes next. They will also offer perspective for those looking to get out in front of the work and be better positioned to support the mission in 2026. OrangeSlices Insiders are invited to join as a virtual audience in our podcast studio for this action packed one hour recording. The session will be interactive and will include time to connect. network. and ask questions. The Q and A portion will not be recorded which allows for open and honest conversation about the topics driving the mission today. You'll hear from the following speakers: John Binks, Senior Director of Business Development Federal/Civilian Sector, Titan Technologies Monica Padron Harris, Founder, The Procurement Pros Bill Pratt, President, GovITWorks LLC Roman Udin, Vice President of Growth, DT Professional Services

This session brings together a group of seasoned industry leaders who will share their take on the tasks expected to be competed over the next year. the shifts in priorities and mission needs that are starting to shape the landscape. and the acquisition trends that matter for anyone focused on being ready for what comes next. They will also offer perspective for those looking to get out in front of the work and be better positioned to support the mission in 2026. OrangeSlices Insiders are invited to join as a virtual audience in our podcast studio for this action packed one hour recording. The session will be interactive and will include time to connect. network. and ask questions. The Q and A portion will not be recorded which allows for open and honest conversation about the topics driving the mission today. Hear from the following speakers: Jason Cullum, Vice President of Digital Services, Element Robert Hicks, Jr., Transform IT Strategic Growth Services / Strategic Growth Executive JR Glass, President, GovCon Growth Solutions Mike Sacca, Principal Consultant & Founder, Sacca Healthcare Consulting, LLC