Director of Americas Sector with one candidate : Renée Steinwand

Vision

Leading the Americas Sector Chapters in the post-pandemic era has been interesting and challenging. The Americas Sector is unique by its chapter composition of 44 chapters spread out across 2 continents. We have chapters that are very large (800+ members), chapters that are small (<100 members), chapters that are very active, and chapters that are dormant. Over the last 2.5 years, I have worked with INCOSE staff and members to help chapters leverage new resources available to communicate with and lead chapters more effectively. The transition to a new IT platform, email, and collaboration applications has been huge. With all these changes, we need to develop a method to best apply these new tools to enrich our member experience at multiple levels.
Additionally, INCOSE has taken significant steps by hiring an Executive Director and staff to support the organization, and the Board of Directors has approved a new Strategic Plan. These changes also impact our current processes and practices.

My focus for the next Americas Sector Director Term (2025 – 2027) will be:

1. Continue to support chapters, chapter leaders, and members to engage in meaningful activities to strengthen our Sector. I am working with the Membership Manager, James Murrey on a plan to develop products and processes for use by chapter leaders, including standard reports for chapter status and insights. Some of these products are already in development to assist leaders with Chapter Insight.

2. Support chapter leadership by providing tools for best practices. This includes enhancing the Keys to Effective Chapters website and incorporating the vast knowledge into training modules that can be used by new and veteran chapter leaders. Conduct monthly meetings with chapter leaders to showcase INCOSE offerings and opportunities, including Marketing and Communications support. Work with Sectors II (EMEA) and III (Asia Oceania) to understand different approaches for assisting chapters. Leverage the circle awards program to help chapter leaders model best practices.

3. Work with struggling chapters to restart and reengage with members. Use best practices from stronger chapters.

4. Develop Chapter Leader Training Program.

I hope that you will join me on this exciting journey on the Future of Systems Engineering at INCOSE!

Biography

Renee joined INCOSE in 2006. She has over 14 years of leadership at the International, Regional, and Chapter levels. She has been the INCOSE Americas Sector Director since January 2022. Her term’s focus has been to help chapters understand and utilize INCOSE resources, products, and services.

Renee retired as a Senior Systems Engineer at Booz Allen Hamilton, after a 35 year career in the Aerospace Defense business. Her last assignment was working with the U.S. Space Force Spectrum Warfare Analysis Center (SWAC) analyzing technologies to improve supporting the warfighter of the future. Her background includes satellite orbital analysis, space operations, ground system development, satellite communication protocols, and applying that knowledge to the development of future space system architectures. She provided multiple inputs on proposals, specifically, Systems Engineering Management Plans, and Model Based Systems Engineering processes, using both ISO 15288 and the SE Handbook as sources for standardization. Her Booz Allen tenure provided opportunities that encompassed supporting Air Force Launch Vehicle systems, Military Communications, NASA satellite communications, AF Satellite Control Network, and the National Space Defense Center. Her systems engineering expertise includes Architecture Development, Requirements Analysis, Test and Evaluation, Risk Management, Cost Analysis, Schedule Development, Systems Integration, Quality Assurance, Configuration Management, Data Management, and Technical Planning.

Renee became a Certified Systems Engineering Professional (2010), then an Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP) in 2022. She actively focused on maintaining and increasing Booz Allen’s SEPs. She set up a Viva Engage site for SE Certification discussions, files, and development opportunities. She worked with the Booz Allen Group Application process, provided regular training to staff interested in pursuing certification, and has led efforts to increase awareness and value of INCOSE membership and certification.

In addition to INCOSE volunteer activities, she was a member of the Cheyenne Mountain School District Board of Education. She served for 8 years on the board in Colorado Springs, focusing on policy and curriculum to enhance the high-achieving district.

Renee was the Assistant Project Manager for the 2010 INCOSE International Symposium, in Denver, CO. The effort required two years of planning, working with INCOSE Leadership, Tech Ops, and KMD. As a result, the Colorado Front Range Chapter received significant shares of the Symposium proceeds that year, which has continued to benefit the chapter to support its members.

Renee has a Bachelors in Mathematics (Siena College) and a Masters of Engineering in Space Operations (University of Colorado, Boulder)