Luis Zaragoza brings a passion for cybersecurity, leadership, and service to his role as an Information Systems Security Manager supporting the CIO at CPE ST3. In his position, Luis helps lead cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance efforts for one of the organization’s key mission networks, ensuring security remains aligned with operational objectives. His responsibilities include…
At COLSA, supporting space exploration and national defense isn’t just about technology, it’s about people. Behind every system, every mission, and every breakthrough is a team of experienced leaders driving innovation, strategy, and execution across some of the nation’s most critical initiatives. From NASA partnerships to missile defense and space operations, COLSA’s contributions are shaped…
John Vannoy brings a wealth of aviation and manufacturing expertise, along with proven leadership, to the COLSA Uncrewed Systems team as COLSA’s new Director of Uncrewed Systems. As a retired U.S. Army Colonel with 32 years of service, he held many leadership positions to including Army Aviation Project Manager, USSOCOM Program Executive Officer, and Deputy…
Gina DeJarnette started her career as a professional horse rider and trainer in the Hunter/Jumper discipline. From there, she channeled her adventurous spirit in a different direction and enlisted in the United States Army as an Intelligence Analyst. After a long career in the Army, she retired as an All-Source Analyst in 2021 before beginning…
After almost 10 years of dedicated service to COLSA, Deanna Iovino has been promoted to Director of Compliance. Not only is this a significant milestone for Deanna, but it’s also a significant milestone for COLSA. COLSA continues to grow, and so does our need for more integrated processes across COLSA. A Compliance department, aligned with…
Trisha Mace is COLSA’s Talent Acquisition Partner for our Cyber and Information Warfare division along with our Uncrewed Systems division. She partners with our incredibly talented (and nice, as she points out) hiring managers for various contracts in locations across the United States, including Huntsville, Alabama; Orlando, Florida; Tampa, Florida; Quantico, Virginia; and Ft. Meade,…
Employee of the Year: Garrison Hill, IT Systems Architect His guidance, encouragement, and trust have pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. This award reflects the impact of his ability as a leader at COLSA just as much as my own efforts.” Joe Bennet, CIO at COLSA, shared the following about Garrison: Garrison Hill…
Melissa Mitchell joined COLSA in September 2025 as the Executive Director of Acquisition with 27 years of experience and expertise in Government Contracting and Business Operations. During the span of her Government career, she was a manager for 16 years and GS-15 equivalent for 10 years. As the first ever Executive Director of Acquisition at…
Haley Chapin has been a member of COLSA Corporation’s Proposals Department for eleven years, being hired under former Proposals Director Kathy Tournquist straight out of college. “I remember being very nervous for my interview,” Haley says, as she didn’t know much about proposals when she started. She had just graduated from the University of Alabama…
Q: How did you get your start with COLSA? A: I got my bachelor’s degree from Athens State University in Acquisitions and Contract Management. I started at COLSA as an intern in the Purchasing department, after which I was hired full time. I then worked there for a year, moved to Pricing, and finally moved…
