Why I Stayed: David Johnson's 43-Year Career at COLSA

July 21, 2026

Why I Stayed: David Johnson’s 43-Year Career at COLSA

In Spring of 1983, David Johnson worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) in support of his MS in Computer Science (MSCS) degree. That’s when Mr. Collazo (COLSA’s Founder & Chairman) contacted UAH’s Computer Science Department, looking to interview students that were graduating soon with MSCS degrees.

“I interviewed with Mr. Collazo and within a short time, I received an Offer Letter from COLSA on June 28, 1983. Mr. Collazo worked out of his garage for three years prior to opening COLSA Corporation on July 5, 1983, which happens to also be my hire date. I received my COLSA Badge and was issued my employee number #007.”

How David Grew His Career at COLSA

David began his career at COLSA as a Computer Scientist and then progressed into a Systems Analyst role. He supported COLSA’s Advanced Research Center (ARC) contract for over 10 years, and his primary duties supported the EV88 and EVPA U.S. government programs. These were in support of President Ronald Reagan’s “STAR WAR” Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). Through this initiative, the team developed Concepts of Operations via the use of war gaming exercises both locally and with remote personnel and assets in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After serving on the ARC contract, David became COLSA’s Quality Engineer and joined the American Society for Quality (ASQ) from which he received two certifications:

Now, as a Quality Engineer IV, David orchestrates various internal audits in support of COLSA’s AS9100 Quality Certification, the F&A Department (Timecard audits), and the Contracts Department (Government Property audits and Organizational Conflict of Interest audits). He also maintains COLSA’s quality-based Corrective Action Request (CAR) database.

How NASA & Star Trek Shaped David's Career Trajectory

David’s dad was a founding member of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. During the 1960s and 70s, he would bring David photos showcasing work on the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo Space Fight missions.

“I got to hear Dr. Werner von Braun speak during the NASA employee Summer Picnics as a child, so I took an interest in all things dealing with space flight. I also grew up as a fan watching the original STAR TREK TV series, where I became a fan of Mr. Spock and was exposed to the concept of computers.”

David wanted to know more about computers and to work with computers. While at Butler High School (Class of 1977), in Huntsville, he attended the Huntsville Vocational Technical school during his Junior and Senior years taking Data Processing.

“I was introduced to both the FORTRAN 77 and COBOL computer languages. This experience set the stage for me to go to UAH for my MSCS degree. The Data Processing instructor, Mr. Detter, set up a field trip for our class to visit the ARC in 1977 to receive a briefing about the ARC and a guided tour of the main computer room floor.”

The rest is history, and COLSA’s quality standards and work are better because of David Johnson!

A Man of Many Interests

David enjoys reading, photography, genealogy, and Bible study. Growing up, David collected comic books, especially “The Amazing Spider-Man,” who is his favorite superhero.

David and his wife, Delaine, enjoy traveling. So far, they have traveled to the following countries:

As an ordained Southern Baptist Deacon and Sunday School teacher, David attended the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) extension center in North Alabama and earned three certificates:

Retiring After 43 Years of Incredible Service

David’s last day at COLSA is July 31, 2026, but his adventure continues.

Thank you, David, for your dedication, teamwork, and integrity! We wish you a happy and fulfilling retirement with your wife Delaine!