2012-2013 Black Data Processing Association Board

President – Erica Scott

Erica Scott is your newly elected chapter President for the 2012-2013 year. Erica is a Drop Lead for Client in the Agency, Marketing & Client Services area. Prior to her recent assignment, Erica worked in the Business Information Systems department on the Enterprise Claim System as a web and database system analyst for two years. She also completed two internships at State Farm prior to becoming a full time employee. She received a bachelor's degree in computer science and a minor in mathematics from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi.

Erica became interested in technology at a very young age when she received a typing toy as a gift. She has participated in IT Robotics competitions, networking projects, and various computer organizations. She is involved in the community through volunteering with Black Data Processing Association, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., and Young Business Professionals at State Farm. In her free time, Erica enjoys traveling and looks forward to traveling internationally this year to Europe.

Vice President – Jason Gibson

Jason Gibson is the President Elect for the 2012 and 2013 calendar years. In addition to being a devoted husband and loving father, Jason works to improve his community by volunteering with Black Data Processing Association, National MS Society and American Red Cross to name a few. He is a life time member of the NAACP and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Jason has an infinite mingling of interminable passions and compulsions as evidenced by the variety of things he does in his spare time, including, being a fishing and camping enthusiast, recreational cyclist, DJ, chess player and video game fan. Jason also enjoys musical performances, museums, zoos, aquariums, planetariums and conservatories.

Jason has enjoyed technology since building Heath Kits when he was a child. He received his B.A in Mathematics and B.S. in Computer Science from Aurora University in Aurora Illinois. While at Aurora University, he worked as Computer Lab Manager and eventually, Network Administrator and Instructor in the Young Scholars Program. Jason left Aurora to work at State Farm supporting the server and network infrastructure. While working at State Farm, Jason completed a M.S. in Computer Science at the University of Illinois in Springfield. Jason is currently employed as a J2EE developer at State Farm with several years of development experience.

Vice President of Finance – Jerry James

Jerry James is the newly elected Central Illinois Chapter BDPA Financial Officer for the 2012-2013 year. Jerry is a thirteen year State Farm employee and is currently assigned as a Network Engineer responsible for third level support for the entire State Farm network. Prior to this assignment, Jerry worked at State Farm as a Project Network Engineer responsible for providing network support for projects requiring new network infrastructure.

Jerry is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant with over twenty-three years of service where he held multiple positions from electronic systems work center supervisor to Communications Squadron Maintenance Manager. While in the Air Force, Jerry earned Associates Degrees in Electronic Systems Technology, Aerospace System Management and Social Services. After his military career, Jerry earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Management from the University of Maryland

Jerry has always had an interest in technology and how things work. He remembers as a pre-teen his first project taught him basic electrical principles when he built his first stereo system. His curiosity earned him the wrath of his parents when he was compelled to dis-assemble and re-assemble anything mechanical. These early childhood experiences lead him to explore opportunities that allowed him to explore these interests. The military was the vehicle that allowed him to exploration these interests. In the military he worked as an explosive specialist, became an electronic technician, computer technician and a social services specialist. His military travels gave him a different perspective on the world which allowed him to recognize the similarities between people. Jerry is a Life Time member of the National Association for the Advancement Colored People (NAACP) and serves as the chapter's political action chair. Jerry is an advent golfer and enjoys travelling.

Vice President of Membership Management – Alex Moncrief

I am the elected chapter Vice President of Membership Management for the 2012-2013 year. I am a recent graduate of Jackson State University in Jackson, MS. I am from Joliet, IL and currently a System Analyst in the OMUS – Mobile Web space. In college, I served as the President of the local chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery. My drives there—as they are here—was to increase membership by way of increasing knowledge of the organztion and making the goals understandable so that everyone can see the importance of the application within all areas of life. For example, technology drives better understanding in education, helps interactions between us and the disengaged, and shows care and commitment.

I have had a drive for technology ever since Oregon Trial was introduced to me in kindergarten. Problem-solving drives me, and technology has been an extra arm for me to reach my solution. My passion for technology was multiplied by experiences such as interning in Boulder, CO at the University of Colorado at Boulder and working with a professor in the realm of mobile applications. He and my team were able to produce vital work for those with aphasia, so much so, that our documentation was published two years in a row (2008/09) in the ASSETS SIGACCESS. Seeing technology not only supply people with new ideas, but rehabiliate the human mind was an absolute incredible experience.

In my spare time, I act in Tony Smith's stageplay, Daddy Don't Leave, write short stories, and mentor through YouthBuild.

Vice President of Communication – Myles Singleton

Myles Akeem Singleton has served under several BDPA-CIL chapter presidents as the VP of Communications (renamed from Information Officer) since 2007and been a member of the chapter since 2005.

Having a life-long interest in learning how tools work, innovation, and problem-solving using creative solutions, a career in IT was the perfect career choice. Myles has participated in extra-curricular advanced computer courses from 4^th grade through high school while independently studying computer maintenance and new trends. Throughout college, He has obtained IT work experience as a student assistant at various Illinois State University computer labs, a computer technician at a local church, and in computer repair, both business and entrepreneur. Myles graduated from Illinois State University in 2006 with a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology and a minor in music. He accepted a position soon after as a systems analyst by State Farm Insurance Co, specializing in business application development.

As a hobby, Myles spends much of his spare time a trumpet player, performing and traveling with numerous bands located in central IL, ranging from jazz to classical to military. He also serves as the director/treasurer for the employee activity jazz club, assists with responsibilities for his church's website and social networks and receives personal training at Evolve Fitness in Bloomington IL.

Vice President of Strategy and Planning – Sparsula Simmons

Sparsula is a Project Coordinator and Product Consultant for the Business Application Framework (BAF) in the AMCS area. Prior to her current assignment, Sparsula served as a J2EE Systems Analyst on the Java Request Framework team within BAF. She began her career at State Farm by participating in three consecutive internships prior to becoming employed full-time. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. She is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Project Management from Keller Graduate School of Management online.

Sparsula's interest in IT was sparked during her high school years. Although she was sure that she wanted to have a career in the technological field, she studied courses that helped to define exactly what she wanted to do within the realm. She participated in various business computer technology competitions as well as organizations that helped to define the path she wanted to pursue. Sparsula has been a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor for over three years. She enjoys spending time with her son and family, reading, and enjoying life.

Secretary – Rissa Hinton-Smith

Rissa has worked at State Farm for 14 years and is currently working in External Sourcing as an External Acquisition Analyst. She graduated from Bradley University with a degree in Public Relations. Rissa has always had an interest in technology. She volunteered for E.D.I.T. (Education Diversity Industry Technology) in 2010 and served on the committee in 2009. In addition, she volunteered on the Millennium Girl's. Rissa enjoys working out and spending time with her family including her husband Jeff and son Joshua. She enjoys visiting her brother and his family in California.