Education & Workforce/GovCon Council Combined Meeting

Description

 Education & Workforce Committee Meeting 

In-Person Meeting

Dana M. Fallon

Director, Business Engagement & Career Services at NVCC

Ms. Fallon’s entire career revolves around higher education. After earning a B.A. degree in Psychology, with a minor in Business Management from Gannon University, she earned a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University and Juris Doctor from George Mason University School of Law. Combining her two degrees, Dana worked as a practicing attorney in Virginia, representing institutions of higher education.  She currently holds the position of Director, Business Engagement and Career Services at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA).  In this position she works closely with employers and economic development organizations to advance employment opportunities in the region as well as provide career and professional development opportunities directly for NOVA students and graduates.

While at Kent State University she worked in Residence Life and student activities and continued as an Assistant Director of Residence Life at Marymount University.  While working at George Mason University School of Law, she had roles as the Director of Alumni Relations and Associate Registrar.  She was also a partner at the law firm of Gombos & Leyton, primarily representing clients regarding compliance matters with the U.S. Department of Education, state education and accrediting agencies, as well as for mergers and acquisitions.  

Dana is a member of the Gannon University Board of Trustees and the Vice Chair of the Academic and Student Experience Committee and member of the University Audit Committee.  She is also an Advisory Board member for Think Big for Kids. 

Colleen Keener

Supervisor of Procurement for PWCS

Colleen Keener is the Supervisor of Procurement for Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS), the second-largest school Division in Virginia, which serves approximately 90,000 students. 

Ms. Keener leads ambitious change management for the PWCS procurement division, to include operational process improvements, the introduction of innovative technology to create efficiencies, active participation in a Continuous Improvement Plan that supports PWCS’ Strategic Plan, teambuilding, and the cultivation of a positive work environment. 

She promotes building and maintaining strong vendor relationships and has extensive experience in presenting public procurement information. Ms. Keener enjoys mentoring others to achieve their professional goals. Her previous public sector positions include Chief Procurement Officer for Manassas City Public Schools, Senior Buyer and Procurement Card Administrator for Fauquier County Government and Public Schools. 

Ms. Keener has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance and a minor in computer security. Moreover, she holds five certifications, NIGP-Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Purchasing Card Professional (CPCP), Virginia Contracting Officer (VCO), Virginia Contracting Associate (VCA), as well as a NIGP-Construction Procurement Specialization Certificate. 

She is a member of the NIGP-The Institute for Public Procurement, Virginia Association of Governmental Procurement (VAGP), Institute of Commercial Payments and serves on the VAGP Legislative Committee

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