Board of Directors

Aaron Johnson Director Digital Transformation & Product Manager, Booz Allen Hamilton

Aaron has over 19 years of experience in Information Technology working in the commercial, trade associations and federal sectors. His background has been focused on Program/Project management implementing IT solutions that address diverse business challenges for various clients. He has built a strong reputation as an advisor, problem solver, team leader, driving project success and enhancing product offerings. He received a B.F.A in Graphic Design from University of North Carolina at Greensboro, an M.B.A in Information Systems Management from Southeastern University. Aaron resides with his wife, daughter and son in Washington, DC. Outside of work, Aaron enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and attending sporting events.

Abel Meri Director CEO, Notice Enterprises, Inc.

Abel is a lifelong entrepreneur and experienced startup founder creating impactful and simplified solutions to complex problems focused on communication, innovation, design, UI/UX, product development, branding and business modeling.

Abel’s current enterprise – wait smart^® – is based on his own patented software technology for a web and mobile app-based eCRM platform delivering online scheduling and event tracking notifications.

Abel attended Virginia Commonwealth University. Beyond tech innovation and putting Big Data to good use, Abel is an award winning Hip Hop recording artist and lyricist, and is passionate about alleviating poverty through economic empowerment.

Alyssa Guo Secretary Vice President of Data Science and Analytics, Afiniti

Alyssa joined the Computer CORE board in 2024. Alyssa Guo serves as the Vice President of Data Science and Analytics at Afiniti, where she is responsible for the data operations using Afiniti’s proprietary pairing technology to drive measurable results for its clients in the call center space. She leads a cross disciplinary team of 150 data scientists, data engineers and data analysts, driving results for clients across North America, United Kingdom, and Latin America. Prior to Afiniti, Alyssa worked as a product manager for a Saas ad-tech product and spent 5 years working in investment banking and private equity investing in New York, Hong Kong and Singapore, investing over $2 billion dollars worth of assets across the globe. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce and a Master in Business Administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Chuck Court has been working with computers since 1978, when he was an Electronic Warfare Officer in the US Air Force. Essentially, Chuck was an airborne computer operator on the F-4G Wild Weasel aircraft. He actually has operated a computer while he was upside-down and supersonic. While active duty, Lieutenant Colonel Court completed his PhD through the Walden University distance-learning program. After his military retirement, Dr. Court taught computer science and management science courses at Wright State University near Dayton, Ohio. He took early retirement from the State of Ohio teaching system to become the Requirements Center Director at the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) at Fort Belvoir. While at DAU, the Requirements Center developed multiple distance-learning modules under Dr. Court’s leadership. After teaching Computer CORE courses for two terms, Chuck became the Computer CORE Volunteer Coordinator. As the Volunteer Coordinator Dr. Court supports the CORE instructors and Zoom Administrators as they conduct their classes. Chuck also applies his Kirkpatrick Bronze certification to help refine CORE course objectives and document our graduates’ results. Chuck also holds an MBA from Golden Gate University and an MS in Physics from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Elizabeth Lindsey Director Executive Director, Genesys Works National Capital Region 

Elizabeth Lindsey is a nonprofit executive and digital equity advocate with more than a decade of experience expanding access to technology, education, and economic opportunity for communities historically excluded from the digital economy. She serves as Executive Director of Genesys Works National Capital Region, leading regional strategy and partnerships that connect high school students across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia to paid technology internships, professional skills training, and long-term career pathways. Previously, Elizabeth held senior leadership roles at UpTogether, Urban Alliance, and Byte Back, where she worked at the intersection of digital access, workforce development, and economic mobility. Elizabeth brings a systems-level perspective to digital equity, grounded in partnerships with community organizations, employers, and funders to help ensure technology access is a foundation, not a barrier, to economic stability and inclusion.

Melanie Prestridge, PMP, MBA Chair Partner at West Monroe, Digital Consulting

Melanie helps large global and national organizations drive operational and bottom-line impact through strategic IT and business transformation. She has leveraged best practices and approaches for app development to assess client IT operations and determine opportunities for improvement, including identification of outsourcing opportunities. She also leads IT asset and contract dispositioning for clients that are divesting of large, complex businesses.

Melanie is passionate about fostering a community through West Monroe’s Women’s Leadership Network and was named to the IAOP Red Ladder Unstoppable Women 2022 list for exemplary women who are making an impact in their business. She earned a BA in Economics from Wesleyan University and an MBA from Emory University – Goizueta Business School.

Leader in Technology Award

Natalie Hopkins Director Senior Business Development @ Comcast Business

Natalie joined the Computer CORE board in February 2025 with a wealth of professional expertise in the telecommunications, real estate, and technology industries, having served various roles including CEO of web-based technology company BlueRaster. She currently engages with multiple government, economic development and commercial real estate entities to promote business development for Comcast. Throughout her career, Natalie has consistently demonstrated a passion fostering progressive economic development in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) for long-term community resilience and growth and looks forward to expanding the success of the Computer CORE digital education mission. She also serves as Executive Champion of the Women in Cable Telecommunications Board (Washington DC/Baltimore Chapter), volunteers in local community food banks, enjoys travel with her family and always keeps up with her neighborhood listserv.

Oluwaseun “Shay” Wells Director Senior Associate, ArentFox Schiff, LLP

Shay joined the Computer CORE Board in January 2026. She is a dedicated, results-driven Labor and Employment and Complex Litigation attorney with over seven years of experience advising employers and executive-level employees on a wide range of employment and litigation matters. She brings deep expertise in federal, state, and local labor and employment law, representing clients in complex matters involving class and collective actions, ERISA-related employee benefits disputes, employment discrimination, wage and hour claims, wrongful termination, harassment, labor relations, workplace safety, and managed care disputes. Shay is a trusted counselor focused on risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and practical, business-aligned solutions. Shay is currently a Senior Associate at ArentFox Schiff LLP. Prior to joining the firm, she practiced at a global law firm focusing on labor and employment matters. She has also worked in human resources at a large international technology company and a healthcare organization, giving her a well-rounded, practical perspective on workplace issues. Shay holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University and a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering in her community and spending time with her family.

Russell “Russ” Hanser Director Deputy Chief Legal Officer, NCTA

Russ Hanser joined the Board in September 2024.  Russ has a quarter-century of experience in telecommunications and technology law and policy and a passion for digital inclusion.  He has served in senior positions at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission.  Russ is now Deputy Chief Legal Officer at NCTA – The Internet and Television Association.  He previously spent more than 15 years as a partner at Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, representing a diverse array of clients on technology and telecommunications matters.  Russ holds degrees from Amherst College, Harvard Law School, and Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies.

Trevor Seiden, CPA Vice Chair & Treasurer Internal Audit and Compliance Manager, Institute for Defense Analyses

Trevor joined the Computer CORE Board in June 2022. In August 2023, Trevor was elected Treasurer. Trevor is an experienced financial auditor working in the greater Alexandria and DC metropolitan area with a focus on non-profits in practice. In his current role at the Institute for Defense Analyses he leads the internal audit and compliance team. Trevor earned a double major bachelor’s degree in economics and accounting from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York. Trevor is also a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Virginia.