Board of Directors

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

Bobby Bermudez, MS-CIS Vice Chair President, Symposit LLC

Bobby has over 20 years of business and IT experience working with myriad clients including startups, non-profits, defense contractors, Fortune 500 and Local, State and Federal agencies. His broad experience with computer, network and web technologies led him to create Symposit.

He received a B.S. in Decision Sciences and Management Information Systems from George Mason University, an M.S. in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Security from Boston University, graduate certificates from Georgetown and Dartmouth, and other technical certifications. In addition, Bobby is also an active member of AFCEA, Infragard and GTSC. Bobby lives with his wife, daughter and son in Northern Virginia, roots for the Nats and Caps and tries to housebreak his Boston Terrier.

Trevor Seiden, CPA 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.

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.

Marianne Alicona, MBA Director Senior Philanthropic Advisor, The Build Hope Fund

Marianne joined the Computer CORE board in August 2023 and brings over 30 years of experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Marianne is currently the Senior Philanthropic Advisor to The Build Hope Fund, a donor-advised fund supporting nonprofits focusing on equity, advocacy, and civic action. She is also a Principal at Reina-Fox Philanthropy Services, LLC providing nonprofit interim Executive Director assistance. She has overseen development and strategic communications for local, national, and international nonprofits concentrating on workforce development, education, girl empowerment, and volunteer engagement at Byte Back, Exponent Philanthropy, Volunteer Fairfax, and Kenya-based NGO Kakenya’s Dream. Her strong background in programs, finance, and operations has helped Marianne be seen as a valued collaborator on leadership teams and an asset to boards of directors and junior staff. Marianne has an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University and an MBA from The George Washington University. When not working towards impact in her day job, Marianne can be found enjoying time with her blended family and volunteering in the community.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Garrett McGuire Director Regional Director for External and Legislative Affairs, AT&T

Garrett McGuire is the Regional Director for External and Legislative Affairs for AT&T in Virginia and Washington, D.C. In this role, Garrett helps advocate for company priorities at the state and local level in Virginia and before the City Council in the District of Columbia, while also promoting AT&T’s work in the community. Prior to AT&T, Garrett has worked for elected leaders in a legislative and campaign role at the local, state, and federal level, and led state government relations advocacy for a trade association representing a sector of American manufacturing. Garrett is Chair of the Board of Directors for United Community, a nonprofit serving the Route 1 Corridor of Fairfax County and also sits on the Board of Directors for the Arlington County Chamber of Commerce, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, where he leads the Government Relations Committee, the DC Chamber of Commerce, and is also an appointed member of the Fairfax 250 Commission. Additionally, Garrett is the Immediate Past Chair of the Fairfax – Falls Church Community Service Board. Garrett was named a 40 under 40 awardee in Alexandria for 2020 and by Leadership Arlington in 2016. Garrett holds an undergraduate and master’s degree from Virginia Tech.

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.

Michael Ruiz Director Director, Supplier Diversity, Fannie Mae

Michael is a seasoned professional focused on creating economic opportunity through equitable, inclusive, and sustainable strategies and programs. Michael has extensive economic and community development expertise in both Fortune 100 and non-profit/NGO environments. Prior to joining Fannie Mae, Michael was the President/CEO of the Northern California Minority Supplier Development Council, responsible for certification of minority-owned businesses and the facilitation of productive relationships between MBEs and Fortune 1000 corporations. His background includes leadership positions at: an inner-city YMCA, a large non-profit affordable housing developer, and Founder of a U.S. affiliate of an international micro-finance organization. Michael has a BA in history from Yale, an MBA and Certificate in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and is an alumnus of Leadership San Francisco. A Puerto Rican born and raised in Chicago, Michael resides in Manassas, VA with his wife, Dr. Kimberly Jones-Ruiz and their three children.

Claudia Skinner Director Executive Director, PosAbilities

Claudia Skinner is a passionate leader in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and developmental disability services, dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) through innovative and person-centered programs. As the founder and executive director of PosAbilities, Claudia has built a multi-faceted organization that integrates education, therapy, and community support to foster independence and meaningful engagement. She has led the expansion of PosAbilities Academy, PosAbilities Clinic, and PosAbilities Center, including the launch of PosAbilities Pathways, a groundbreaking day support program designed to enhance life skills, vocational readiness, and social competence. With a background in business consulting and corporate strategy, Claudia leverages best practices in program development, clinical operations, and human-centered service delivery to create sustainable impact. She is committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional ABA by designing innovative social skills, early intervention, and vocational programs that emphasize quality of life and long-term success. Claudia is an advocate for inclusive decision-making, having chosen supported decision-making over guardianship for her daughter, Grace, reinforcing her commitment to person-centered approaches. She actively collaborates with professionals across disciplines to enhance access to therapeutic and educational services. She holds an MS in Technology Management and an MSpEd/ABA graduate certification from George Mason University. Her leadership and advocacy continue to shape the future of ID/DD services, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.