NEW Solutions Staff - National Experienced Workforce Solutions

Our Staff

Cito Vanegas, President & CEO

Cito Vanegas has been with NEW Solutions since its inception in 1997. He brings to the position an extensive nonprofit background that has spanned more than 24 years and an unwavering passion for serving the aging workforce. Vanegas graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, followed by the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation in 1993. He later earned a Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree from George Mason University. Leadership awards and certifications include the 2016 Abila Excellence – Force for Good Award, SMART CEO – Executive Management Award – CFO in 2014, Nonprofit Executive Management Certificate from Georgetown University, Institute for Organization Management (IOM) from the US Chamber Foundation, Future Executive Directors Fellowship from the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater DC, and the American Society on Aging (ASA) Gerontology Certificate. He is active in the nonprofit community, having served as the Board of Directors Chairman of MAG America and Treasurer of the Finance and Administration Roundtable. He resides in Arlington, Virginia with his wife and two children.

Kathleen Branch, Chief Operating Officer

Kathleen Branch is the Chief Operating Officer for the National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) in Arlington, Virginia. She has considerable executive-level experience in nonprofit program development and implementation, communications and outreach. She has a successful history of building rapport and maintaining critical relationships with diverse audiences at the local, state and national levels. Prior to joining NEW Solutions in 2016, Kathleen worked for seventeen years for the National School Boards Association (NSBA). She was the Director of National Advocacy Services and Programs, and helped thousands of school board members lobby their members of Congress, resulting in key legislative wins. Kathleen also worked as the Senior Political Action Specialist for the American Nurses Association, and as a corporate concierge. Kathleen is a graduate of George Mason University where she received her Master of Education degree and holds her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Ohio University, graduating summa cum laude from both universities. Kathleen is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Project Management Professional (PMP).

Craig Cole, Vice President, Program & Field Operations

Craig Cole is the VP, Programs and Field Operations for the National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) in Arlington, Virginia. He has more than 25 years in the nonprofit sector with experience leading teams in complex matrixed environments that creates new revenue streams and expands services to disadvantaged populations. After earning a master’s degree in Economic Development from Eastern University, he spent 17 years in international relief and development; 12 of which were dedicated to building a new organization from the ground up that provided small loans to primarily women in countries that included South Sudan, Peru and Myanmar. After that, he joined the American Red Cross and built a team to develop multi-year, multi-million dollar campaigns that raised significant funding to support the mission of one of the largest philanthropic organizations in United States. He has served on multiple nonprofit boards and currently volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s in Journalism and worked at the Daily Herald newspaper in suburban Chicago for five years. He earned his Project Management Professional Certificate in 2016.

Barbara Canada, Director USDA ACES, ESP & EWP Programs

Barbara Canada began her career with NEW Solutions in 2001 as a Staff Accountant and was later promoted to Senior Accountant. In May of 2009, she left the Accounting Department to fill a newly created position of ACES Program Manager. She was later promoted to the position of Director, USDA ACES, ESP & EWP Programs. Ms. Canada’s main duties are to oversee the operations of the ACES, ESP and EWP Programs administered by NEW Solutions for the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Economic Research Service (ERS), Agriculture Research Service (ARS) and National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) at the Department of Agriculture. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Trinity University and a Master of Business Administration from the American University in Washington, DC. She received the Project Management Professional Certification from the Project Management Institute in December 2020.

Bridget Farley, Director EPA SEE & FWS ESP Program

Bridget Farley is located in the Western Field Office for NEW Solutions in Lakewood, Colorado where she is the national Director for the NEW Solutions Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and ESP with U.S. FIsh and Wildlife Service. Bridget joined NEW Solutions in 2008 as a recruiter for the SEE Program and the NEW Solutions Experienced Worker Program with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (ACES). Most recently, Bridget was the Director of the Western Field Office. Prior to joining NEW Solutions, Bridget worked for a non-profit environmental organization in Pennsylvania. She has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from The George Washington University and an M.P.S. in Strategic Human Resources from The University of Denver. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Denver and the mountains with her husband, children, and rambunctious dog.

Beth Stover, Director ESP & DOL Programs

Beth Stover began at NEW Solutions as an Enrollee Management Specialist for the Western Field Office in March 2015. In July 2019, Beth was promoted to Director of the Experience Services Program (ESP) Director and DOL Program. Beth is retired from the Federal Government with over 35 years of experience in Administrative and Human Resources positions. Beth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science from Boise State University. Beth personally relates to the mission of NEW Solutions as an experienced professional that wants to continue working and providing value in a progressive organization such as NEW Solutions.

Tammie Reynolds, Manager of Field Operations

Tammie Reynolds joined NEW Solutions in early 2005 as a Recruiter in the Eastern Field Office in Arlington, VA. In late 2007 she moved to Rochester, NY and began working as Field Coordinator for the three NEW Solutions field offices. Ms. Reynolds earned a Bachelor of Arts from State University of New York in Cortland, New York. She loves working at an organization where she can make a difference. Her spare time is spent with her husband, Arthur, and daughter, Zatanna.

Pamela Lewis, Manager, NRCS ACES Program

Pamela Lewis began working at NEW Solutions in 2009 on part-time basis before joining the staff full-time in 2010 as a Recruiter for the Western Field Office. In September 2014, Pam accepted a position as the ACES Recruiter-Specialist. In October 2019, Pam was promoted to ACES Program Manager. Her background includes working in the Denver Public Schools Administration and extensive work with medical records in nursing homes. She has also served as Executive Secretary and worked in Marketing and Sales in various capacities. Pam is excited to be working with the ACES Program and fully enjoys the culture of teamwork at NEW Solutions.

Rhyneta Fleming, Manager, FS ACES Program

Prior to joining NEW Solutions in 2019, Rhyneta Fleming spent over 21 years working for the University of Maryland, College Park where she held her most recent position as the Director of Administrative Services. Rhyneta’s main duties with NEW Solutions includes, assisting with all aspects of the NRCS and the Forest Service ACES Program operations and activities. Rhyneta holds a BS in Accounting and Computer Studies and a MS in Financial Management and Accounting, both obtained at the University of Maryland University College. Rhyneta is proud to join an organization that feels like a family environment and yet maintains great professionalism along with the “#1 best place to work for” status in non-profit organizations.

Lisa Williams, Manager, REE EWP Program

Lisa Williams is a Program Manager for the National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) in Arlington, Virginia. Lisa is known for being a strategic thinking Professional with demonstrated success in leadership, business development, engagement, and achievement of business objectives for public, private, non-profit organizations. She has focused her career on providing tools, opportunities and pathways to uplift others. Through raising capital, providing housing, financing, creating jobs or program management. She has served as a Director of the Mortgage Center for the Federation, of Community Development Credit Unions, with Fannie Mae as a Senior Business Manager, Consultant to the U.S State Department and others. Lisa holds a in Masters Business Administration in Social Entrepreneurship, from Southern New Hampshire University, Bachelor of Science in Communications, Public Relations and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Central Washington University.

Kate O'Dell, Manager, DOI Programs

Kate O’Dell joined the staff of NEW Solutions in May 2020 as a Program Analyst supporting the Experienced Services Programs in the Western Field Office. Kate brings to NEW Solutions over 10 years of project management and outreach experience with the federal government. She spent her early career with the U.S. Coast Guard working in environmental protection and bridge management before moving to Colorado. She has an extensive background in program management, environmental policy, regulatory development, training, and compliance for federal agencies. Kate is a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park with a Master of Arts in Geography and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy.

Adela Rexhepaj, Manager, SCSEP Programs

Adela Rexhepaj joined NEW Solutions as a SCSEP Program Manager in January 2021. She brings five years of compliance, procurement, budget, and management experience in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) anchored by innovative accomplishments with the program. Prior to entering the field, she assisted immigrants to gain citizenship and advocated immigration reform by coalition building with diverse political groups. Mrs. Rexhepaj is a graduate of Westminster College of Salt Lake City, UT where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Hamline Law School, Saint Paul, MN where she focused on administrative law, regulatory development, and engagement with federal and state stakeholders. She is committed to expand opportunities for experienced workers though SCSEP. Mrs. Rexhepaj’s has a personal connection to SCSEP as her mother was a participant in the program for several years.

Stacy LoCastro, Manager, FWS Programs

Stacy LoCastro joined the staff of NEW Solutions in February 2023 as a Program Manager supporting the Experienced Services Programs. Stacy has over 15 years in grant and contract management experience in the non-profit field working with local, state and federal government. In her early career, she worked in the social services field with special needs children and young adults in foster care. Stacy is a graduate of Bridgewater State University in MA with a Master of Science in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the Pennsylvania State University. She is a proud single mother of a very athletic teenager daughter, spending a lot of time traveling for soccer and volleyball in the eastern US.

Mei Lee Strom, REE Assistant Program Manager

Mei Lee Strom joined NEW Solutions’s Arlington, VA HQ office in August 2020 as their new REE Talent Acquisition/Program Specialist supporting the Programs and Field Operations REE Team and was promoted to REE Assistant Program Manager in April 2021. Mei Lee brings to NEW Solutions over 20+ years of full-cycle recruiting and administrative/human resources experience in the legal industry. Mei Lee recently worked as a Staff Recruiting Specialist at McDermott Will and Emery Law firm. She has an extensive background in recruiting for law firms where she served as a Business Services Recruiter at Hogan Lovells, Staff Recruiter for Crowell & Moring LLP and Staff Recruiter Specialist at Latham & Watkins. Mei Lee also worked at Towers Watson as a Technology Contracts/Finance Coordinator and has experience in Budgeting, Market and Program Analysis to support decision processes. Mei Lee is a graduate of George Washington University in Washington, DC with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism. In her spare time, Mei Lee enjoys riding her horse, travel, taking in all that Washington, DC has to offer, and attempting to play a passable round of golf without embarrassing her friends.

Ana Portillo, EPA SEE & NRCS ACES Program Assistant

Ana Portillo joined NEW Solutions in December 2021 as the Program Assistant for the Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Ana brings more than 20 years of experience in sales, management and customer services in the computer/software field and in real estate. Ana is a native of Washington D.C. and studied at The George Washington University. She is excited to join NEW Solutions and to help experienced workers, as helping others is a cause close to her heart. In her free time she enjoys traveling, watching movies and spending time with friends and family.

Tim Forbert, NRCS ACES Program Team Lead

Tim Forbert joined NEW Solutions in July 2019 as an ACES Recruiter supporting the Western Field Office. He is a Senior Recruiter and Human Resources Professional with over 15+ years of full-cycle recruiting experience supporting corporations, Dept of Defense, and state and local government agencies. Tim completed a Certificate Program in Human Resources Studies from Cornell University and attended De Anza College in Cupertino, California where he majored in Business and Computer Science. He is passionate about always providing exceptional customer service to stakeholders and passionate about the people side of recruiting. Tim takes pride in representing NEW Solutions and making a difference providing job opportunities for experienced workers. When not serving as a bridge between experienced workers and helping federal agencies fill staffing needs, Tim enjoys being outdoors with his wife and 2 Siberian huskies or training for his next running or cycling race.

Delma Johnson, Lead SEE and FWS Recruiter/Program Specialist

Delma Hamlett Johnson has been with NEW Solutions since April 1998. Mrs. Johnson began her career with NEW Solutions as Payroll/AP Specialist and then was promoted to the responsibilities of processing all Travel Reimbursement/Accounts Payable for the Accounting Department. In 2008 Delma assumed her current responsibilities as Recruiter/Program Specialist for the Eastern Field Office. During her tenure, Mrs. Johnson has witnessed the growth of NEW Solutions and now strives to provide the utmost in customer service to NEW Solutions Enrollees and clients.

Sandy Skrien, ACES Recruiter/Program Specialist

Sandy joined NEW Solutions as a Program Specialist/Recruiter on May 3, 2021 after working as a Wilderness Program Specialist for NEW Solutions/ACES in 2020. Sandy retired from the US Forest Service as the National Wilderness Program Manager after 42 years in the agency. Sandy grew up near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota and began her career on the Superior National Forest writing wilderness permits, working as a wilderness ranger, winter and summer trails crews and YCC crew leader. She spent 20 years on the Tongass National Forest working in two large visitor centers and on two districts as recreation, wilderness, land and minerals staff officer. She returned to the Superior to be the Public Service Team Leader for eight years before serving in the Washington Office. She has a BS in Biology, a minor in Environmental Studies from St. Cloud State University. Sandy’s lives in Minnesota with her husband Wayne and yellow labs Cedar and Juniper.

Paula Cote, Senior ACES Recruiter/Program Specialist

Paula Cote began her career with NEW Solutions in May of 2021, working with both the Forest Service and the NRCS ACES programs. She retired from the US Forest Service after working for more than 30 years specializing in National Environmental Policy Act planning. Paula graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in environmental conservation. Paula and her retired wildlife biologist husband enjoy all outdoor activities.

Bonnie Calvert, ACES-NRCS Program Specialist

Bonnie Calvert joined the staff of NEW Solutions in December 2014. She brings experience and expertise in administration and office management. Ms. Calvert is a champion for the older worker and had previously worked as a SEE Enrollee Administrative Assistant for seven years at the EPA National Enforcement Investigation Center (NEIC) Laboratory in Denver. Bonnie’s diverse background includes bison ranching and owning a manufacturing company that provided parts and services to the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA. Bonnie is a Colorado Native that loves the outdoors, but does not ski! She values the older worker and truly believes that everyone should “discover the power of experience”!

Linda Elliott, ACES-NRCS Program Assistant

Linda Elliott joined the ACES Team in December 2022 as a Program Assistant. She has over 30 years’ experience in Human Resources that began at IBM in Springfield, MO which led to moving to Boulder, CO. After her career at IBM, she worked for the State Dept of Revenue and Colorado Natural Resources, where she retired in 2016. After a brief retirement, Linda worked as the Human Resources Director for a commercial real estate company in Tampa, FL. This life journey led her back to Colorado to the ACES Team. She is excited to be a part of such a talented and self-less group.

Gael Thompson, Lead SEE and FWS Recruiter/Program Specialist

Gael Thompson joined NEW Solutions in August 2019 as a Recruiter/Program Specialist for the SEE and ACES programs. Her background includes advertising consulting, sales, marketing, recruiting and office management in a wide variety of industries. She is extremely passionate about helping people and organizations form mutually beneficial relationships. Gael is very excited to be working with the dedicated SEE and ACES program teams to support NEW Solutions’s mission focused work. In her spare time, Gael enjoys playing golf with her husband.

Mary Vigil, Senior ACES Recruiter/Program Specialist

Mary Vigil joined NEW Solutions in August, of 2021 as a Recruiter/Program Specialist after working 30 + years with Colorado State Government. Mary last worked at the Colorado Department of Natural Resources as a Human Resources Specialist recruiting primarily for Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Water Resources Divisions, but performed duties for other Divisions as well. Mary understands the inner workings of government and natural resources and has a background in onboarding, developing policy and procedures, drafting position descriptions and job analysis. Mary is a native of Colorado and is excited to use her skills in promoting NEW Solutions and its mission while building relationships with experienced workers and the programs that want and need them!

Gary Petito, Senior REE Recruiter/Program Specialist

Gary Petito joined NEW Solutions in 2022 as a USDA/REE Recruiter & Program Specialist. He has over 15+ years of recruiting, workforce development, career services, team leadership, partner support and technical account management for corporations, state and local government agencies. Gary is also is a Veteran that served on active duty with the Texas Army National Guard for 6 years as a Recruiter and Logistics Specialist. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University-Killeen (formerly University of Central Texas). He enjoys connecting people with opportunities and providing exceptional customer service. He lives in South Texas with his family and their adopted dog. When not at work he enjoys walking/hiking, cycling, DIY home projects, and being with his family. He enjoys participating in virtual walking and cycling events that support military and animal charities and he and his wife are supporters of the local Humane Society.

Tonya Scott, Senior BLM and NPS Recruiter/Program Specialist

Tonya Scott joined New Solutions in 2021. With a passion in the HR field, Tonya has overs ten years of progressive human resource experience. She is skilled in employee relations, training & development, strategic planning, and business consulting. Tonya has worked in a variety of industries, including non-profit, medical, education, and aerospace. Tonya has also served as a professor at ITT Technical Institute as well as at Anyang Technical Institute in Korea. Tonya attended Lincoln University-PA, but earned her undergraduate degree from Lincoln University-MO. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. Tonya earned her MBA with a concentration in HR from Fontbonne University. In her spare time, Tonya enjoys reading business articles, writing poetry and stories, and watching documentaries, horror and action movies. Her favorite singers are Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant. She enjoys meeting people and learning about different cultures. Tonya has visited and lived in such countries as the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.

Connie Dismuke, ACES Recruiter/Program Specialist

Connie Dismuke joined NEW Solutions in December 2021 as a Recruiter /Program Specialist. Her background includes over 15 years of customer service, sales, full-cycle recruiting, training, conducting seminars/workshops, and recruiting events. Connie’s passion is building relationships that pull people together to fill a need. She has stayed true to her purpose which is to empower others to identify their purpose Connie’s mantra is to be a difference maker while pursuing her passion for encouraging others. She enjoys interior design and spending time with her grandkids and binge-watching HGTV. Connie is truly excited to be a part of the Western Field group in Lakewood, CO, and is looking forward to building relationships and supporting NEW Solutions in building our nation’s future.

Venkata Boggavarapu, System Support Specialist

Venkata Boggavarapu (Ven) started with NEW Solutions Headquarters in March, 2020 as a Program Assistant. His main focus was to support the Forest Service Program with its administrative and technical functions. In January 2021 was promoted to a systems support position allowing hm to assist monitors and enrollees with their usage of the payroll system. Ven was previously employed as an NEW Solutions SEE Enrollee supporting the Environmental Protection Agency since November 2018. He brings to NEW Solutions over 30 years of combined experience in business, technology and management. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry.

Linda Holiman, Chief Financial Officer

Linda Holiman joined the NEW Solutions Accounting Department in 1998. Prior to working at NEW Solutions, she worked for a regional public accounting firm as an auditor and tax preparer. Ms. Holiman now holds the position of Vice President of Finance and Accounting in which she leads and supervises the Accounting staff and ensures NEW Solutions’s compliance with Federal rules and regulations. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Ms. Holiman says she is proud to work for an organization that provides opportunities for older workers and values their skills and experience. In addition, Ms. Holiman’s father was a SEE Enrollee with EPA for over 10 years.

Nancy Altman, Senior Director of Accounting

Nancy (Nan) Altman joined the NEW Solutions team in October 2017 as Director of Accounting. Prior to joining NEW Solutions Nan worked for MicroStrategy, Inc. for nearly sixteen years where she led accounting operations for their U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries. She began her accounting career at Ernst & Young, LLP working in both the audit and tax practices. Nan holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from George Mason University and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.

Keith McBean, Senior Grants Analyst

Prior to joining NEW Solutions in 2010, Keith McBean spent 10 years working for the University of Maryland, College Park as Business Manager and Director of Administration in grants management. His main duties as the ACES Grants Analyst at NEW Solutions include financial and analytical reporting for the ACES Program. Mr. McBean holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Masters in Accounting & Info Technology from UMUC (University of Maryland University College). He is currently a candidate for Certified Public Accountants license. Keith is proud to work for an organization that is inclusive yet diverse, one that fosters an atmosphere where there is motivation to strive for excellence.

Jessica Huang, Lead Accountant

Jessica Huang joined NEW Solutions full-time in April 2018 as a Payroll & Grants Analyst Assistant. Her career began in consulting and software development, but later transitioned to accounting and administration. She has 15 years of payroll processing, accounting, and office management experience in the IT sector. Jessica has earned a Master of Professional Studies degree in Sustainable Urban Planning from the George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois. She has also completed a number of accounting courses at Northern Virginia Community College for professional development. She enjoys board games and puzzles and is passionate about waste reduction.

Mina Tanna, Senior Financial Analyst

Mina Tanna joined NEW Solutions as Grants Accountant in May 2016. She was promoted to Senior Financial Analyst position in December 2016. She brings to NEW Solutions considerable experience and expertise in Finance and Accounting functions along with outstanding leadership, teamwork, organizational, and customer service skills. Prior to joining NEW Solutions, she worked for American Red Cross in Biomedical Finance, Business Planning & Analysis Department. Mina is a graduate of George Washington University with a Master of Science degree in Project Management and has a Bachelor of Science degree from MVM Science College. Mina is proud to work for an organization with such a unique mission, which provides opportunities for experienced workers and values their skills and experience.

Jessica Lengkong, Associate Accounting

Jessica Lengkong joined the NEW Solutions Accounting Department in November 2019 as an Accounting Clerk. Prior to joining at NEW Solutions, Jessica worked for National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation for over 10 years as a credit analyst in the Credit Risk Management group. Jessica started her career working for an accounting firm as an auditor and tax preparer. She is a graduate of College of William and Mary and earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Jessica is excited to work for NPT’s #1 Best Nonprofit to Work For and be a part of an organization that promotes age-diverse workforce through expanding employment opportunities in government agencies. She is committed to the NEW Solutions mission and looking forward to making a difference at NEW Solutions.

Linda Jones, Lead Accounts Payable Specialist

Linda Jones joined NEW Solutions in a temporary position in March 2017. She then became a full time Accounts Payable Specialist in October 2017. In October 2019, Linda was promoted to Sr. Accounts Payable Specialist. Linda brings to NEW Solutions considerable accounting experience in the nonprofit industry. Prior to joining NEW Solutions, she worked as an Accounts Receivable Specialist at Community Health Charities and previously served as an Accounting Analyst (Contractor) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the Natural Resources Conservation Services. Linda also worked ten years for IBM Corporation/PricewaterhouseCoopers Consulting, Government Consulting Division, Accounting Department. Ms. Jones is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She completed the Federal Government Certificate Series at George Mason University which included accounting, federal contracts, audit and procurement courses.

Daniel Bersoma, Senior Accounts Payable Specialist

Daniel Bersoma joined NEW Solutions in February 2023. Prior to joining NEW Solutions, he worked in non-profit organizations for over 14 years such as Experience Works, Inc. and Kennedy Performing arts Center as an accountant and accounts payable specialist. He graduated Strayer University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He is so excited to begin his time at NEW Solutions and to contribute to the mission and goals of the organization. Outside of work, he enjoys spending some quality time with family and watching basketball games.

Julia Hunt, Lead Grants Accountant

Julia Hunt joined NEW Solutions as a Grants Accountant in February 2021. Julia has over 14 years of experience and acquired a broad range of financial management skills working in accounting and financial analysis/reporting functions in organizations varying by industry and revenue size. During the last 6 years of her progressive career, she held managerial level roles and was directly responsible for administrating federal and non-federal awards, as well as preparing, reporting, and interpreting financial results at non-profit organizations such as National Endowment for Democracy, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Experience Works. Julia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Minor in Information Technology from George Mason University. In her free time, she enjoys listening to audiobooks, hiking and cooking for her family and friends.

Jim Zalenski, Principal Grants Accountant

Jim Zalenski joined the NEW Solutions team in March 2020 as Grants Accountant/Analyst. Jim has over 30 years of work experience including accounting, project management and financial analysis in several industries. Most recently Jim worked in the Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) area in the aviation industry and prior to that had a long career in telecommunications. He began his career in the FP&A area at MCI Communications. Jim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Bucknell University and MBA from the University of Michigan.

Scott Sweatman, Grants Accountant

Scott Sweatman joined the National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) as a Grants Accountant in January 2022. Prior to joining NEW Solutions, Scott worked as a Grant Accountant for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) for 4.5 years. He has over 15 years experience in non-profit accounting and operations management. He is also a member of the National Grants Management Association and serves on the membership committee. Scott resides in Rustburg, VA with his wife and three sons. Scott enjoys playing disc golf and watching crime dramas.

Yung Joo, Assistant Grants Accountant

Yung Joo joined NEW Solutions in July 2021. Yung has 40 years of work experience in accounting and financial reporting functions in three non-profit organizations such as Experience Works, Inc., National Trust for Historic Preservation, and American Automobile Association. Yung holds a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Seoul National University and completed a high school teacher certificate in South Korea. She completed an Accounting Career Studies Certificate from Northern Virginia Community College and completed several courses for a Master’s degree at Strayer University. She completed the Grants Management Certificate Program at Management Concepts. She is very grateful for this job position at the organization which cares about staff and experienced workers.

Lois Whittington, Senior Payroll Specialist

Lois Whittington joined NEW Solutions as Sr. Payroll Specialist. She has been working/processing payroll for over 16 years. Lois is so excited to start this new chapter with NEW Solutions and to help contribute anyway she can to its mission and goals. Lois has worked in companies that help our teens who have lost their way get back on track! They helped them find a trade that they loved and watched them flourish and graduate, some they even helped find job placement. Lois is so excited to work for a company that helps our experienced workers find job placement, she has seen firsthand with her Dad just how hard it can be to find a job, and to have NEW Solutions able to help is amazing! Lois looks forward to see the amazing things NEW Solutions has in store and is honored to be able to be apart of the team!

Eileen Stewart, Senior Payroll Specialist

Eileen began her career with NEW Solutions as a Temporary Payroll Specialist in October, 2019. She has over 25 years of experience in payroll, accounts receivable, and billing. Eileen comes to us from Progressive Nursing Staffers, a temporary nursing agency. Eileen graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Eileen is very excited to be working at NEW Solutions. She enjoys traveling, hiking, and skiing.

Jennifer Peacock, Human Resources Director

Jennifer Peacock is the Human Resources Director for the National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions). Jennifer has more than 25 years of diverse experience in human resources ranging from consulting to corporate HR leadership. Specific fields of expertise include compensation, benefits, recruitment, compliance, HRIS, performance management, data analytics, reporting, and employee relations. Jennifer has implemented both small and large scale HR projects and has established HR functions. Jennifer has held positions of chief human capital officer, corporate director of compensation, vice president-compensation, benefits and HRIS and assistant vice president-HR. During her career, she has been involved with the Chesapeake Human Resources Association and the Society for Human Resources Management. She has also hosted webinars on relevant HR related topics. Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Towson University, MD, and a master’s degree in business administration from The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore.

Nina Larson, Benefits Manager

Larson joined NEW Solutions in March 2021 working remote from the Arlington, VA location. She graduated with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Beloit College, Wisconsin. She received her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) in 2014 and her SHRM – Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) in 2015. Her path to HR, Benefits, & the Risk Management arena started by traveling with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey for five years. She has over 11 years of experience in benefits management and workers’ compensation in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. She also taught English in South Korea for two years after volunteering at the Tysons-Pimmit Library for 8 years. Her current goal is to visit all US states and territories.

Reza Rafi, Operations Director

Reza has over 25+ years of senior level operational and financial leadership experience with nonprofits and accounting firms. He has a history of collaborating with diverse stakeholders, strong business acumen, staff development and leadership skills, specialization in auditing, regulatory compliance and a thorough understanding process improvement, internal controls, program management, customer service focus and a professional demeanor. Reza worked for the past sixteen years as a University Instructor for George Mason University and the University of Phoenix. Reza served as the Chief Operating Officer at NEW Solutions from 1996 – 2004 and as the Manager of Finance and Administration for the SEE Program at AARP. Reza has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration in Finance.