About Us

Our History

Executive Women in Government was founded in 1973 by the Honorable Barbara Franklin and other high-ranking government Women.

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Our Mission

Prepare, promote, support and mentor women for senior leadership positions in the Federal Government.

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Our Objective

Advocate for the advancement of women in senior leadership positions in the Federal Government...

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Who Makes Up EWG

EWG members represent all branches of the federal government, including current employees, those retired from the federal service, current and former political appointees, and former federal employees who are now in the non-profit and corporate sectors.

Contacts and Insights

EWG means new professional contacts, new friends, and new insights helpful to your professional growth and business.

Ideas and Opportunities

Through EWG, professional women are reaching beyond, learning anew, and finding the ideas and opportunities they need to grow and advance in the new millennium.

EWG Officers

Violette JacobsonPresident

Dr. Violette Jacobson built her career as a high-achieving marketing director in strategic business growth and culture transformation at the United States Postal Service. As a leader, Dr. Jacobson accomplished sustainable positive results through an emphasis on people. Her calm presence, professionalism and genuine care inspire others to navigate challenges with expertise and resilience. Specializing in innovative and human-centered design, Dr. Jacobson has succeeded through empowering people to achieve aspirational goals and career milestones.
Dr. Jacobson has been instrumental in the development of Postal Service Operational Excellence, an organization-wide focus on transforming tens of thousands of employees by using rigorous analytics and giving employees a stronger sense of their own accomplishments. This approach results in employees working more effectively over shorter periods of time. She has spent decades helping management understand the benefits of a more nimble workforce. When employees are more efficient, they have time to achieve stronger results faster.
Earning her doctorate degree in Human and Organizational Learning from George Washington University, Dr. Jacobson has worked directly with senior leaders of the Postal Service to convince them of the wisdom of fresh approaches to business problems. In addition, Dr. Jacobson has managed significant business partnerships between the Postal Service and the Department of Commerce, and with FedEx in the private sector.
Dr. Jacobson served on the 2024-2025 Board of Executive Women in Government (EWG) and is also active in Women in Logistics and Delivery Services. Dr. Jacobson has served as Board Chair for the No Rules Theatre Company as well as on the Board of Constellation Theatre Company.

Violette JacobsonPresident

Dr. Violette Jacobson built her career as a high-achieving marketing director in strategic business growth and culture transformation at the United States Postal Service. As a leader, Dr. Jacobson accomplished sustainable positive results through an emphasis on people. Her calm presence, professionalism and genuine care inspire others to navigate challenges with expertise and resilience. Specializing in innovative and human-centered design, Dr. Jacobson has succeeded through empowering people to achieve aspirational goals and career milestones.
Dr. Jacobson has been instrumental in the development of Postal Service Operational Excellence, an organization-wide focus on transforming tens of thousands of employees by using rigorous analytics and giving employees a stronger sense of their own accomplishments. This approach results in employees working more effectively over shorter periods of time. She has spent decades helping management understand the benefits of a more nimble workforce. When employees are more efficient, they have time to achieve stronger results faster.
Earning her doctorate degree in Human and Organizational Learning from George Washington University, Dr. Jacobson has worked directly with senior leaders of the Postal Service to convince them of the wisdom of fresh approaches to business problems. In addition, Dr. Jacobson has managed significant business partnerships between the Postal Service and the Department of Commerce, and with FedEx in the private sector.
Dr. Jacobson served on the 2024-2025 Board of Executive Women in Government (EWG) and is also active in Women in Logistics and Delivery Services. Dr. Jacobson has served as Board Chair for the No Rules Theatre Company as well as on the Board of Constellation Theatre Company.

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Michelle SutterVice President

Dr. Michelle Sutter is a proven human capital strategist and former military officer with over 15 years of experience transforming workforces across the federal government. In senior posts including Chief of Staff, Associate Director of Operations, and Chief of Resource Management, she has led enterprise initiatives in succession planning, policy modernization, talent acquisition reform, merit-based hiring and large-scale workforce realignment.
Dr. Sutter excels at linking day-to-day operations to forward-looking strategy, advising executive leaders on aligning human resources and resource management functions with mission priorities to boost performance. Colleagues value her collaborative style, commitment to public service and dedication to building inclusive, high-impact teams.
Dr. Sutters’ Doctor of Education is focused on organizational leadership and development. She continues to champion initiatives that anticipate workforce needs and fortify the public sector for tomorrow’s challenges. She currently serves as Chair of the SEA HR Community of Practice and Co-Chair of the Federal Engagement Community of Practice, where she champions innovative, inclusive workforce solutions across government.

Michelle SutterVice President

Dr. Michelle Sutter is a proven human capital strategist and former military officer with over 15 years of experience transforming workforces across the federal government. In senior posts including Chief of Staff, Associate Director of Operations, and Chief of Resource Management, she has led enterprise initiatives in succession planning, policy modernization, talent acquisition reform, merit-based hiring and large-scale workforce realignment.
Dr. Sutter excels at linking day-to-day operations to forward-looking strategy, advising executive leaders on aligning human resources and resource management functions with mission priorities to boost performance. Colleagues value her collaborative style, commitment to public service and dedication to building inclusive, high-impact teams.
Dr. Sutters’ Doctor of Education is focused on organizational leadership and development. She continues to champion initiatives that anticipate workforce needs and fortify the public sector for tomorrow’s challenges. She currently serves as Chair of the SEA HR Community of Practice and Co-Chair of the Federal Engagement Community of Practice, where she champions innovative, inclusive workforce solutions across government.

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Cindy MorganTreasurer

Cindy Morgan is a strategic thinker driving IT solutions that innovate and modernize federal government technology solutions. Since October 2020, Cindy has been working with the Peace Corps in the Office of the Chief Information Officer as an IT Specialist – Program Manager. Cindy has extensive federal government knowledge and experience in Acquisition Policy and Operations that include Policy Analyst at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (2015-2020) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2012-2015), Lead Contract Specialist at Indian Health Service (2015) and Contracting Officer at the Federal Aviation Administration (2009-2012).
Her commitment to innovation and strategic leadership paved the way for the first AI exploration Session at Peace Corps I 2024, a groundbreaking forum where senior federal leaders and industry pioneers in artificial intelligence engaged in open dialogue. The session helped lay the groundwork for senior leadership to understand how an AI strategy could be applied to solve issues facing the agency. These include volunteer recruitment services, human resources, and acquisition management ultimately streamlining processes that help save the agency money and resources.
Cindy has received several awards in IT Contracting and Management. In 2012 she was recognized with the FAA Team Achievement Award and won the Catholic University Business Case Competition. In 2023 she received the NCMA Fellow Award which is one of the highest and most prestigious individual awards for service to the NCMA.

Cindy MorganTreasurer

Cindy Morgan is a strategic thinker driving IT solutions that innovate and modernize federal government technology solutions. Since October 2020, Cindy has been working with the Peace Corps in the Office of the Chief Information Officer as an IT Specialist – Program Manager. Cindy has extensive federal government knowledge and experience in Acquisition Policy and Operations that include Policy Analyst at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (2015-2020) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2012-2015), Lead Contract Specialist at Indian Health Service (2015) and Contracting Officer at the Federal Aviation Administration (2009-2012).
Her commitment to innovation and strategic leadership paved the way for the first AI exploration Session at Peace Corps I 2024, a groundbreaking forum where senior federal leaders and industry pioneers in artificial intelligence engaged in open dialogue. The session helped lay the groundwork for senior leadership to understand how an AI strategy could be applied to solve issues facing the agency. These include volunteer recruitment services, human resources, and acquisition management ultimately streamlining processes that help save the agency money and resources.
Cindy has received several awards in IT Contracting and Management. In 2012 she was recognized with the FAA Team Achievement Award and won the Catholic University Business Case Competition. In 2023 she received the NCMA Fellow Award which is one of the highest and most prestigious individual awards for service to the NCMA.

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Kelly MorrisonSecretary

Kelly Morrison is a seasoned transformational leader who has served as a federal, foreign service, and private sector executive. Kelly possesses a track record driving impactful mission-focused results through building coalitions and partnerships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Currently Senior Vice President at HumanTouch LLC, Kelly brings technology enabled solutions to federal clients enabling mission outcomes and supporting agencies transform how they deliver upon their mission and business objectives.
Kelly’s federal service spans nearly 16 years across four agencies and three administrations, including leadership roles at White House (OMB), Agency for International Development, Department of the Interior, and Food and Drug Administration. A recipient of numerous awards—including the 2018 TBM Council Collaboration Award and 2017 Federal 100 Award—Kelly is also deeply committed to community service and advancing women in leadership.
In addition to EWG, Kelly sit on the Government Technology and Services Coalition board and an active member of ACT-IAC. Kelly holds a dual B.A. in International Comparative Politics and French and a Masters in International Development and Public Administration. She is a proud mom of two teenagers and resides in Arlington VA.

Kelly MorrisonSecretary

Kelly Morrison is a seasoned transformational leader who has served as a federal, foreign service, and private sector executive. Kelly possesses a track record driving impactful mission-focused results through building coalitions and partnerships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Currently Senior Vice President at HumanTouch LLC, Kelly brings technology enabled solutions to federal clients enabling mission outcomes and supporting agencies transform how they deliver upon their mission and business objectives.
Kelly’s federal service spans nearly 16 years across four agencies and three administrations, including leadership roles at White House (OMB), Agency for International Development, Department of the Interior, and Food and Drug Administration. A recipient of numerous awards—including the 2018 TBM Council Collaboration Award and 2017 Federal 100 Award—Kelly is also deeply committed to community service and advancing women in leadership.
In addition to EWG, Kelly sit on the Government Technology and Services Coalition board and an active member of ACT-IAC. Kelly holds a dual B.A. in International Comparative Politics and French and a Masters in International Development and Public Administration. She is a proud mom of two teenagers and resides in Arlington VA.

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CHERYL SWANGIN and VALERIE BOULET
Program Committee Co Chairs

CARLENE RANDOLPH
Communications and Marketing Chair

DEBORAH LEBEN
Chair of Status of Women and Mentorship Program

JULIE KOLLER
Bylaws Chair

NEEMA KHATRI and TAMMY WADE
Membership Co Chair

SHOSHANA GROVE
Nominating Chair

NICHOLE PINKNEY and VIOLETTE JACOBSON
Annual Summit Committee Co Chair

MARYLIN ABEL
Sponsorship Chair

Virginia R. Allen

Anne L. Armstrong

Sylvia Bacon

Catherine M. Bedell

Romana A. Banuelos

Col. Billie M. Bobbitt

Isabel A. Burgess

Helen J. Burroughs

Barbara M. Burns

Judith A. Cole

Jeanne W. Davis

Ruth M. Davis

Elizabeth Hanford Dole

Nola F. Fowler

Barbara Hackman Franklin

Margaret C. Gaynor

Cynthia H. Hall

Margaret A. Haywood

Carla A. Hills

Vera Hirschberg

Norma Holloway Johnson

Jeanne M. Holm

Virginia H. Knauer

Jewel Lafontant-Mankarious

Marjorie Lynch

Rosemary A. Mazon

Constance Newman

Sallyanne Payton

Charlotte Reid

Jayne B. Spain

Brereton Sturtevant

Paula A. Tennant

Judith M. Trent

Georgiana Sheldon

Gloria A. Toote

Antonina P. Uccello

Ethel B. Walsh

Bennetta Washington

Margita White

Beatrice Willard

Rhonda Shaffer (2024)

Immediate Past President Board Member

Cynthia Whittenburg (2023)

Cynthia Whittenburg (2022)

Katherine M. Coffman (2021)

E. Anne Sandel (2020)

Ellen McClain (2019)

Dr. Patrina M. Clark (2018)

Paige Atkins (2017)

Kim Berns (2016)

Colonel Elizabeth B. Borelli (2015)

Ana B. Hinojosa (2014)

Shoshana Grove (2013)

Reta Jo Lewis (2012)

Betsy Smidinger (2011)

Elizabeth Cotsworth (2010)

Margaret “Peg” Weir (2009)

Katherine C. Gugulis (2008)

The Honorable Lynn Scarlett (2007)

The Honorable Nancy Nord (2006)

Maria Parisi-Vickers (2005)

Lori Santamorena (2004)

Marylouise Uhlig (2003)

Linda Massaro (2002)

Paula Lettice (2001)

Anna Fay Dixon (2000)

Dr. Diane E. Gelburd (1999)

Sandra Schneider (1998)

Judith D. Gibson (1997)

Dr. Donna M. Heivilin (1996)

The Honorable Mary K. Mathews (1995)

The Honorable Jessica L. Parks (1994)

Virginia B. Robinson (1993)

The Honorable Jill Kent (1992)

Shannon Roberts (1991)

Dona Wolf (1990)

The Honorable Joan D. Aikens (1989)

The Honorable Jeanne J. Smoot (1988)

The Honorable Janet D. Steiger (1987)

The Honorable Jean McKee (1986)

The Honorable Donna Pope (1985)

The Honorable Mary Elizabeth Quint (1984)

The Honorable Nancy Harvey Steorts (1983)

The Honorable Helen Holt (1982)

The Honorable Jean F. Dwyer (1981)

Dr. Jeanne S. Mintz (1980)

Esther C. Lawton (1979)

The Honorable Brereton Sturtevant (1978)

The Honorable Joyce Hens Green (1977)

The Honorable Catherine Bedell (1976)

The Honorable Ethel Bent Walsh (1975)

Major General Jeanne M. Holm (1974)

Jennifer Bryant

Deborah Leben

Gwendolyn King

Cindy Gripper

Donna Heivilin

Seena Foster

Brandi Dennis

Rhonda Shaffer

Katherine "KC" Coffman

Ellen McClain

Karen Wolff

Rosemary Byrd

Sheila Burke

Rebecca Dye

Diane Gelburd

Cheryl Prejean Greaux

Shoshana Grove

Reta Jo Lewis

Maria Madocks

Charlene Proctor

Brenda Mendoza

Jessica Parks

Marilyn Ann Quagliotti

Nora Rice

Marylouise Uhlig

Margaret Weir

Carolyn Wong

TESTIMONIALS

FROM OUR MEMBERS

Tracy Murrell
Tracy Murrell

EWG has allowed me to expand my network within the federal government and meet interesting and intelligent women who are doing great things for our country.

Maria Luisa Boyce
Maria Luisa Boyce

Through EWG I’m able to mentor other women in the federal government and give back opportunities that were given to me.

Contact Us

202-600-7671
1629 K Street NW Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006

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