EWG CHAIRS
Brandi Dennis began service as the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS) at U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Headquarters (HQ USACE) in Washington, DC in November 2024. As DCoS, Ms
Dennis has responsibility for management of the headquarters operating budget and manpower
program of the Headquarters Directorates and Support Offices. She develops qualitative and
quantitative evaluations to identify workloads, significant trends, provides forecasts/ projections/
recommendations of programmatic organizations, activities and functional responsibilities of HQ
USACE, Humphreys Engineer Center and Support Activity (HECSA) and the 249th Engineer
Battalion.
Prior to this position, Ms. Dennis served USACE through various commands with most recent as a
senior leader at the USACE Engineering and Support Center - Huntsville (HNC) as Deputy
Director as well as Division Chief roles within the Installation Support and Programs Management
(ISPM) Directorate, where she oversaw programs covering Facility Operations, Electronic and
Operational Technology, Energy, Medical and Military Support business lines which provided
services to customers, worldwide.
Additional USACE roles, Ms. Dennis served in were: Project Director Team Leader at the HNC
Medical Facilities Center of Expertise and Standardization (MX); HQUSACE National Program
Manager for Department of Defense Programs; HQUSACE Regional Program Manager for North
Atlantic Division Integration Team; Project Engineer at Far East District (South Korea) and Small
Projects Team Project Lead for the Seattle District. Ms. Dennis began her USACE career with the
Fort Worth District. Ms. Dennis has also worked for the City of Lacey in Washington State as a
Program Manager where she managed the programmatic and financial development of a newly
established region, roadways and infrastructure in the Northeast Local Improvement District area.
Ms. Dennis holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University -
Kingsville and a Master of Public Administration from American University, Washington, DC.
She is a Project Management Professional (PMP) certified through the Project Management
Institute. She serves her community and mentors through many organizations with the Executive
Women in Government, Society of American Military Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, and
many others and was a 2024 recipient of The President’s Volunteer Service Award (Bronze).
Brandi Dennis began service as the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS) at U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Headquarters (HQ USACE) in Washington, DC in November 2024. As DCoS, Ms
Dennis has responsibility for management of the headquarters operating budget and manpower
program of the Headquarters Directorates and Support Offices. She develops qualitative and
quantitative evaluations to identify workloads, significant trends, provides forecasts/ projections/
recommendations of programmatic organizations, activities and functional responsibilities of HQ
USACE, Humphreys Engineer Center and Support Activity (HECSA) and the 249th Engineer
Battalion.
Prior to this position, Ms. Dennis served USACE through various commands with most recent as a
senior leader at the USACE Engineering and Support Center - Huntsville (HNC) as Deputy
Director as well as Division Chief roles within the Installation Support and Programs Management
(ISPM) Directorate, where she oversaw programs covering Facility Operations, Electronic and
Operational Technology, Energy, Medical and Military Support business lines which provided
services to customers, worldwide.
Additional USACE roles, Ms. Dennis served in were: Project Director Team Leader at the HNC
Medical Facilities Center of Expertise and Standardization (MX); HQUSACE National Program
Manager for Department of Defense Programs; HQUSACE Regional Program Manager for North
Atlantic Division Integration Team; Project Engineer at Far East District (South Korea) and Small
Projects Team Project Lead for the Seattle District. Ms. Dennis began her USACE career with the
Fort Worth District. Ms. Dennis has also worked for the City of Lacey in Washington State as a
Program Manager where she managed the programmatic and financial development of a newly
established region, roadways and infrastructure in the Northeast Local Improvement District area.
Ms. Dennis holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University -
Kingsville and a Master of Public Administration from American University, Washington, DC.
She is a Project Management Professional (PMP) certified through the Project Management
Institute. She serves her community and mentors through many organizations with the Executive
Women in Government, Society of American Military Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, and
many others and was a 2024 recipient of The President’s Volunteer Service Award (Bronze).
Andrea Bright is a senior human capital strategist with 29 years of experience in the Federal
Government, including more than ten years in the Senior Executive Service. She most
recently served as Assistant Commissioner for Human Resources Management at U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), where she led HR operations for a 68,000-employee
workforce and managed a $200M+ annual budget. Before joining CBP, Ms. Bright worked at
the U.S. Office of Personnel Management in a variety of roles, including the Chief Human
Capital Officer.
Throughout her career at CBP and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Andrea advised
senior officials, political appointees, and Congressional stakeholders on workforce
modernization, organizational restructuring, policy implementation, performance
management, and large-scale talent acquisition. She is recognized for integrating
technology-enabled HR solutions while maintaining principled, human-centered leadership.
Currently, as founder of BrightLine HR Consulting, Andrea advises Federal agencies and
government contractors on mission-aligned workforce strategy, organizational design,
technology-enabled HR transformation, and talent acquisition.
Andrea Bright is a senior human capital strategist with 29 years of experience in the Federal
Government, including more than ten years in the Senior Executive Service. She most
recently served as Assistant Commissioner for Human Resources Management at U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), where she led HR operations for a 68,000-employee
workforce and managed a $200M+ annual budget. Before joining CBP, Ms. Bright worked at
the U.S. Office of Personnel Management in a variety of roles, including the Chief Human
Capital Officer.
Throughout her career at CBP and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Andrea advised
senior officials, political appointees, and Congressional stakeholders on workforce
modernization, organizational restructuring, policy implementation, performance
management, and large-scale talent acquisition. She is recognized for integrating
technology-enabled HR solutions while maintaining principled, human-centered leadership.
Currently, as founder of BrightLine HR Consulting, Andrea advises Federal agencies and
government contractors on mission-aligned workforce strategy, organizational design,
technology-enabled HR transformation, and talent acquisition.
Ms. Cindy M. Gripper continues to build customer relationships and trust as a change agent, in the role of Deputy Chief Information Officer within the Federal Government. She is an expert in leading the delivery of information technology solutions that anticipate and meet mission needs while empowering a workforce of information technology professionals, in the delivery of customer-centered products, services, and support. As a certified coach, Ms. Gripper serves clients across the federal sector. She holds clients accountable and is dedicated to helping leaders create meaning in their own lives, which fosters a motivated workforce, customer commitment, and improved performance. Ms. Gripper is a proud veteran of the United States Army where she has adopted the motto, “Lead by Example”.
Ms. Cindy M. Gripper continues to build customer relationships and trust as a change agent, in the role of Deputy Chief Information Officer within the Federal Government. She is an expert in leading the delivery of information technology solutions that anticipate and meet mission needs while empowering a workforce of information technology professionals, in the delivery of customer-centered products, services, and support. As a certified coach, Ms. Gripper serves clients across the federal sector. She holds clients accountable and is dedicated to helping leaders create meaning in their own lives, which fosters a motivated workforce, customer commitment, and improved performance. Ms. Gripper is a proud veteran of the United States Army where she has adopted the motto, “Lead by Example”.
Sophia Edwards is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SharpEDG, LLC, a management consulting and technology firm dedicated to optimizing organizational performance through integrated business and technology solutions. Under her leadership, SharpEDG helps federal agencies modernize operations, strengthen governance, and achieve mission success through strategic advisory, technology modernization, and program management services.
With 30 years of executive leadership experience spanning the public and private sectors, Sophia is recognized for helping organizations translate strategic vision into operational excellence and mission success. She has led enterprise transformation and mission-critical initiatives across numerous federal agencies, earning a reputation for building trusted partnerships, leading organizational change, and delivering measurable results.
Prior to founding SharpEDG, Sophia served as Chief of Staff for the United States Marshals Service, where she provided executive leadership as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES). Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for strengthening organizational performance, leading complex initiatives, and helping executive leaders navigate change while advancing mission priorities. As both a former Senior Executive Service leader and entrepreneur, Sophia brings a unique perspective that bridges government and industry, enabling her to help organizations navigate complex challenges with practical, mission-focused solutions.
An accomplished speaker, executive advisor, and leadership facilitator, Sophia regularly shares her expertise on strategic leadership, organizational effectiveness, and enterprise transformation.
Sophia serves as Chair of Sponsorships for Executive Women in Government, is a Board Member of the Digital woman owned small business (WOSB) Alliance, and serves as a Strategic Advisor to the Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC). She is passionate about developing leaders, advancing innovation, supporting small business growth, and fostering meaningful collaboration between government and industry.
Sophia Edwards is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SharpEDG, LLC, a management consulting and technology firm dedicated to optimizing organizational performance through integrated business and technology solutions. Under her leadership, SharpEDG helps federal agencies modernize operations, strengthen governance, and achieve mission success through strategic advisory, technology modernization, and program management services.
With 30 years of executive leadership experience spanning the public and private sectors, Sophia is recognized for helping organizations translate strategic vision into operational excellence and mission success. She has led enterprise transformation and mission-critical initiatives across numerous federal agencies, earning a reputation for building trusted partnerships, leading organizational change, and delivering measurable results.
Prior to founding SharpEDG, Sophia served as Chief of Staff for the United States Marshals Service, where she provided executive leadership as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES). Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for strengthening organizational performance, leading complex initiatives, and helping executive leaders navigate change while advancing mission priorities. As both a former Senior Executive Service leader and entrepreneur, Sophia brings a unique perspective that bridges government and industry, enabling her to help organizations navigate complex challenges with practical, mission-focused solutions.
An accomplished speaker, executive advisor, and leadership facilitator, Sophia regularly shares her expertise on strategic leadership, organizational effectiveness, and enterprise transformation.
Sophia serves as Chair of Sponsorships for Executive Women in Government, is a Board Member of the Digital woman owned small business (WOSB) Alliance, and serves as a Strategic Advisor to the Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC). She is passionate about developing leaders, advancing innovation, supporting small business growth, and fostering meaningful collaboration between government and industry.
Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors of International Bridge, Inc.
Shoshana Grove is an award-winning executive with leadership experience in the public and private sectors. As Board Member and Chief Executive Officer at International Bridge, Inc. (IB), she has primary responsibility for driving the company’s innovative technology and global parcel delivery strategies, serving many of the world’s largest e-Commerce entities. In 2023 the company launched IB Air Cargo and expanded service offerings for SafePackage.com, a customs compliance and digital auditing platform. In 2026, the company launched SafePackage Brokerage dba/Empress. The company is a Qualified Party for USPS Customs clearance and has commercial certifications and agreements with USPS and US Customs and Border Protection.
Previously, Grove served as Secretary and Chief Administrative Officer of the Postal Regulatory Commission, the regulatory body charged with oversight of the United States Postal Service (USPS), the world’s largest postal operator. Grove began her career in USPS field operations, working her way up from Letter Carrier and Postmaster to USPS Headquarters, where she managed shipping programs, and facilitated business relationships within the mailing and shipping industry.
Grove serves on the Boards of International Bridge, Women in International Trade, Executive Women in Government, Parcel Shippers Association (Mailers Technology Advisory Committee Chair), Women in Delivery and Logistics Services (Chair), is a member of the State Department International Postal Policy Advisory Committee and the Advisory Board of Women Business Collaborative. She serves on working groups of the US Customs Operations Advisory Committee and International Mailers Advisory Group. She is an industry author and speaker.
Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors of International Bridge, Inc.
Shoshana Grove is an award-winning executive with leadership experience in the public and private sectors. As Board Member and Chief Executive Officer at International Bridge, Inc. (IB), she has primary responsibility for driving the company’s innovative technology and global parcel delivery strategies, serving many of the world’s largest e-Commerce entities. In 2023 the company launched IB Air Cargo and expanded service offerings for SafePackage.com, a customs compliance and digital auditing platform. In 2026, the company launched SafePackage Brokerage dba/Empress. The company is a Qualified Party for USPS Customs clearance and has commercial certifications and agreements with USPS and US Customs and Border Protection.
Previously, Grove served as Secretary and Chief Administrative Officer of the Postal Regulatory Commission, the regulatory body charged with oversight of the United States Postal Service (USPS), the world’s largest postal operator. Grove began her career in USPS field operations, working her way up from Letter Carrier and Postmaster to USPS Headquarters, where she managed shipping programs, and facilitated business relationships within the mailing and shipping industry.
Grove serves on the Boards of International Bridge, Women in International Trade, Executive Women in Government, Parcel Shippers Association (Mailers Technology Advisory Committee Chair), Women in Delivery and Logistics Services (Chair), is a member of the State Department International Postal Policy Advisory Committee and the Advisory Board of Women Business Collaborative. She serves on working groups of the US Customs Operations Advisory Committee and International Mailers Advisory Group. She is an industry author and speaker.
