2025 U.S. NCVA Election

These positions are extremely important to the continued success of our organization. Terms are three years long. None volunteered for Executive Director, so Penny is running unopposed. Voting opens as soon as you receive the Winter 2025 CRYPTOLOG and will run until the reunion in June — The Cutoff is 11 June 2025.

To cast your vote, simply select from the candidates below. James Green, Melanie Winters, and Penny Tardona are running for reelection; the rest are new volunteers. We have four open positions so please select four candidates and send your selections via e-mail to ncva.voting.2025@gmail.com. Results will be announced at the reunion.

Thank you again to the volunteers for their interest in being involved.

Board of Directors Candidates

Dawson

James “Jim” Dawson

“My military career started in 1974 when I entered the Army Security Agency as an 05H. From 1974 through 2009, I also served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a 2629/2649 and served in the Naval Security Group, finally retiring in 2009. Since my retirement, I have been heavily involved in veterans issues through my positions in the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. I am also part of a specialized working group of lawyers and judges developing legislative proposals for taking care of veterans who find themselves in the legal system. My wife and I currently live in a rural area of Indiana and we work with the local American Legion Post to take care of the needs of our veterans, service members, their families, and our community.”

Green

Jim Green

“Nine years ago, then Executive Director, Bill Hickey, put out the word that he needed a treasurer. Since I have an MBA, I figured I was qualified to help a friend in need, so I volunteered. Turns out, I was the only volunteer so that was an easy election. After three tours as your treasurer, I made the hard decision to resign because I am not sure I can maintain the quality of service I have provided to you and also care for my wife as she deserves.
“I do not want to completely move out of NCVA operations, so I decided to run for one of the three Board of Directors positions that are coming open. I believe I am uniquely qualified for an open BoD position. I have nine years of Corporate memory. I also have in-depth knowledge of the financial aspects of NCVA. I believe that both of these qualifications will be very useful in Board deliberations.”

Holloway

Joe Holloway

“A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in February 1986, serving in variety of roles until 1996. I continued my military service as a full-time support Soldier in the Tennessee Army National Guard, deploying to Iraq in 2004 and 2005. I retired after 22 total years in uniform. Today, I am approaching retirement as a civil servant. My bride of 37 years, Karen, and I have four children and two grandchildren.
Although I “shifted colors” mid-career, I consider the work I did in Navy blue to have been the most rewarding and important of my life. As the advertisements of that era proclaimed, it wasn’t just a job – it was an adventure. I strive to stay connected and involved with the cryptologic community through the NCVA. To serve on its Board of Directors would be a great privilege.”

Piskin

Kemal Piskin

“I am a retired Navy Cryptologist (CTT/1610), serving 24 years prior to retiring. Since retiring from the Navy in 2007, I have continued to actively serve in aerospace and defense cybersecurity roles, currently as the Chief Information Security Officer for Aerospace Corporation.
“As an NCVA BoD member, I would like to continue to document our community’s rich history and unique and impactful contributions to our country. I also appreciate the organization performing the many chapter events, while looking for other opportunities to meet, enjoy one another’s company and network. I am also interested in investigating how we can further develop current and potential partnerships, like the National Cryptologic Museum.”

Gunning

Tom Gunning

“I enjoyed my 20 years as a CT and gained a lot from the fellowship and assistance of all my fellow service members. Since I am still young enough and healthy enough, I would like to serve on the Board of Directors. I would like to return some of the assistance others have provided me over the years. I believe the NCVA is a good organization and would like to see it continue.”

Winters

Melanie Winters

“I am currently serving on the BoD, running to extend term for another three years. When I joined the NCVA BoD member three years ago, I was excited to help Penny as she assumed her role as our Executive Director. In these three years, I have had insight into all that NCVA offers, from coordinating our annual reunions to reviewing the awards and recognition of outstanding sailors and promising students. During the most recent annual reunion at Annapolis, it was wonderful to see so many active duty sailors as well as reconnect with shipmates I hadn’t seen in 20+ years. And even more importantly, it was gratifying to hear the speakers brief that though the names of the commands have changed, the value of cryptologic contributions to the warfighter have not.
“It’s been so exciting to work alongside Penny and the rest of the Board. I appreciate the opportunity to continue assisting with ongoing efforts to capture our cryptologic history and expand our membership through outreach to active duty and more recently retired and discharged U.S. Navy cryptologists.”

Executive Director Candidate

TardonaPenny Tardona

“For the last three years I have had the honor of leading the NCVA. I have focused on recruiting new members and tackling the challenge of making our organization attractive to our Active Duty community. As we continue to face the challenge of dwindling membership, the longevity of our organization is my number one priority. I look forward to having the opportunity to continue to serve the membership of the NCVA.”