SCIENCE SPECTRUM
Science spectrum champions the advancements made in all areas of scientific inquiry, whether those strides are made by individual innovators or through the resources of enterprisng organizations.
Titans of Science I
t’s unmistakable after reviewing Kenneth S. Tolson’s five-page resume just how well he’s mastered leadership. In his 20-plus-year career, Tolson has been vice president and chief technology officer for Data Solutions and Technology as well as held chief information officer and chief technology officer positions multiple times. His experiences are diverse and global — achieving success in the information technology industry at the international, federal, state and local levels and managing large multi-billion dollar technology programs. He’s been recognized for establishing innova- tive ways to align technology resources and technology commercial- ization with ever-changing require- ments in the industry. However, it’s also clear he has a heart to serve and his value to our nation’s top leaders has not gone unnoticed. Tolson has accepted ap- pointment and consultancy positions to aid three American presidents — most recently in 2009, when President Barack Obama appointed him to the President’s Board of Advisors on
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). He’s also chairman of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engi-
neering and Math) Technology and Innovation Committee and chief economics inclusion adviser for the America 21 project. “Our country and specifically our HBCU community is facing a historic transition period where [the need for] the right people, processes and technol- ogy to navigate this changing terrain is more crucial than ever given our dismal numbers globally in the sciences,” said Tolson in a letter to Tyrone Taborn, chairman and chief executive officer of Career Com- munications Group (CCG). Tolson, a nominee for a 2013 Black Engineer of the Year Award, said his goal during the past three years since his presidential appoint- ment has been “identifying ways of reaching out to the various silos in HBCUs, creating greater efficiencies and opportunities in STEM and ultimately providing significant long-term value through business transformation for HBCUs to garner more federal contracting oppor- tunities in the areas of science and technology.” Tolson served as a technology management research consultant to the Clinton and Bush administrations. A native of Washington, D.C., Tolson got his start at a HBCU, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1988 from Morehouse College, where he studied political science and computer information systems management and engineering. He also has studied at the Advanced Study Institute of the NATO Security through Science Committee in Germany.
www.blackengineer.com
by Gale Horton Gay
editors@ccgmag.com
KENNETH S. TOLSON ACHIEVES SUCCESS THROUGH LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE
Tolson is an innovative visionary in technology and manage- ment for the global emerging technology marketplace, focusing primarily on innovation in the information technology industry. His hallmark philosophy encourages leaders to believe that “anything is possible” in the IT field as long as standards are met. “His consulting philosophy reflects his attitude that extraordinary events are possible when individuals and organizations stretch beyond their current capabilities and visions,” he said in his executive bio. Interestingly, Tolson cites two former BEYA winners as mentors: Arthur E. Johnson, 1997 Black Engineer of the Year and a former president and chief operating officer of Lockheed Martin’s Informa- tion and Services Sector, and Lloyd Howell, the 2011 Black Engineer of the Year and a partner at Booz Allen & Hamilton Inc. He credits these men for giving him a foundation leading to succeed. Tolson, a former U.S. Marine Corps Reserve officer, has worked
at a senior-level experience in aerospace, IT and defense services companies with multiple offices locations across international geogra- phies including combat areas.
“One of the things that I am most proud of is my track record for breaking new ground,which continues to raise the bar,” he said. “I bring a global perspective for managing and implementing technol- ogy across multiple industries.” Tolson has high praise for Obama, emphasizing that “… we finally had a president that created four executive orders to further the historical cause and work HBCUs do to maintain our competitiveness in the global economy and to continue to uplift our community.” Tolson, who serves on various boards and works with a number of charities, has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and peers. Lawrence Agulnick, executive vice president of TBED21 Inc., is one of his supporters who credits him with propelling TBED21 on a “meteoric pace.” “With his support we have advanced from startup phase to national thought leader in less than two years,” wrote Agulnick in a letter of recommendation for Tolson for Harvard’s EMBA program. “Ken can be counted on to be at the right places, to do and say the right things, and to communicate with the right people to make things happen. Ken navigates delicate interactions with key stakeholders to desired outcomes. He is a rare person in whom people skills combine with excellent tactical and strategic judgment.” A husband and father, Tolson values the legacy of family. He
founded The Melvin B. Tolson Educational Foundation in honor of his grandfather, a noted African-American poet, educator and social change agent. The goal of the foundation is to strengthen and improve public education in America. He is the son of Wiley Tolson, first African-American biochemist to work in the Army’s Walter Reed Medical Center.
USBE&IT I WINTER 2012 57
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