Excellence In Leadership Awards

Women in Defense Michigan Chapter established the Excellence in Leadership Award in 2009 to recognize women who have made a significant contribution to U.S. defense and national security. Award recipients will be honored at the 9th Annual Black Tie Gala. This award recognizes female senior executives in the defense industry that embody the values  of WID- MI.

Nomination Criteria:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the defense industry
• Connected to Michigan (work history, education, etc.)

WID-MI is calling on all companies and organizations, WID members, and non-members to nominate individuals who have demonstrated leadership, strength, and dedication to the organizations they support.

Nominations must be submitted by June 5, 2020, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Recipients are honored at the WID-MI Black Tie Gala on Friday, November 6, 2020.

Award Recipients:

2017

Ms. Marion Whicker,
Executive Director of the U.S. Army TACOM's Logistics Center
U. S. Army TACOM ILSC

2016

COL(R) Patricia Sellers,
Business Development Manager for Tracked Combat Vehicles, Robotics and Autonomous Systems
General Dynamic Land Systems

2015

Dr. Jennifer A. Hitchcock, SES
Executive Director, Research and Technology Integration
United States Army TARDEC

2014

MG Gwendolyn Bingham
Commanding General
United States Army TACOM

2013

Mrs. Teresa M. Takai
Chief Information Officer
Department of Defense

2012

Major Carrie M. Atkinson
United States Marine Corps
U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, Joint Force Provider Officer

2011

Monica E. Emerson
Navy Diversity Officer,
U.S. Department of the Navy and Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs

2010

Colonel Jeanne Smith Hooper
Chief of Staff
US Army TACOM Life Cycle Management command

2009

Janet W. Bean
Executive Director
Integrated Logistics Support Center
TACOM Life Cycle Management command