Tag: company culture
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet McKenna Pittman
Some stories are shaped by where you go. Others are shaped by those who show up—even when it’s hard.
For McKenna Pittman, it was both.
April is nationally recognized as the Month of the Military Child—a time to recognize the incredible strength, resilience, and everyday sacrifices of military children who stand beside those who serve. Today, we’re proud to spotlight one of our very own.
Growing up as the daughter of a U.S. Army service member, McKenna learned early what sacrifice looks like. With a father who served for 32 years, there were missed birthdays, school events, and everyday moments—but never a question of love or commitment.
Even as a young child, she felt the weight of that sacrifice. At just two years old, after her father deployed to Kuwait, she asked a simple question: “Did Dad go bye-bye?”
What followed were letters—small, heartfelt reminders that distance didn’t change connection.
At home, her mother became the constant.
Holding everything together, supporting McKenna and her sibling through every practice, performance, and milestone—her mother’s strength defined what resilience looked like day in and day out.
“People often overlook the sacrifices military spouses make,” McKenna shares. “My mom was my biggest cheerleader—and whenever he could be, my dad was right there beside her.”
That foundation shaped more than memories—it shaped mindset.
Through years of relocating across the country, McKenna grew up navigating change: new places, new people, new environments. And through it all, she learned how to adapt quickly and grow through it.
Today, that adaptability shows up in everything she does. Grounded in grit, determination, and respect, McKenna approaches her work with purpose—and a deep understanding of the mission behind it.
Because for her, supporting warfighters and their families isn’t just meaningful—it’s personal.
“Our nation’s warfighters make daily sacrifices to keep us safe,” she says. “Being part of something that supports them and their families means everything.”
Her story is a powerful reminder: service doesn’t just belong to those in uniform—it lives in the families who stand behind them.
And when asked what she would tell other military children, her answer is simple:
Write the letter.
Send the message.
Show your support.
Because even the smallest moments of connection can carry the greatest impact.
Thank you to McKenna and all of our nation’s military children for the service, strength, and support you bring to our warfighters. We see you and we salute you—today and every day!
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Dalton Sydnor
At Precise, our people are the driving force behind everything we do. In this edition of #PeopleOfPrecise, we’re spotlighting Dalton Sydnor, a Team Lead whose journey from intern to leader highlights the impact of mentorship, hands-on experience, and continuous growth.
Dalton began his career at Precise as a Summer Intern, where he gained real-world experience working on active projects and building meaningful connections with his team. That foundation helped launch him into the leadership role he holds today, supporting AMS Visualization efforts and ensuring both users and developers have what they need to succeed.
From navigating daily challenges to empowering his team, Dalton’s role is centered on problem-solving, communication, and mission support. He credits his internship experience with helping him develop the confidence and skills needed to lead—especially when it comes to clear, effective communication and managing complex projects.
His advice for early-career professionals is simple: embrace every opportunity, even the small tasks. They’re often the key to understanding the bigger picture and driving meaningful impact.
To learn more about Dalton’s Precise internship and who he would choose as a once-in-a-lifetime dinner guest, read his full #PeopleOfPrecise spotlight here!
Interested in starting your own journey at Precise? Explore our internship opportunities here: https://goprecise.com/join-us/#open-positions.
Summer Raley Joins Precise Systems as Vice President of Business Development for the NAVAIR Market
Lexington Park, MD — March 20, 2026 — Precise Systems has added seasoned NAVAIR leader Summer Raley as Vice President of Business Development for the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) market.
In this role, Raley will lead strategic growth initiatives across the NAVAIR portfolio, expanding Precise Systems’ presence across aviation programs, Foreign Military Sales (FMS), sustainment, and advanced engineering efforts. She will focus on strengthening customer engagement, identifying new mission opportunities, and building strategic partnerships that support innovation and warfighter readiness.
Raley brings more than 22 years of experience supporting NAVAIR and Department of Defense programs, with deep expertise in capture strategy, business development, and operational leadership.
Prior to joining Precise Systems, Raley served as Executive Director of Operations for the FMS & Program Solutions Division at V2X/Vectrus/Zenetex, where she led a $155M+ portfolio spanning more than 50 contracts and 120 task orders with a workforce of over 400 employees supporting organizations including NAVAIR, NAWCAD, NAWCWD, NAVSEA, NAVSUP, the U.S. Marine Corps, and international partners. Her work focused on driving growth across engineering, logistics, training, sustainment, and digital transformation programs.
“Summer brings exceptional knowledge of the NAVAIR community and a strong track record of driving strategic growth,” said Matthew Orsino, Chief Growth Officer at Precise Systems. “Her experience leading complex programs and shaping winning capture strategies will help expand our presence across the naval aviation enterprise and strengthen how we support our customers’ missions.”
Earlier in her career, Raley held senior program management and business development roles supporting multiple NAVAIR program offices including PMA-280 (Tomahawk), PMA-299 (MH-60), PMA-207 (C-130), and PMA-261 (CH-53). She holds a Master’s degree from Towson University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
“Precise Systems has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative engineering and mission-focused solutions,” said Raley. “I’m excited to join the team and help drive growth that advances our customers’ missions and supports the warfighters who depend on these capabilities every day.”
About Precise Systems:
Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation’s most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on—today and into the future.
Precise Systems Welcomes Mike Risik as Vice President of Business Development
Lexington Park, MD — March 18, 2026 — Precise Systems is pleased to announce that Michael “Mike” Risik has joined the company as Vice President of Business Development, bringing more than two decades of engineering leadership, program execution, and strategic growth experience supporting the U.S. Navy and national defense missions.
Risik joins Precise with an exceptional background spanning naval nuclear propulsion, advanced weapons systems, and large-scale acquisition programs. He recently retired as a Captain in the United States Navy Reserve Engineering Duty Officer community after completing his final tour as Special Projects Director for the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile–Nuclear (SLCM-N) program, where he developed a five-year, $600M risk-reduction strategy supporting the broader $6B+ strategic weapons program.
In addition to his military leadership, Risik has held senior industry roles including Director of Strategic Solutions and Solution Architect at Valkyrie Enterprises, where he led strategic growth initiatives, developed capture strategies for complex technical programs, and fostered strong partnerships across government, industry, and academia.
Throughout his career, Risik has led large multidisciplinary teams and managed complex portfolios exceeding $1.5 billion in programs and projects, including his role as Deputy Commander and Chief Engineer at Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division, where he helped restructure and unify more than 200 personnel into a high-performing engineering and acquisition organization supporting Navy surface ship weapons systems.
“Mike brings a deep understanding of the mission, the customer, and the complex acquisition environments that shape today’s defense programs,” said Matthew Orsino, Chief Growth Officer of Precise Systems. “His technical depth, leadership experience, and strategic perspective will strengthen our ability to expand partnerships, pursue critical opportunities, and deliver innovative solutions that support the warfighter.”
Risik holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a minor in mathematics. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt.
As Vice President of Business Development, Risik will help drive growth across Precise Systems’ portfolio of advanced engineering, digital transformation, and mission-focused solutions that support critical defense and national security priorities.
About Precise Systems:
Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation’s most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on—today and into the future.
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Chris Anderson
At Precise Systems, our people are the driving force behind our mission. We’re proud to feature Chris Anderson, a member of our Recruiting team who plays an important role in connecting talented professionals—especially transitioning service members—with opportunities at Precise.
Chris supports recruiting efforts across multiple areas of the company, managing specialized opportunities in our Advanced Engineering and Physical Sciences capabilities while also serving as the primary recruiter for corporate roles. He also helps coordinate the team’s job fair schedule, helping ensure Precise maintains a strong presence at recruiting events.
In addition to Recruiting, Chris serves as Precise Systems’ SkillBridge Program coordinator, supporting service members as they transition from military service to civilian careers. He developed the program’s training plans, modules, job postings, and online resources, helping create a structured and supportive experience for SkillBridge participants.
“Hearing transitioning service members’ success stories about their time as a SkillBridge intern with us gives me great joy,” Chris says.
One of his most rewarding moments came in 2023, when Precise welcomed its first SkillBridge intern.
“The hiring of our first SkillBridge intern was seamless,” Chris explains. “That was a testament to the dedication and hard work our team put in through planning, meetings, sharing ideas, and executing.”
He is passionate about helping employers understand the value veterans bring to the workforce, noting their discipline, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
“Motivated and flexible are their primary attributes,” Chris says. “I think any employer would welcome those.”
To learn more about his role on our Recruiting team and the work he does for our SkillBridge program, read Chris’ full #PeopleOfPrecise spotlight here!
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Kara Norman
Meet Kara Norman – administrative support, Precise internship alum, and Precise Systems’ spotlight for January 2026.
Kara joined our Precise Team two years ago through our Summer Internship Program. She got a first-hand look into how our Key West team supports the marine environment of the Florida Keys, as well as the larger defense industry. Speaking about her experience in the internship program, Kara says, “My Precise internship was a great stepping stone and prepared me for my professional career by giving me the opportunity to build experience in the workplace.”
Growing up in the Florida Keys, she knew that she wanted the marine life and industry to be the focus of both her academic and professional career. Kara always had a deep connection to the ocean, so it felt natural to study marine science in school. This led to her joining our organization full-time, where she is able to support our customers’ missions in Key West. Kara knew that Precise was the next right step in her career journey because of the professionalism and warm welcome she feels every day.
Kara describes herself as someone who is dedicated, curious, and tenacious, always contributing those qualities positively to our team. These traits also allow her to have a hunger for learning as much as she can about marine science and how that fits into supporting our nation’s warfighters and defense. This unique mix of growing expertise is leading Kara to becoming quite the young professional!
We are so grateful to have Kara as part of our Precise Team and are excited to see how she scales her future in our organization. You’ve made us proud, Kara!
Precise Systems Recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor
Lexington Park, MD, December 17, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer recognized Precise Systems as one of the record-breaking 887 recipients of the 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony presented by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Precise Systems earned the Gold Medallion after applying earlier this year. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans.
“We’re grateful to be recognized with the 2025 HIRE Vets Gold Medallion once again,” says Julie Lipoff, Precise Systems’ Senior Vice President of Recruiting. “With veterans at every level of our organization, hiring our warfighters is a natural extension of our mission and our shared commitment to continued service.”
Recipients of the 2025 HIRE Vets Medallion Award meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming for veterans; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation and tuition assistance programs for veterans. Over 2,200 employers have earned a total of 5,371 HIRE Vets Medallion Awards since 2019.
“The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the federal government’s only veteran-hiring award. Recipients must meet high standards and demonstrate significant accomplishments in support of our nation’s veterans,” said Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training James D. Rodriguez. “We appreciate their hard work and commitment to providing our nation’s veterans with meaningful employment.”
About Precise Systems
As a solutions-based company, Precise Systems is focused on innovation in support of the warfighters and aligning our expertise to deliver the highest quality of service. Powered by our highly skilled workforces, we provide expert consultation on network and weapons systems acquisition programs, maintenance/modernization programs, and sustainment programs with solutions in Digital Transformation, Advanced Engineering, Physical Sciences Research, Platform Lifecycle Support, Electromagnetic Warfare, Interactive Training & Simulation, and Foreign Military Sales. Since our establishment, we have demonstrated and perfected our ability to manage the customer’s needs, no matter how complex – offering exceptional service and the Precise solution.
About the HIRE Vets Medallion Program
The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is earned by businesses that demonstrate unparalleled commitment to attracting, hiring and retaining veterans. The 2026 HIRE Vets Medallion Award application period will open to employers on Jan. 31, 2026. For more information about the program and the application process, visit HIREVets.gov.
There are different awards for large employers (500-plus employees), medium employers (51-499 employees), and small employers (50 or fewer employees). Additionally, there are two award tiers: platinum and gold.
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Jake Rozelle
Meet Jake Rozelle – Vice President, Marine Corps veteran, and Precise Systems’ spotlight for November 2025.
Jake joined our Precise Team in August 2025 and brought with him integrity, leadership, and a deep sense of purpose shaped by a lifetime of service. Those qualities were forged long before he joined the company—long before he stepped into civilian life at all. They began in a family whose legacy of military service runs generations deep.
Jake grew up surrounded by stories from relatives who served in the Marine Corps, Navy, and Army. That history sparked something early on. But the final nudge came from the Marine Corps’ reputation itself. As Jake puts it, the Marines were known as “the most demanding and challenging branch” of service, and he felt compelled to pursue the highest standard. It was a calling he not only accepted but embraced.
During his years in uniform, Jake learned the value of discipline, attention to detail, and the kind of mental and physical toughness that shapes a person for life. Those instincts, sharpened by his service, continue to guide his impact here at Precise.
Jake played an integral role in our recent celebration of the United States Marine Corps’ 250th birthday, creating a remarkable occasion of camaraderie, tradition, and honor. When asked what it means to be part of such a historic legacy, he says, “It means having a connection to the Marines who fought at places like Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, and the Chosin Reservoir. Many have made the statement, “we stand on the backs of giants” and this is true. It isn’t just history; it is a living commitment.”
Jake first met our Precise Team in 2022 at an event that left an immediate impression. Even without knowing the leadership team or their backgrounds, he recognized something familiar—an organizational structure and “esprit de corps” that immediately felt like home. When he later learned just how many veterans are part of our leadership team, the decision was easy.
Far too often, Jake says, former service members struggle with civilian careers that feel misaligned with their values. He didn’t want to be one of them. And at Precise, he found what he was looking for: a mission-driven environment, a shared sense of purpose, and leaders who understood the weight of service because they had lived it, too. He believes alignment between the values of military service and the expectations of civilian roles is crucial for success—and it’s why he continues to advocate for environments like the one he found at Precise.
Throughout his time in uniform, Jake has had the opportunity to be part of many memorable Marine Corps birthday celebrations – one of the most notable reading almost like a movie script!
One year, he had invited a Battalion Gunner to be the guest of honor for this particular celebration, but on the day of the celebration, the guest’s duties bound him to Big Island of Hawaii, when the birthday was planned to occur on the island of Oahu. Jake quickly mobilized a section of CH-53s to transport the guest from the Big Island to Oahu, where he was greeted with a team of Marines who prepared his uniform for the celebration. It was already cocktail hour at the celebration, but due to Jake’s quick thinking and the mutual understanding of urgency, everything went off without a hitch. Jake says, “[The guest’s] speech was one of the best I had ever heard at a birthday ball celebration, powerfully uniting the air wing and ground combat elements.”
Today, Jake brings that same spirit of service and leadership to Precise. We’re proud to have him as part of our Precise Team and carry forward both the Marine Corps legacy and the mission of Precise with dedication and heart.
Precise Systems Named a 2025 Top 100 Human Resources Team Finalist by OnCon Icon Awards
Lexington Park, MD – October 24, 2025 – Precise Systems, Inc. is proud to announce that its Human Resources Team has been named a 2025 Top 100 Human Resources Team Award Finalist by the OnCon Icon Awards.
The OnCon Icon Awards are peer- and community-voted honors that recognize teams making meaningful contributions to their organizations through leadership, innovation, and impact. Finalists are selected based on one or more of the following achievements:
- Significant impact within their organization
- Meaningful contributions to the HR discipline through thought leadership
- Demonstrated innovation in projects and programs
- Exemplary leadership from team leaders
The Precise Systems Human Resources Team exemplifies the company’s core value to Put People First, serving over 1,300 and growing employees across the nation—and globe. Their work continues to shape an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing culture that reflects Precise’s commitment to its people and mission.
“Our people are the foundation of everything we achieve. This honor reflects the compassion, collaboration, and dedication our team brings to every interaction—and our continued promise to make Precise a place where everyone can belong and thrive,” said Christina Payne, Precise Systems Chief People Officer.
As Precise Systems continues its remarkable growth, this recognition underscores the vital role its Human Resources Team plays in fostering collaboration, compassion, and excellence across the organization.
About Precise Systems:
As a solutions-based company, Precise Systems is focused on innovation in support of the warfighters and aligning our expertise to deliver the highest quality of service. Powered by our highly skilled workforces, we provide expert consultation on network and weapons systems acquisition programs, maintenance/modernization programs, and sustainment programs with solutions in Digital Transformation, Advanced Engineering, Physical Sciences Research, Platform Lifecycle Support, Electromagnetic Warfare, Interactive Training & Simulation, and Foreign Military Sales. Since our establishment, we have demonstrated and perfected our ability to manage the customer’s needs, no matter how complex – offering exceptional service and the Precise solution.
About OnConferences:
OnConferences is a thriving community of top executives, uniting leaders across 12 categories: HR, Marketing, Legal, Technology, Finance, Operations, L&D, Data & Analytics, Information Security, DEI, Supply Chain & Procurement, and Talent Acquisition. Membership offers exclusive access to monthly online roundtable discussions and immersive spring and fall virtual conferences in each category. Additionally, OnConferences hosts an executive-level leadership course and a distinguished awards program, recognizing top executives in each field through a peer-to-peer voting process. Our community is predominantly composed of C-Level and VP-Level leaders from prominent organizations globally.
#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Ana Richey
Meet Ana Richey – Human Resources manager, breast cancer survivor, and Precise Systems’ employee spotlight for October 2025.
October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where we take time to honor our fighters, survivors, caretakers, angels, and warriors. We also get the chance to share the inspiring stories of individuals who have battled the hurdles and challenges of breast cancer, including our very own – Ana Richey.
Ana joined our Human Resources team in November 2023 during our acquisition of Excet, Inc. Since then, she has made a bright and lasting impact on our employees, her teammates, and our entire Precise Team. Her favorite aspect of working in Human Resources is the chance to build genuine connections with our employees. She believes that strong employee relationships are the foundation of a positive and productive workplace, saying, “Developing these relationships allows me to better understand their individual work situations and provide more meaningful, personalized support.”
As someone who describes herself as resilient, dependable, and loyal, Ana knows that working in Human Resources is the perfect career for her. These traits also got her through a tough and challenging period of her life – battling breast cancer.
Throughout her breast cancer journey, Ana’s family, friends, and faith remained constant sources of strength and inspiration for her, teaching her the power of resilience, gratitude, and hope. Their support gave her a truly tangible strength that lifted her up and kept her going, even through the most difficult moments.
When asked what advice she would give to anyone currently going through cancer treatment, Ana says, “Take it one day at a time. Some days will be hard, and that’s okay. Allow yourself to feel everything. Don’t try to be strong every single moment; just be real. Lean on the people who love you and let their strength carry you when your energy runs low.” She emphasizes how important it is to keep sight of who you are and to know that you are still the same person, just stronger, braver, and more aware of what truly matters. Knowing that better days will come is paramount to overcoming this battle.
Ana has always been inspired by those who face challenges head-on and do not back down when things get tough. One of these figures is Queen Elizabeth II, who she would love the chance to sit down and have dinner with! She explains, “I’d love to ask her how she balanced motherhood with her royal duties. I think hearing her perspective would be incredibly inspiring, because it would show how she managed immense responsibility while remaining committed to her family and her role. I believe her insight would say a lot about resilience, grace under pressure, and the quiet strength it takes to lead a life of service while staying true to oneself.”
To Ana and all of those whose lives have been affected by breast cancer – thank you for your strength, your resilience, and your courage. We are inspired by you, this month and beyond, and we are grateful for the chance to share your stories.