2023 April Mag

Annie B. Augustin has led numerous change and transformation efforts, including serving as program manager for the merger of two electric utility companies and leading numerous organizational change initiatives for different teams within her current employer, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  In this regard she maintains a keen focus on change management and culture creation.

Annie is a manager with the Federal Aviation Administration where she serves as the division manager of the Air Traffic Systems Test & Evaluation Division.  In this role she leads a team of approximately 150 federal and contract engineers and computer scientists in testing, analyzing, and evaluating air traffic management, surveillance, and mission support systems, services, and new capabilities for the National Airspace System.  In line with her passion for employee and organizational development, she previously led the development of a technical curriculum, training courses, a micro-credentialing program, other learning and development opportunities, and technical competency models.

Education

Annie’s formal education is as an engineer having obtained a Bachelor of Science degree Summa Cum Laude in Electrical Engineering from the North Carolina A&T State University, the nation’s largest HBCU, and a Master of Science degree from George Washington University. In addition, Annie has completed both the Executive Development and Women’s Executive Leadership programs at the Wharton School; the Links Leadership Academy of The Links, Incorporated; the Anna Easter Brown Leadership Institute of the North Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®; the Federal Executive Institute’s Leadership for a Democratic Society; and the FAA’s Senior Leadership Development Program.

Annie is a member of the Atlantic City (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated where she serves as the chapter president, the Theta Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, the Atlantic City Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Incorporated (associate member and former president), the National Association of Parliamentarians, the National Society of Black Engineers, the International Test and Evaluation Association, the American Heart Association South/Central NJ Regional Board of Directors, and the Ocean Wind PRO-NJ Grantor Trust Advisory Committee.

What We can Conceive – We can Achieve

Annie’s lived philosophy shows up in what sometimes serves as her email tagline, “What we can conceive, we can achieve!”   The concept starts with a clear vision, in which we can see ourselves being or doing whatever is called for in that vision.  Our ability to create is limitless if we align action to purpose. She believes that the only limits on us are self-imposed; although we sometimes unknowingly adopt the limitations that others choose to impose. Scripture tells us to put our vision in writing and make it clear so those who read it may respond quickly. Accompanying the idea of our limitless ability to manifest our future is the idea that we co-create our reality by what we do or fail to do. This serves as a constant reminder to Annie of the need to MOVE. Whether we have chosen an entrepreneurial, corporate, government, or non-profit path, as we put in the required work aligned to our purpose and vision, we are able to create without limitations.

During a personal transformation intensive Annie uncovered that her purpose is to “speak for those who have lost their voice.”  One might lose her voice in many ways and circumstances. Annie has spent her life being the voice at the table for those not included in the discussion. In her next career after retirement, she is called to become an additional voice, among many others, for the homeless – especially women and girls – and is excited about where this next path will take her!

Spare time is spent traveling with her husband, Claudy, spending time with millennial sons, Nigel and Miles (when they allow it), hanging out with sisters and sister friends, and jogging daily along the Atlantic City boardwalk or other local trail.  Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” serves as a constant companion and reminder to trust God’s plan.

Afterword

On today, I honor my mom, Hattie H. Bullock, who would have been 100 years old on April 1, 2023.  She lived to be 94. My mom was unconventional for her time.  She had five children between the ages of 28 and 40, while her contemporaries were having children mostly in their late teens or very early twenties.  My mom was always older than my girlfriend’s mothers.  She was a staunch believer in education and was so excited when I started a PhD program – having only achieved high school herself. One day I will finish that degree just for her since I’ve already completed about 95% of it.  Mom had great confidence in me, believing I could do anything and so I believed the same.  Therefore, on her 100th birthday I implore you to contact someone in your life who may be struggling with a decision or challenge and let them know that you have great confidence in them. I also urge all parents to continue to encourage your children to SOAR with confidence – they have no limitations.  They can go as far as anything they can imagine; the world is waiting to hear from them. Happy birthday mom!

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