HBCU/MSI alums who work for us

Elliot Doomes  |  Commissioner

Morehouse College alum

He/him
elliot.doomes@gsa.gov
Public Buildings Service

When did you join GSA?

January 2023

Describe what you do for GSA and what a typical day is like.

The Public Buildings Service oversees more than 370 million square feet of office space for federal agencies. As Commissioner, I’m in a lot of meetings with stakeholders, customers, and senior management from all across the nation to help support our 5,800 employees.

The Biden-Harris Administration has tasked us with modernizing our federal portfolio to make it more sustainable while strengthening American manufacturing and job creation and ensuring equity for underrepresented populations and stakeholders. We’re doing that and more.

With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, we’re making the federal footprint greener and more cost-efficient. We’re spurring innovation in emerging clean technologies and creating small-business contracting opportunities. And we’re also leading the government effort in zero-emission vehicles.

It’s an exciting time to be at PBS as we have so many worthwhile projects going on.

What was your career journey before you got to GSA?

Previously, I worked as a counsel and policy advisor in various offices in the House of Representatives, including the personal office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Appropriations Committee.

What is the best part about working for GSA?

The best part about working for GSA is seeing the positive impact that we have on economic development in cities across the nation. Although economic development is not the primary mission of GSA, through the Good Neighbor program, GSA often works with local officials to ensure that its real estate activities have a positive impact on local communities, help fuel economic growth and provide good living wage jobs.

What advice do you have for others about working for GSA?

GSA is one of the most desired workplaces in the government where the average tenure of an employee is about 15 years. Our employees consistently rate us as one of the top 10 government agencies in factors such as employee satisfaction. In addition to the competitive compensation packages and myriad of training/career development opportunities, we also offer flexible work schedules, and in many locations, on-site fitness centers, health clinics, and child care centers. We believe that our workforce is where our strength lies and have designed our workspaces with employee sustainability, openness, collaboration, and wellness in mind. 

However, in my opinion, one of the most interesting and best things about working for GSA is the scope and breadth of learning we offer. Due to the variety of services that GSA provides the federal government writ large, you have a wide range of opportunity to do different types of work across the spectrum. From selling used cars, to building courthouses and providing technology support to other federal agencies, you have the opportunity to never be bored with your work and pursue various interests and pathways where you could grow and expand your career.
 

Katrina N. McDow  |  IT solution advisor

Hampton University and Johns Hopkins alum

She/her
katrina.mcdow@gsa.gov
Customer Strategic Solutions Division, Information Technology Category

When did you join GSA?

September 2022

Describe what you do for GSA and what a typical day is like.

I lead business development efforts with IT category to increase the utilization of the Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions and Multiple Award Schedule contract vehicles. Specifically, I support the telecommunications division and their strategic initiatives by utilizing data to make decisions.

What was your career journey before you got to GSA?

I graduated from Hampton University in 2002 with an bachelor’s in Business Management with a Marketing and Finance emphasis. After working in private industry for Marriott International, I joined the public sector while attending graduate school at Johns Hopkins University, Carey School of Business, for my master’s in Marketing, class of 2009. I have over 15 years of experience in the federal government working at the Department of Transportation, Department of Treasury, and Department of Labor before GSA.

What is the best part about working for GSA?

GSA is a forward-thinking agency. Leadership supports and promotes innovation, ingenuity and collaboration across all areas of the agency. You can work here and make a long-lasting impact that affects the day-to-day lives of American people.

What advice do you have for others about working for GSA?

When I started here at GSA, some golden nuggets of advice were shared with me, and those were to “create your destiny” and “stay new” — meaning keep learning and challenging yourself. This is so true because GSA supports you to do just that!

Lanelle Chisolm  |  National account manager

Norfolk State University alum

She/her
lanelle.chisolm@gsa.gov
Federal Acquisition Service, Customer and Stakeholder Engagement Division

When did you join GSA?

July 2018

Describe what you do for GSA and what a typical day is like.

My focus is external. I meet with agency executives at federal agencies to discuss how GSA can support their strategic plans and objectives. I travel across the country attending networking events. No day is the same.

What was your career journey before you got to GSA?

I joined ROTC at NSU and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Medical Services Corps. My career path included leading logistics and contracting teams in a health care environment.

What is the best part about working for GSA?

The work flexibilities, the travel, and focus on work life balance.

What advice do you have for others about working for GSA?

I would say apply for the job. Be prepared to bring your BEST self to work and collaborate in a team environment. 

Yolanda Collins  |  Senior contracting officer

Troy University and American Graduate alum

She/her
yolanda.collins@gsa.gov
Federal Acquisition Service, Innovation Division

When did you join GSA?

June 2014

Describe what you do for GSA and what a typical day is like.

Vendor and agency outreach. I typically have one to three meetings for different teams in which I am a member. I usually have meetings, phone calls, or answer emails from different agencies or vendors. I also have several projects I have to keep updated.

What was your career journey before you got to GSA?

I was a member of the Armed Forces and a student.

What is the best part about working for GSA?

The people and the flexibility.

What advice do you have for others about working for GSA?

GSA is a place you can achieve any of the career goals you set! As long as you’re willing to learn, be active, and put your best foot forward, you will reach the moon!