Dickerson also recalls how relationships she built with members
of the Senior Executive Association, a professional association
for career federal executives, benefited her when the SES was
revamped several years ago.
“Just understanding some of the changes,” Dickerson said, “how
they were going to be rolled out, the impact that was going to
have, how agencies were going to be certified, was helpful.”
Dickerson’s foremost business advice is “to get away from your
desk and exchange information with other people in your line of
business.” In other words, network!
She attributes some of her success to having a talented group of
people with which to share thoughts and ideas, because “It pro-
duces a very good sounding board, and gives you opportunity to
offer insights, gain a different perspective on things. That’s where
networking comes in handy.”
Dickerson has been a member of the SES since 2000. She is a
member of the National Naval Officers Association, and Blacks
in Government, a national body whose members include civil
servants throughout all levels of government and private
industry.
Terri A. Dickerson, director, Office of Civil Rights,
U.S. Coast Guard
—Lango Deen
She advises against trying to take advantage of every opportunity
on offer, but says she cannot stress enough the importance of Networking to the Top
meeting other professionals on a regular basis.
Ask anyone who has achieved career success for his or her advice
One person Dickerson is lucky to have in her circle is the high on climbing the ladder and you’re sure to hear, “Network,
profile, high-powered Coast Guard Atlantic Area Commander, network, network!” Without a doubt, learning how – and with
Vivien S. Crea. whom – to mingle can set you on the path to advancement,
giving you the contacts, conversation skills and technical know-
Dickerson said, “It’s not unlike Vice Admiral Crea to ask, ‘you how to get the job done right.
want to meet in the dining room, have lunch, and go over
something?’ No one knows this better than Tracey Pinson, the director of
small and disadvantaged business utilization for the U.S. Army.
“The more you talk to people, “ Dickerson added “The more A civilian employee (her position is equal to the rank of two-star
you are willing to hear feedback, which helps you develop a general), Pinson is responsible for helping small businesses,
sense of service and stewardship beyond yourself, and beyond including those owned by minorities, women, and those living
your own professional development goals, the better you can in disadvantaged areas, work with the federal government to ob-
understand the bigger picture, the higher goals of government.” tain contracts. She is also a graduate of Georgetown University
Law School, and maintains membership with the Maryland Bar
Relationship networking not only helps Dickerson keep a finger Association. Pinson is a mother, wife, exercise enthusiast and
on the pulse, it also helps her in strategic alignment, or the art avid golfer, in addition to being one of the Army’s top female
of developing links between federal agencies and the demands of acquisition professionals. All of this means that she leads a very
national defense. busy life, one that networking has helped to make infinitely
more efficient.
Dickerson achieves this alignment, in part, through a network
primarily composed of officers serving in the Army, Navy, Air Networking and the ‘Big Picture’
Force, National Guard, and Coast Guard.
Pinson says that being knowledgeable is the number one most
A senior executive colleague at the Department of Defense co- important aspect of success. Technical savvy, hard work and a
ordinates the group, which meets quarterly. “Clarence Johnson dedication to continuous improvement will get you far. “But
is good at putting meetings together for us to talk about new you also need to have people skills,” she explains. “You need to
directives from the E.E.O.C., and how other agencies comply.” have the ability to manage, the ability to lead, and the ability to
http:www.blackengineer.com
USBE & Information Technology I January/February 2007 19
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