Chugach Government Solutions Proposal Manager Rebecca Newberry Named to AFCEA’s Prestigious 40 Under 40 List

CGS is proud to announce that Rebecca Newberry, Proposal Manager and an emerging leader in the defense technology community, has been selected for the 2026 AFCEA 40 Under 40 Award, a national recognition celebrating professionals making significant contributions to defense technology, innovation, and STEM advancement.

Rebecca’s selection reflects her leadership in advancing mission critical IT, cybersecurity, systems engineering, and C5ISR capabilities across the Department of Defense. She is known for her strategic proposal leadership, cross organizational collaboration, and her ability to position teams for success in a highly competitive federal contracting environment.

Exemplifying Chugach Core Behaviors

Rebecca’s work and community service strongly embody the Chugach Core Behaviors—doing things the right way, leaving things better than we found them, empowering people, creating meaningful value, and building community.

• We do things the right way: Rebecca is recognized for her integrity and reliability in high stakes proposal environments, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and mission aligned solutions. Her reputation within AFCEA for stepping in wherever needed reflects her commitment to principled leadership.
• We leave things better than we found them: Through her work supporting modernization efforts and her hands on role in AFCEA programming, she’s improving collaboration across government, industry, and academia for long term mission impact.
• We Empower people: Rebecca actively mentors junior professionals in the defense contracting field and supports emerging leaders through AFCEA and Women in Defense. In her community, she guides her daughters’ Girl Scout troop through STEM focused learning, helping them build confidence in their abilities.
• We create meaningful value: Her strategic leadership directly contributes to winning mission critical contract opportunities that strengthen national security and advance technological capabilities.
• We build community: Whether supporting AFCEA Hampton Roads Chapter events, STEM scholarship initiatives, or youth athletics, Rebecca consistently dedicates her energy to strengthening the communities she serves—professionally and personally.

CGS VP of Growth & Strategy, Tom Fortunato shared, “What sets Rebecca apart is how she shows up for both the mission and the community. She doesn’t just deliver results, she invests in people, builds connections, and leaves every project and team better than she found them. That’s the Chugach way, and Rebecca models it every day.”