Carrie Drake returns to USGIF, bringing extensive experience in community-building, marketing, and geospatial intelligence to lead and inspire.

Herndon, VA., - August 12, 2024 - The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) is excited to announce that Carrie Drake has joined our leadership team as Senior Vice President of Content and Community Engagement

Carrie Drake brings to USGIF a deep understanding of the geospatial intelligence and nonprofit association sectors, shaped by over a decade of leadership in marketing, communications, membership services, and program development. Her strategic expertise uniquely equips her to build strong professional communities, driving growth and enhancing USGIF's future visibility.

"I am delighted to return to USGIF in this leadership role and contribute to an organization that has shaped not only my career, but who I am today," said Carrie Drake. "USGIF’s mission of promoting the geospatial intelligence tradecraft and developing a stronger GEOINT community is more critical than ever. Returning to the foundation to work with this team as we advance initiatives that will shape the future of the industry in support of the National Security mission  feels like coming home."

As USGIF’s Senior Vice President of Content and Community Engagement, Carrie will harness her experience in community-building, strategic communication and marketing, and partnership development to shape the Foundation’s next chapter. She will play a crucial role in driving growth and innovation as USGIF strengthens its strategic pillars—Build the Community, Advance the Tradecraft, and Accelerate Innovation—by working with both new and established partners to deliver practical, impactful solutions within the geospatial intelligence community.

“We are delighted to welcome Carrie back to the USGIF family,” said Ronda Schrenk, CEO of USGIF. “Carrie’s return marks a significant moment for our organization as we continue to build on our strong foundation and look towards the future.”

Prior to her appointment at USGIF, Carrie most recently founded Collision Points, where she developed tailored strategies for small to midsized companies, many serving the US Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. Her ability to bridge the gap between technology and operational objectives was instrumental in this role, setting the stage for her transition to USGIF.

Carrie’s career also includes a pivotal role at OGSystems, where she served as the first Director of Marketing & Communications. There, she led a team that significantly elevated the company’s brand among key defense and intelligence clients, including the NGA, NRO, and SOCOM. She then transitioned into the commercial satellite industry, serving as Director of Government Marketing at Planet Federal and Maxar.

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About Carrie Drake:

Carrie Drake is the Senior Vice President of Content and Community Engagement at the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF). Carrie’s career in the GEOINT community began at USGIF in 2007, where she initially served as the Membership and Event Operations Manager. She brings over a decade of leadership experience in strategic marketing, branding, and communications, particularly within the geospatial intelligence and technology sectors.

Before rejoining USGIF, Carrie founded and led Collision Points, a consulting firm specializing in strategic marketing and communications for companies serving the US Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense. She has also held key marketing leadership roles at Planet Federal, Maxar, and OGSystems, where she played a pivotal role in elevating the company’s brand, leading to its acquisition by Parsons in 2019.

Carrie’s extensive background in nonprofit management, membership services, and event coordination has been a driving force throughout her career. Her commitment to community-building is reflected in her roles as President of Women in Technology (WIT) and a founding member of the Amazing Women of the IC (AWIC). Additionally, she has contributed to her community through volunteer work, including roles at the Loudoun Knights Hockey Club and founding the Stay In The Game Foundation.

About USGIF:

United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) is a nonprofit 501c3 educational foundation dedicated to promoting the geospatial intelligence tradecraft and developing a stronger GEOINT community among government, industry, academia, professional organizations, and individuals who develop and apply GEOINT to address global security challenges. USGIF achieves its mission via its strategic pillars: Build the Community | Advance the Tradecraft | Accelerate Innovation.

For more information, please visitâ�¯ www.USGIF.orgâ�¯and follow USGIF onâ�¯ LinkedIn andâ�¯ Twitter.

Press Contact: 

Kristen Kloster-Grady

Director of Communications

United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation

kristen.kloster@usgif.org