Meet Our Staff

 

Foster Perry Director/SR Consultant VA Certified Verification Counselor

After completing undergraduate studies in California and Bangalore, India, followed by graduate studies and a Master’s degree from the Tufts University - Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy in Boston, Foster started his professional life in San Francisco and went on to work and live in New York City and Latin America before moving to Huntsville.  After almost 32 years, he recently retired from California-based technology conglomerate holding domestic and international positions at the Manager, Director, and Vice-President levels. Also, for the last ten years Foster has been teaching International Business and Management Principles at UAHuntsville where he is an Adjunct Lecturer for the College of Business. Over the years, Foster has also served on various industry and community non-profit Boards, including the National Defense Industrial Association, the Huntsville Aerospace Marketing Association, the Association of the US Army, the Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the North Alabama International Trade Association, Junior Achievement and the Arc of Madison County. He is also the head coach for the Madison County Special Olympics Swim Team.

Mary Jane Fleming Procurement Counselor VA Certified Verification Counselor

Mary Jane Fleming lends more than 20 years’ experience in the commercial banking industry and small business management to support the UAHuntsville SBDC’s specialty program, Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). Since 2006, Mary Jane has served as the Procurement Specialist. She completed a BA from the University of Alabama in Huntsville as well as a Master Certificate in Federal Contract Management. Mary Jane was awarded a Level Two Associate Contracting Assistance Specialist Certification from the National Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC) and is a Level One trainer for the Federal Contractor Certification through VetBiz.  Outside of the center, Mary Jane is a partner in a family owned business. She is a 34-year resident of Huntsville, married to a Huntsville native, and mother to a UAHuntsville graduate, an Auburn graduate, and two AU students. Mary Jane’s interests include history, politics, and business.

Holley DeGroat Jr Procurement Counselor VA Certified Verification Counselor

Holley is a recent graduate of UAHuntsville and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Contract Management.  Holley has worked at the Center for over a year and brings her strong work ethic and knowledge of contract management to her position.  She has lived in Madison for 20 years and now resides in Huntsville with her husband and their 3 year old son. She enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her family in her free time.

Katie Faatz

Graduate Assistant

 Katie recently graduated from UAH with her Bachelor’s Degree in Management. She is currently enrolled in the UAH MBA program. Her background has centered on the hospitality and tourism industry. She has worked all over the USA and spent a few years in Australia.  She is married to an active duty Airman, and has been in Huntsville for 3 years. When she is not studying, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.