Rita Brooks stands as a distinguished leader in small business programs and supplier diversity, currently serving as the Director of Small Business Programs, Corporate at SAIC since 2019. Her remarkable career spans over two decades, characterized by progressive leadership and transformative contributions to small business development across the defense and technology sectors.
At SAIC, Rita orchestrates comprehensive strategies in small business relations, diverse supplier sourcing, geo-political advocacy, and business development. Her professional journey includes significant leadership roles at Textron Systems as a small business manager and Northrop Grumman as a small business liaison officer, where she established her reputation as a pioneering advocate for small business opportunities.
Her exceptional contributions have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards that underscore her national impact. Rita was the first recipient of the 2020 National HUBZone Council Small Business Advocate of the Year Award, a February 2022 Trailblazer Magazine honoree, and received the National Veterans Small Business Champion Award for outstanding efforts with SDVOSB and VOSBs in 2020 - 2024. She won the 2022 NVSBC Small Business Advocate of the Year Award and was honored with the Small Business Industry 2023 Award – Large Prime of the Year by the National 8(a) and National HUBZone Council. Most recently, she received the SAIC Small Business 2024 Advocate of the Year Award from the Defense Leadership Forum and the 2024 CRMSDC Supplier of the Year Award.
A Certified Supplier Diversity Professional with a bachelor's degree in accounting from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Rita brings both academic excellence and practical expertise to her role. Her professional network is extensive, with active participation in organizations including TRIAD, AFCEA, National Veterans Small Business Coalition, Missile Defense Agency Council, HubZone National Contractor's Council, and the National 8a Association.
Her community involvement is equally impressive. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council. Rita has also served on the nominating committee for the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland Executive Board for two years and remains a lifelong Girl Scout.
Rita is renowned for her innovative approach to keeping SAIC at the forefront of the small and diverse business community. She frequently participates in national organization panels and speaker engagements, demonstrating her commitment to advancing small business opportunities. Her work was notably featured in the Navy 2022 Fall Transitions Newsletter, highlighting SAIC's exceptional small business efforts.
Her passion for supporting small businesses extends beyond professional responsibilities. Rita continually seeks innovative ways to create meaningful economic opportunities, bridge corporate resources with small business potential, and advocate for diverse entrepreneurial success. Through her leadership, she has not only advanced SAIC's strategic objectives but has also created substantial pathways for small businesses to thrive in competitive markets.
A true trailblazer, Rita Brooks embodies the perfect blend of strategic vision, unwavering commitment, and genuine passion for empowering small and diverse businesses across the United States.