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Operational Psychologist for U.S. Air Force Rescue Squadron Named 2025 National Staffing Employee of the Year

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ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Arora Group’s Amanda Alexander, Ph.D., a civilian operational psychologist for the U.S. Air Force 57th Rescue Squadron, has been named the 2025 National Staffing Employee of the Year, the American Staffing Association announced in a video today.

 

The announcement marks the beginning of National Staffing Employee Week, which runs this year from Sept. 9 to 15 and highlights the achievements of the millions of temporary and contract employees hired by U.S. staffing agencies each year.

In 2023, staffing agencies hired a total of 12.7 million temporary and contract employees nationwide.

“Dr. Alexander’s work preparing elite pararescuemen for life-saving missions exemplifies the wide array of career opportunities staffing agencies offer,” said Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer of ASA. “Temporary and contract employees bring a diverse range of skills and perspectives to the workplace, and their contributions are essential to the success of both private and public sector organizations in the U.S. and throughout the world. We’re proud to shine a light on some of the most incredible stories of opportunity and excellence from the staffing world this year.”

Sponsored by StaffPro3, a division of PMC Insurance Group, the National Staffing Employee of the Year and All-Star awards honor current or former temporary or contract employees whose extraordinary stories of staffing success best exemplify one or more of the industry’s key messages of bridging into permanent employment, job flexibility, and access to a new career field. 

Alexander will be honored during a ceremony at Staffing World®, the ASA annual convention and expo, which this year takes place Oct. 22–24 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, TN.

National Staffing Employee of the Year 

Health Care Sector All-Star
Amanda Alexander, Ph.D.
The Arora Group

Through staffing, Amanda Alexander has found an opportunity to challenge herself while doing meaningful work. She was working in private practice when a friend reached out about an opportunity to work as a civilian operational psychologist with the U.S. Air Force through the Arora Group.

“I really had no idea these types of opportunities existed, which I think really highlights the importance of [staffing] companies like the Arora Group,” Alexander said.

After discussing the opportunity with her spouse, Alexander relocated to Aviano Air Base in Italy, where she is embedded with the 57th Rescue Squadron, providing them with behavioral health support at both the team and individual levels.

National Staffing Employee All-Stars
ASA also named National Staffing All-Stars in four other industry sectors, in addition to Alexander as the health care sector All-Star and overall National Staffing Employee of the Year.

Engineering, Information Technology, and Scientific Sector All-Star
Celine Cang
Conexus MedStaff

Celine Cang, originally from the Philippines, is an experienced medical laboratory scientist who sought new career opportunities in the U.S. Through her employer, Conexus MedStaff, she secured her visa and began working in a hospital laboratory in Maryland. Recently named to Medical Laboratory Observer’s 55 under 55 list, Cang has thrived in her new role, establishing roots in the U.S. while contributing to solving the ongoing lab staffing shortage.

Industrial Sector All-Star
Jane Hockaday
Labor Finders International

Jane Hockaday is a retiree who enjoys the job flexibility that staffing provides. A mother of two grown children, 14 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, Hockaday has worked in a number of different roles with Labor Finders, including landscaping, driving, and traffic safety flagging. While she has received multiple permanent job offers, Hockaday says she enjoys working for Labor Finders, which provides her the flexibility she needs to help support and care for her large family.

Office–Clerical and Administrative Sector All-Star
Dorina Olloni
Integrity Staffing Solutions

Dorina Olloni used the opportunity she gained through staffing to bridge to permanent employment. After starting her temporary seasonal assignment, Olloni’s stellar performance led to increased responsibilities and extended assignments. Soon she was recognized as a core associate and was entrusted with training new associates in the client’s data entry system, and eventually was offered a full-time permanent position with the client. Throughout her assignment, the close relationship between Olloni, her recruiter, and the client allowed her to navigate her transition to her permanent role while strengthening the relationship between the staffing agency and the client.

Professional–Managerial Sector All-Star
Myrtle Bell
Staffing One Inc.

Myrtle Bell uses staffing to supplement her pension while coordinating outreach with a major sporting event. Shortly after retiring, Bell began work with Staffing One as a contractor. She is a critical player on the team that coordinates the client company’s shareholder and officer meetings as well as their involvement with the PGA FedEx Cup TOUR Championship Golf Tournament. As a result, Bell is able to enjoy her retirement while working in a new role with flexibility.

About the American Staffing Association
The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net. 

Contact 
Megan Sweeney
American Staffing Association
703-253-1151
msweeney@americanstaffing.net  

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SOURCE American Staffing Association

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

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2 hours ago

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October 25, 2026

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

Published

2 hours ago

on

October 25, 2026

By

Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

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October 24, 2026

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-security–technology-summit-unveils-month-long-program-of-activities-ahead-of-december-event-302918695.html

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