Veva Cousins has distinguished herself as a dynamic business development manager at Cisco, bringing more than two decades of comprehensive government service and expertise to her current role. She leverages her extensive experience in government contracting, procurement, and program management to identify and drive innovative solutions for government agencies. Her approach combines deep technical knowledge with strategic vision, enabling her to bridge complex operational needs with cutting-edge technological advancements.
Academically prepared to lead, Ms. Cousins holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences from Virginia Tech. She further enhanced her credentials with a project management certificate from George Washington University. These academic achievements provided her with critical skills in strategic planning, communication, and project execution. Her commitment to education reflects a broader philosophy of continuous learning and development that has characterized her career.
Ms. Cousins’ journey began at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), where she started in an entry-level position and steadily rose through the ranks to become a senior director. She demonstrated exceptional leadership in program control in the Targeting and Analysis Systems Program Directorate during her tenure. She was pivotal in managing critical programs, including the Biometrics/Traveler Verification System and the Secure Freight Initiative. Her approach to program management was marked by her ability to navigate intricate bureaucratic landscapes with remarkable skill and precision.
Under Ms. Cousins’ leadership, the budget for programs within her directorate grew dramatically, expanding from $5 million to over $200 million annually. Her strategic approach to procurement and program management ensured long-term funding and project sustainability. Her expertise earned her multiple prestigious awards, including the Diana Dean and Jose Melendez-Perez Anti-Terrorism Award and the Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Award. These recognitions underscore her exceptional ability to drive significant organizational impact, manage complex financial operations, and contribute meaningfully to national security initiatives.
Public service runs deep in Ms. Cousins’s family; her parents both retired from CBP, her father became the agency’s first African American director of Laboratory and Scientific Services, her mother worked in the Office of Field Operations, and her brother continues to serve as a CBP officer, reflecting a family tradition of dedicated government service. This familial context provides insight into Ms. Cousins’s understanding of governmental operations.
Ms. Cousins has received numerous accolades throughout her career, highlighting her exceptional contributions. CBP honored her as Financial Manager of the Year and presented her with the Commissioner’s Award for Mission Integration. She was recognized for her work on a select transition management team tasked with strengthening the agency’s intelligence, targeting, and counter-network capabilities. These awards reflect more than individual achievements; they represent her ability to drive meaningful change and integrate complex systems effectively.
Currently, Ms. Cousins collaborates with internal and external stakeholders at Cisco, providing strategic guidance and technical support across federal law enforcement and financial services regions. She partners with agencies to implement innovative technological solutions, drawing on her extensive government experience to bridge technological advancements with operational needs. Her role requires a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and collaborative leadership that she has carefully cultivated throughout her career.
In addition to her extensive experience, Ms. Cousins’ approach is characterized by a determination to navigate complex systems successfully. Colleagues describe her as persistent and integrity-driven, always seeking comprehensive insights to address challenges. She approaches her work meticulously, ensuring that every aspect of a project receives careful consideration. This methodical approach has been a hallmark of success, allowing her to navigate complex professional landscapes with remarkable effectiveness.
Ms. Cousins continues to pursue professional growth, demonstrating an eagerness to expand her knowledge of procurement and acquisition from an industry perspective. Her transition from government service to the technology sector exemplifies her adaptability. She remains focused on identifying opportunities to enhance organizational operations through innovative solutions, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible at technological and governmental intersections.