Ensuring CIA families are provided for.
The CIA Officers Memorial Foundation's unique mission has supported the CIA community for 23 years. Its role has been validated repeatedly by CIA leadership as well as legislatively by the Warner Amendment, which affirmed the Foundation's preeminent responsibility to the families of deceased CIA personnel. The Foundation was established in December 2001 to honor Johnny Micheal Spann, the first CIA officer killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Today, we serve all CIA officers who gave their last full measure of devotion to their country.
Who We Are
The CIA Officers Memorial Foundation was created in December 2001 to honor Johnny Micheal Spann, a CIA officer killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan responding to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and all those CIA officers who gave their last full measure in service to the Nation since the founding of the Central Intelligence Agency.
CIA Officers Memorial Foundation Staff
John G. Edwards | President
Until his retirement on 30 September 2021, John Edwards served as CIA’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer (D/COO) responsible for strategic management of the Agency’s “Director’s area” corporate offices, and in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), managing all aspects of CIA’s day-to-day operations, corporate governance, and continuous improvements in how the Agency leverages its personnel, multibillion dollar budget, and other resources to advance national security priorities. This included playing a central role in overseeing and integrating the work of CIA’s Directorates and Mission Centers, including directly supervising the Directorates of Digital Innovation, Science and Technology, and Support. He brings a wide range of enterprise-level government/industry leadership experience and expertise, including his previous role as the Agency’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the Director of CIA’s Information Technology Enterprise. Known for his leadership, corporate vision, and bias for action, John has held a variety of other senior leadership positions at CIA, where he played an integral role in implementing the DCI’s strategic and operational priorities. In 2003, John left the Agency for the private sector. In 2016, after 12 years of P&L experience with two successful start-up companies, John returned to CIA to serve as CIO. His awards include three Director’s Medals, one Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, one Intelligence Medal of Merit, and one Intelligence Commendation Medal.
Jeannine Vazquez | Chief Financial Officer
Jeannine is the Foundation’s CFO. She is a CPA and holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Accounting from the University of Virginia. With over 20 years in the accounting profession, Jeannine has a diverse background, including work at PwC, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Sprint Nextel. She has worked extensively in financial reporting roles, to include SEC reporting, and has corporate tax experience as well. Jeannine manages all aspects of the Foundation’s accounting and finance activities and becomes more committed to the Foundation’s mission each time she has the chance to meet a family or student who the Foundation has helped – to hear their stories and what they’ve accomplished after their devastating losses is nothing short of inspirational.
Mike Burns | Career Services Program Director
Mike retired from the CIA in October 2022 after nearly 35 years of service in a variety of critical roles. In his final CIA assignment, Mike was the Associate Director of CIA for Talent (ADT) and was responsible for overseeing the Agency’s recruiting, tradecraft training, professional development, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. Mike is a proud Virginia Tech Hokie who also did graduate work at the University of Virginia and American University, and has completed executive leadership programs at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
Steve Peyton | Director of Scholarship Programs
Steve served over 37 years in the CIA as a Logistics and Support Officer operating in multiple regions around the world including austere environments in support of Agency officers and families serving their country. Steve has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to lead several change efforts involving movement of household effects and family, compensation services, and has served as a recruiter for students seeking Agency employment. Having seen the work of the Foundation throughout his career, he has a great appreciation and respect for the Foundation’s efforts and support to families, and is honored to join the team. Away from work, Steve enjoys spending time at home with his wife of 27 years, Angie and traveling across the country when time permits. Steve and Angie have a daughter who is a travel nurse, and a son who is married and a Human Resources Officer.
Ann Sharpe | Family Advocate
Ann retired from the CIA in December 2021 after 20 years of service in a variety of support roles. One of the highlights of her career was serving as a Casualty Assistance Officer and interacting with many families. During her tenure as CAO, she had the privilege of assisting with the roll-out of the Enhanced Death Benefits which allowed 30+ families to receive substantial federal benefits. Ann joined the Foundation in September 2022 and is honored to have the opportunity to continue supporting the families of Agency officers. Apart from work, Ann’s greatest joy comes from her family including four grandchildren and three “grand dogs.”
Sally Cook | Family Advocate
Sally Cook retired from the CIA in December 2020 after 20 years of service and having spent half her career in four different countries. Her two adult children were raised overseas and have a passion for exploring different cultures and countries. Sally's last assignment was as Chief of the Agency's Work Life Center where she provided program management oversight for Agency-wide benefit programs, such as Medical Leave Bank, Student Loan Repayment Assistance, Child Care Subsidy, Spouse Orientation, Disabled Veteran Leave, and Paid Parental Leave. Sally joined the Foundation in November 2022 and is thrilled to have this opportunity to continue supporting the community. Aside from work, Sally is passionate about food distribution, and she volunteers with several organizations to support this cause. Sally is married to Wilson Cook, also an Agency retiree, and they enjoy hiking, biking and travel to the Hawaiian islands.
Amanda Rodriguez | Communications & Outreach Director
Amanda served in the CIA since 2004 and spent most of her career in the CounterTerrorism Center. She served in Iraq from 2006-2007 where she saw firsthand the untold sacrifices Agency officers make on a daily basis. After attending a memorial service for a fallen hero at CIA headquarters and learning about the important work of the Foundation, she joined the team in 2017. As a mother of three herself, she can think of no greater mission than providing support to the families of her CIA colleagues.
Calista Anderson | Events Coordinator
Calista graduated from the University of Richmond in 2020 and went on to achieve her Masters Degree from the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, England. She is thrilled to join the Foundation and aid in its efforts to support the families of fallen officers. Having received a scholarship from the Foundation herself, she knows intimately the life-changing support the Foundation offers its students and is excited to contribute to the important mission. In her free time, Calista enjoys reading, golfing, and spending time with family and friends.
Board of Directors
