WHO WE ARE
Our Team
Meet our talented team of experts, located across the country, each bringing deep industry expertise. With diverse backgrounds and specialized skills, our team collaborates seamlessly to deliver high-quality solutions, drive innovation, and create meaningful impact.
Michele Atkinson
Michele Atkinson is our Founder and Managing Partner at Cavalry. She leverages her deep expertise in government RFPs to deliver tailored strategies that help clients navigate complex pursuits with confidence. Passionate about guiding teams to success, Michele thrives on collaborating with our clients and internal teams to develop winning approaches. As a writer, manager, and business developer, she has been instrumental in securing over $45 billion in government contract awards. Michele’s ability to understand the unique needs of each government agency allows her to craft proposal strategies that align perfectly with their requirements. She takes pride in educating and empowering clients, ensuring they understand how to position their firms for success. Working side-by-side with subject matter experts, Michele develops original, compelling content that consistently earns higher technical ratings.
Over the past 15+ years, Michele has worked on over 1,000 proposals for more than 100 clients, honing her expertise in adding value to every submission. Her ability to collaborate with diverse teams, draw insights from post-award debriefs, and leverage her relationships with contracting professionals across multiple agencies makes her an invaluable asset to any proposal effort.
In recognition of her contributions to the industry, Michele received the prestigious “40 under 40” award from the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) in 2019. She is also a featured author in the bestselling book Gamechangers for Government Contractors. A sought-after speaker, Michele frequently presents at industry conferences, webinars, and podcasts. Additionally, she delivers customized training to help clients and proposal professionals elevate their skills and succeed in government contracting.
A native of Washington State, Michele earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of San Diego. Since 2010, she has embraced the life of an Air Force spouse, living in Idaho, Oregon, Nebraska, Illinois, Texas, and Ohio. She founded Cavalry Consulting in 2016 and launched our capture and proposal management application, Cavalry Cloud, in 2017. When she isn’t working, Michele enjoys attending concerts, playing Mario Party with her boys, spoiling her two cats and dog, and doing jigsaw puzzles.
Lori Revely
Lori Revely is Cavalry Consulting’s CEO and Managing Partner. She leads Cavalry with her core values of integrity, quality, and transparency as the foundation of the business. With over 20 years of business management experience, Lori manages operations, business development, expansion activities, and staff. What excites her the most about this career is growing the Cavalry team and educating the A/E/C industry about the firm so she can help businesses win work. Lori has traveled around the country delivering capabilities briefings and developing business leads. She knows and speaks to the government officials, and she hears what they want to see in proposals and marketing materials. This expertise has led to multiple speaking engagements about building successful relationships with government clients, industry-government engagement, and strategy and proposal success. Lori is a LEAN-Certified Trainer and is USACE QC-Certified. She is also OSHA 30-certified and has won multiple construction safety awards.
Lori’s background and experience working directly with Contracting Officers and Source Selection Personnel is a perfect fit for advising high-performing businesses in the government sector. She found that many high performers focus intensely on performing their contracts well but overlook the need for marketing. She understands the outstanding work they are doing and educates them on how to tell their stories effectively through proposal writing and marketing content in a way that resonates with their audience. Lori leads a robust team of proposal professionals who have won over $44B for their clients in Cavalry’s nine-year history. Her home base is Los Angeles, but she travels quite a bit with her Cavalry duties and often visits clients and government offices, connecting people to help build solid relationships. Lori enjoys volunteering with the Society of American Military Engineers and is on the Los Angeles Board as the Small Business Liaison Officer. She serves as the Small Business COI Chair Elect for National and the Vice Chair for Programs and Events with the Small Business COI. When you see her out and about, make sure to connect!
Jessica McNabb
Jessica McNabb is our dynamic Executive Assistant with over 18 years of experience and a strong track record of providing level-headed and professional support in high-volume, high-pressure environments. Jessica skillfully manages administrative duties and client relations at Cavalry Consulting and is a key member of our team.
As an Executive Assistant, she ensures the smooth administration operations of the company with her extensive knowledge of information management and her efficient handling of client inquiries. Jessica directs professional development programs training new personnel in all aspects of administrative and skillset-specific practices and provides support to the staff in fulfilling their ongoing professional development.
Jessica graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ashford University, attending college even while serving in the military. Jessica served her country for 24 years in the United States Air Force. Now retired from active duty, she has a strong appreciation for her years serving in locations around the globe and brings those life lessons to our team. Currently, Jessica lives on the East Coast where she and her husband enjoy spending time with their three children.
Benny Volkmann
Benny Volkmann is a Proposal Consultant with over 20 years of experience in facilities management and service contract support for the U.S. Navy. His roles included source selection board member and contracting officer for construction and service contracts. During his time on source selection boards, he evaluated proposals that were sometimes vague, missing a coherent message, or worse – disqualified for missing key elements. As a Proposal Consultant, he helps firms avoid these costly mistakes and improve the quality of their technical ratings.
During his time in the Navy, Benny was also responsible for the development and prioritization of $3B of construction projects and service contracts supporting Navy bases spread out over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The projects ranged from repairs to buildings, utility systems, airfields and piers to the construction of a new $230M power plant in Djibouti for energy efficiency and resiliency. He also meticulously edited over 1,000 personnel evaluations and awards to ensure Sailors received evaluation marks commensurate with their performance.
Benny received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University and a Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is a registered professional engineer in Iowa, Minnesota, and Colorado.
Benny resides in the Driftless Region of Iowa where he is also a full-time corn and soybean farmer and board member of the Winneshiek County Habitat for Humanity. When he’s not reviewing proposals or out in the fields, you can find him at Nordic Fest, cross country and track meets, basketball and soccer games, or exploring the nearby trails with his wife, two daughters, and dog.
Elisa Howard
Elisa Howard provides proposal writing and editing expertise for Cavalry. She has extensive experience in the entire proposal management process and has provided writing and management services in pursuit of all types of RFPs: TSB, 8(a), SDVOSB, and HUBZone, as well as Full & Open Competition.
After receiving a BA in English from CU-Boulder, Elisa worked as a legal secretary in Leadville, Colorado, and then became interested in the engineering field. She obtained a BS degree in Industrial Engineering at NCSU-Raleigh and first worked for General Motors as an Area Engineer. She then worked as a Manufacturing Engineer for Baxter Manufacturing in Washington.
During this time, Elisa realized how poorly Operations & Maintenance Manuals were written. After rewriting dozens of these manuals, she decided to direct her energy towards Technical Communications, which nicely blended her writing and her analytical skills. Elisa’s major client for over 10 years was Weyerhaeuser Company. She then turned her attention toward proposal services for federal contractors.
Coming from a rambunctious family with six brothers and two sisters, Elisa learned early how to play well with others. She has excellent skills as a Project Manager and is able to corral lots of kittens.
Eric Spillman
Eric Spillman is a Senior Proposal Manager and Proposal Writer with 30 years of federal government, private industry, and consulting experience. He uses that experience here at Cavalry by teaming with our clients to create top-notch proposals.
Eric’s technical background and experience have been focused on the A/E/C market for environment/sustainability, energy, facilities, and infrastructure/asset management. Throughout his career he has undertaken many roles, including leading start-up and growth of new offices, managing large client delivery teams, and performing the functions of business development, capture, and proposal management. As a consultant for the past 11 years, he has helped small businesses in many socioeconomic categories grow their businesses with strategic business development, marketing and branding, and proposal management and writing.
Eric received his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and is a current member of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME). He has used this engineering background to author diverse documents including high level DoD-wide policy and guidance documents, Marine Corps internal environmental assessment procedures and assessor compliance checklists. He has also proposed regulatory language on topics such as PCBs, Otto Fuel, and military munitions and unexploded ordnance.
Eric lives in Olney, MD, with his wife, Jenny, and dog, Tinkie, and various wildlife in the backyard including owls, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, and 70 species of birds that have visited the yard so far. His hobbies include a lifelong passion for birdwatching (which he passed on to his son, Tim) and photography—mostly of birds, of course! Eric became a grandfather in 2024 and is looking forward to teaching Henry all about birdwatching!
Kara Cogger
Kara Cogger is a Proposal Manager who keeps projects on track, nails down details, and works to craft standout proposals. She is particularly adept at leading complex efforts with multiple teaming partners. Kara has worked in marketing and communications for more than 10 years. Her background includes a wide variety of writing, marketing, and sales: an eclectic mashup of work experiences that ultimately led to a career in the proposal world.
Kara’s passion for writing began years ago when long-form radio caught her attention. Although narrative storytelling was the origin of her love of writing, her educational and work experiences fostered a love of technical writing and project management. Kara considers every project manageable; she tackles each challenge with a steady determination and an eye for detail, ensuring every proposal is a winner.
Kara received her Associate of Science degree in Integrated Media and Communications from Mount Hood Community College. She graduated with honors as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She hosted two radio shows on stations KMHD2 and KFFP LP Portland that paid homage to Pacific Northwest artists.
Living in the bustling city of Portland, Oregon, Kara’s home is filled with love, music, and the pitter-patter of little feet and furry paws—thanks to her husband, their child, and their nap-loving dog, Sonny. When she’s not orchestrating proposal wins, you can find her hiking the verdant trails of the Pacific Northwest, lounging with a good book by the lake, or rock-hounding in search of geological treasures. With a record collection that’s the envy of aficionados and a knack for catching live concerts, Kara’s life outside the office is as dynamic and vibrant as her professional endeavors.
Kendra Wagstaff
Kendra Wagstaff is a Senior Proposal Coordinator with over 10 years of experience leading cross-functional teams in a variety of settings. She is known for her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and unyielding curiosity. Kendra prepares proposal deliverables, creates highly effective compliance matrices, and ensures our proposal managers stay on schedule. While juggling multiple proposals at once can sometimes feel like herding wet cats on fire, Kendra thrives in chaos—especially when it comes to the challenge of coordinating a complex SF330!
Kendra’s eagerness to learn is an asset reflected in the quality of Cavalry’s proposals. Because she seeks to truly understand the complex information provided by clients, she can ask better questions and bring out more strategic responses.
Kendra is originally from a small farming town in Idaho, so of course she bleeds blue and orange for Boise State. As an active-duty military spouse for over 17 years, she and her family have embraced a nomadic lifestyle, living in Idaho, Nevada, Georgia, Utah, and Texas. Kendra currently lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, four children, and dog. .
Kendra has always been very involved in volunteering and serving in her local communities wherever she goes. As a member of the Hill Spouses Club, she served on the Scholarship Board, helping to award scholarships to active duty and retired spouses. She also served as a Key Spouse and was honored by the Air Force’s 368th Recruiting Squadron as Spouse of the Year in 2020. Kendra currently serves on the Air Force Recruiting Service’s Family Advisory Council as the Headquarters Community Service Coordinator.
When Kendra isn’t coordinating proposals, you can find her camping, hiking, traveling with her husband, or curled up in a corner with a good book. Whether she’s chauffeuring her children to numerous sports and activities or preparing for the next military adventure, Kendra embraces every aspect of her busy and chaotic life. Kendra is always up for new experiences and adventures but draws the line at heights—you won’t find her anywhere near a rollercoaster!
Stacie Davis
Stacie is a dynamic and skilled Proposal Coordinator and Writer. She has over 20 years of experience spanning the government, non-profit, and private sectors. With a sharp eye for detail and a collaborative approach, she skillfully coordinates proposal deliverables, ensuring tasks are clearly defined, strategically assigned, and completed on schedule. As a Proposal Writer, she leverages her research abilities to craft compelling proposal narratives.
Stacie has a strong background in client relations, sales and marketing, project management, and cross-functional team leadership. Known for her organizational mastery, she ensures every detail of the proposal process is meticulously managed from start to finish.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Stacie studied Design at the Art Institute of Seattle. Beyond her career, she is deeply committed to community service. For over a decade, Stacie led a women’s support group, fostering connection, skill-building, and resilience among participants navigating life transitions and challenges. In 2021, she earned her certification as a Trauma and Resiliency Coach through the International Trauma Institute. Today, she continues to make a meaningful impact by leading trauma support groups in her community, providing guidance, understanding, and hope to those seeking healing.
Stacie currently resides in the Grand Canyon state of Arizona with her husband, three children, Chocolate Lab, and Maine Coon cat. When she’s not working, she enjoys listening to audio books, painting, attending a good musical, and traveling with her family.
Haley Barnes
Haley Barnes is Cavalry Cloud’s Senior Manager and Capture Manager. Responding to a government RFP, RFQ, or sources sought can be extremely time and labor intensive. Haley’s strong search capabilities deliver the right opportunities directly to the client. She helps clients identify and qualify federal, state, and local business opportunities and leads. Using a variety of RFP, RFQ, and Sources Sought aggregators (including SAM.gov), Haley customizes searches and reports for clients based on their unique project parameters. This includes Small Business set-aside eligibility, NAICS codes, anticipated contract value, geographic location, specific agencies, core scope of work, and many more.
Data is captured and tracked in Cavalry’s proprietary proposal and opportunity management system, Cavalry Cloud. From there, Haley works with the client and their “Go/No-Go” strategy to refine and qualify potential opportunities. Her capture management services increase our clients’ likelihood of identifying contracts that are in their “sweet spot.” Then—if desired—our proposal services can provide the support that leads to a successful proposal.
Haley’s level-headedness, organization, and strong writing skills keep her busy with our proposal team as well. She provides graphics preparation, writing, copyediting/proofing, and management of schedules and deliverables.
Haley received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Alabama, where she was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She now lives in Mobile, Alabama with her family. When she’s not supporting our proposal team, you can find her at the beach, attending concerts, or spending time with her family.
Carl Sibley
Carl Sibley is a Proposal Writer who has been writing professionally in various industries for over six years. He uses his keen eye for grammar and word choice to ensure that Cavalry’s proposals are well-written, easy to understand, and informative. Whether he’s interviewing a subject matter expert or polishing material from a client’s content library, rest assured: Carl will craft clean prose that hits on all the proposal’s essential elements.
Carl’s background as a copywriter and narrative writer in the tech and games industries has honed his ability to write persuasively and enhanced his attention to detail. He puts both these complementary skills to use while writing for Cavalry. Carl’s always looking for the perfect word to use in any given context. He enjoys the breadth and depth of knowledge that he picks up by writing proposals for the many industries that provide services for the government.
Carl received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Harvard University. Originally from the Bay Area, California, he now lives in Seattle with a growing array of plants. In his free time, you can find him playing kickball and running tabletop games for his friends.
Sina Shapiro
Sina Shapiro is Cavalry’s Client Relations Manager. She makes sure everyone’s accounts are always in order and sends weekly billing reports to our clients. Sina has a strong sales and account manager background ranging from Small Businesses to Fortune 50 companies. She brings a wealth of experience in delivering strategic solutions and driving growth for some of the world’s largest organizations. Her expertise lies in developing and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, understanding their business objectives, and implementing customized strategies to meet and exceed their needs. Sina thrives in fast-paced and dynamic environments, where she leverages communication skills, analytical mindset, and strategic thinking to drive results and ensure client satisfaction.
In her free time, you can often find Sina working on home improvement projects or spending quality time with loved ones. She believes that a strong family foundation is the key to success in both personal and professional endeavors.
Hoover Li
Hoover Li is a freelance graphic designer who creates polished graphics and layouts for Cavalry’s clients. He has over 20 years of experience designing advertisements, annual reports, brochures, conference and marketing materials, logos, newsletters, and magazine layout. Hoover is organized, resourceful and highly adaptable to meeting deadlines.
A 1992 graduate of the University of Oregon, Visual Design B.F.A. program with emphasis in printmaking, Hoover has used his broad range of skills to provide design for numerous construction firms and associations, book publishers, planners (local, national, and international conferences), gardening publications, and marketing firms.
After graduating high school on the big island of Hawaii, Hoover attended University of Hawaii at Manoa on Oahu from 1986 to1990, before transferring to the University of Oregon to complete his degree. Tennis, adventure games, and enjoying the outdoors are what keep his mind disciplined and focused.
Kate Brough
Kate Brough is Cavalry’s Web Developer. She provides web hosting and online support to the Cavalry Consulting team and builds beautiful websites for Cavalry’s clients. With over a decade and a half of web development experience, Kate brings your marketing to the world wide web. Her background in graphic design and branding ensures that your presentation is cohesive from concept, to print, to online presence. Whether you need a full overhaul of your online strategy, reorganization of your material, migration from platform to platform, or troubleshooting on a project that has you confounded, Kate is your girl.
Kate’s journey in marketing began at Merrimack College with a business administration degree with a concentration in marketing and double majors in digital media and social/organizational psychology in 2003. Her formal education continued with a Master’s degree in Business Administration from The Citadel Graduate College, concentrating on training and human factors in 2007. For the past 15 years, she has worked as a freelance web development and branding specialist supporting numerous businesses in their pursuit of a unified branding strategy and online presence, with specific emphasis on WordPress development, HTML, CSS, and custom graphic design.
As a military wife for 24 years, Kate has experience living across the United States and working remotely. Currently, her husband serves in the Reserves and flies for the Air Lines, which keeps them on the East Coast as they raise their two children, a dog, and a cat.
Louise
Louise is an Administrative Assistant who handles Cavalry’s paperwork: filing, mail, taxes, banking, and more. Louise brings an extensive background in a variety of office administration duties. She works well in high-pressure settings with minimal supervision in both leadership and team roles and is especially effective at fielding phone calls and coordinating with clients.
Louise has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a solid background working in different human resources firms. With excellent organizational skills, she can multitask while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail. She is also an expert in all MS Office applications.
