We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of our beloved colleague and friend Jeni Purcell, our Vice President for Contracts, Operations, and Security. This tragic loss has deeply affected all of us. Jeni was a cherished part of our team, and many of us worked closely with her during her time at SMA.
Jeni joined SMA (then SM&A) in 2001 as a recruiting and human resources coordinator, and rapidly became an essential member of the SMA team. She transitioned to operations in 2017, and became our Facility Security Officer (FSO). In all her roles, Jeni touched so many parts of our organization with her dedication, warmth, and professionalism. She was not just a colleague but a part of our family. She made our workplace a better place for all of us.
Not only did many of us have the privilege to work with her, but many of our clients also got to know and appreciate her over the years. Her presence left an indelible mark on both our internal team and the external relationships she helped foster.
We miss her dearly.