SCAN’s CLEARY AWARD
About the Award
Dave Cleary founded SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) of Northern Virginia in 1988 and has been an integral part of its continued value and positive impact on children and families ever since. Dave’s vision, leadership and focus have been acknowledged in numerous and deserving ways over the years. Yet, his continuing contributions year after year deserve renewed recognition. The Cleary Award enables SCAN of Northern Virginia and the Northern Virginia community to honor Dave’s leadership and vision while recognizing others who share this commitment to children and families in this region.
The Cleary Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose dedication and commitment to children and families stands out in ways that make a positive difference in the lives of children. SCAN of Northern Virginia is fortunate to engage in meaningful partnerships with volunteers and organizations to carry out SCAN's mission. The Cleary Award recognizes one individual or one organization whose exemplary actions have positively impacted the safety and well-being of children in Northern Virginia.
The 2009 Honoree: Argon ST
Argon ST employs more than 1,000 employees, most of whom work at the headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia. President and CEO Terry L. Collins, Ph.D. started Argon Engineering Associates with a partner in 1997. After merging with SenSyTech, Inc. in 2004, the company became Argon ST.
Terry himself had always been involved in the community and knew the importance of giving back. His leadership in philanthropy is reflected in the culture of the company. In addition to fulfilling its mission to help customers in the homeland security, military, and intelligence community effectively synthesize, analyze, and deliver intelligence, Argon ST is also known as a company that cares. The company cares about its customers, about its work, about its people, about its community, and about its country.
As a result, from its early days as Argon Engineering Associates, the company committed to contributing 1 percent of pre-tax profits to local charities. Rather than focusing charitable giving on marketing and corporate needs, the Argon leadership turned these decisions over to their employees. A Charity Committee staffed by volunteer employees reviews employee suggestions and chooses local charities to support. The Committee has been making annual contributions to SCAN of Northern Virginia’s child abuse prevention programs for the last seven years and has increased the level of their support to be one of the top corporate contributors to SCAN’s mission in recent years. Many Argon ST employees also contribute to SCAN’s work through their own payroll deductions.
In appreciation of the compassion, partnership, and exemplary financial support Argon ST and its employees have contributed to SCAN of Northern Virginia’s mission, we are pleased to present Argon ST with the 2009 Cleary Award.