USAID Committee

The USAID Committee is a dynamic, sustainable, and innovative advocacy platform for ISOA member companies to learn about new opportunities, pursue thought leadership, and establish a high-level dialogue with USAID and other U.S. Government Agencies focused on international affairs.

Key Focus Areas

The Committee will focus on collaborative efforts between USAID, DFC, MCC, and USTDA, and foster meaningful relationships with the Department of State. Our goal is to demonstrate the value of ISOA members in international development, support U.S. national security, promote conflict stabilization and economic development goals overseas, and enhance dialogue, transparency, and information exchanges between ISOA members, USAID, and other relevant Agencies.

Key Objectives

• Learning and Development: Help ISOA members understand USAID's role in stability, operations, and national security and equip ISOA members with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully navigate the business development lifecycle at USAID and other Agencies focused on foreign affairs. Explore opportunities to work with these Agencies.
• Thought Leadership: Position ISOA as a thought leader, demonstrating the value of ISOA members in international development while driving impactful policy advocacy and shaping the industry's future.
• Relationships Building: Foster connections between ISOA members, USAID and other USG officials involved in foreign affairs, as well as implementing partners, while increasing participation in ISOA's membership and events.
• Advocacy: Advocate on matters important to ISOA members, ensuring their voices are heard on Capitol Hill, within USAID and other USG Agencies focused on foreign affairs.

Benefits for Members

• Direct access to senior USAID officials and other key stakeholders
• Opportunities to shape policy and influence regulatory changes
• Increased visibility and recognition of ISOA members' contributions to international development
• Improved dialogue and transparency between ISOA members and USAID
• Access to programs and initiatives, including opportunities for collaboration and partnerships

Get Involved

Want to contribute to shaping the USAID Committee's priorities and objectives? Here's how:

• Join the Committee: Apply to join the committee and become a part of the decision-making process.
• Attend Committee Discussions and Events: Stay informed on developments in the foreign affairs space and engage with other members.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Reach out to the committee chair or members to explore volunteer opportunities, such as event planning, research support, or project coordination.

Maria (Masha) Martinkov

Chief Strategy Executive, Venatore

Maria Martinkov, also known as Masha, is the Chief Strategy Executive at Venatôre and a member of the ISOA Board of Directors.

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With extensive experience in international development and stabilization, she has led numerous multidisciplinary teams and oversaw the growth of large, global organizations.Maria's background includes managing projects worldwide, focusing on economic growth, global health security, data analytics, private sector engagement, transition, stabilization, and supply chain management. She has overseen companies securing over $1 billion in new awards and led successful transitions impacting thousands of people worldwide.

Maria is recognized as a respected executive and advocate for positive disruption within the government contracting industry. At Venatôre, she leads strategy development and implementation across various disciplines, including Enterprise Information Technology, Cyber Defense, Logistics, Training, and Engineering.

Maria's educational background includes an Executive MBA from George Washington University Elliott School of Business, an MA in International Relations from Kazakh State University of International Relations, a master’s Certificate in Government Contracting from George Washington University Law School, and a Certificate in Leadership from Harvard Business School. Masha shares her expertise as a former board member of the Professional Services Council and the Executive Advisory Board of the Council for International Development Companies.