Meet the Team: Summer 2019
Meet the newest members of the U.S. Digital Service family.
--
Sparkle Williams Capps (she/her), Strategic Operations/Department of Homeland Security,
Previously at BetterUp, from San Francisco, CA
In both my career and personal life, I’ve always been driven by looking for places where the work I do will have a tangible impact and make a difference in the lives of others. I have had the privilege to work in research in engineering and neurology at VA, impacting the lives of our Veterans. Prior to USDS I also led user-focused product work reaching millions at Facebook, and developed infrastructure programs at BetterUp.
Despite those amazing experiences, I leaped at the opportunity to join the U.S. Digital Service at DHS. It is some of the most challenging work I’ve ever done, and I am keenly aware the work we are doing has a significant impact on real people. It’s important we get it right!
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Not following through with commitments.
What is your current state of mind?
Thanks to a quick vacation, I’m both relaxed and focused!
What is your greatest extravagance?
My (almost) daily trips to Target. Sometimes you just don’t know what you need until you get there!
Annie Sullivan (she/her), Engineering/HQ, previously at Google, from Ann Arbor, MI
Before USDS, I worked on performance metrics, user experience metrics, and performance testing for Chrome. At Google, I’ve also contributed to web search, Google Docs, and Google Toolbar. I love making software faster and more stable.
What is your most treasured possession?
My Glowforge. I absolutely love making cool stuff with it, and I’m always experimenting with new ideas.
What is your greatest regret?
I always regret when I hadn’t tried my hardest at something I’ve worked on and it fails. I’ve been pushing really hard over the last few years to focus on fewer things, and give each a lot more effort.
What do you most value in your friends?
I love people that think deeply about things, that dig into tough problems. I’m always interested to hear about things people study, things they’re passionate about.
Ange Davis (she/her), Talent Operations/HQ, previously recruiting at EAB/The Advisory Board Company, from Vienna, VA
I’m thrilled to join USDS after previously recruiting mission-minded people to improve education and health care organizations. I’m a process improvement fiend, so I’m eager to keep refining the recruiting processes for our candidates!
What is your motto?
It takes guts to be gentle and kind.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A beach, a stack of books, and lots of time.
Who are your favorite writers?
Robin McKinley, Terry Pratchett, Linda Holmes, P.G. Wodehouse, Megan Whalen Turner, Garth Nix, Holly Black, Daniel Pinkwater, and Naomi Novik… to start. For fun, I try to read over 50 books a year, so I’m always looking for recommendations!
Ron Heft (he/him), Engineering/HQ, previously at The Social Station, from Allentown, PA
I’m joining USDS after spending the first part of my career in the private sector, working at a range of companies from Disney to small startups. My specialty is building software solutions that scale to large user bases. I’m looking forward to using those skills to keep critical government services available. My role has me between multiple agencies, and I’m excited to work alongside the talented teams we have across the government!
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“So the tricky part is…” My girlfriend calls me out on that one all the time.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I build and setup smart home devices to take the work out of turning on a light switch or adjusting a fan’s speed. I’m sure someday I’ll have robots crawling all over my walls and ceilings keeping the dust mites at bay.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
When the world is completely calm and at rest. Those moments when you’re out in nature and the only thing on your mind is being present with the people around you.
The best of technology.
The best of government.
And we want you.
We’re looking for the most tenacious designers, software engineers, product managers, and more, who are committed to untangling, rewiring and redesigning critical government services. You’ll join a team of the most talented technologists from across the private sector and government.
If you have questions regarding employment with the U.S. Digital Service, please contact us at usds@omb.eop.gov or visit our Hiring FAQ.
