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WHO WE ARE
We are Forward Solutions, your federal and commercial contracting partner for thoughtful, measured leadership. By infusing high-level research and development, cradle to grave contract management, premier operations, and top-level human capital- we help organizations analyze their challenges to make wise decisions that enable them to meet their goals.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We share a conviction for improving the quality of life for all people. We fundamentally believe that our most pressing social and public health challenges can be addressed through thoughtful and measured leadership. We are in a digital age and have a responsibility to leverage secured technology to meet the mission of our clients, offer various flexible contract vehicles and types to meet diverse needs, and total quality management throughout the life-cycle of the contract. Together, we will create solutions that lead us all forward.
WHY CHOOSE US
We offer a range of contracting services utilizing an expert team of analysts, contract managers, and subject matter experts. You can rest easy knowing that our team can manage your project and meet deadlines before time.
MEET THE TEAM
Our Thoughtful and Measured Leaders
Kevin Dedner, MPH
Founder & Senior Consultant
Combining his passion for community development and public policy, Kevin founded Forward Solutions by coupling his policy and leadership experience with the goals of clients to develop astute and measured plans. He teaches each client that measurable outcomes establish trust and document a track record for success.
Kevin has a unique background that combines grassroots organizing, public health policy development, administration, and strategic thinking. Prior to establishing Forward Solutions, Dedner served as the Team Lead for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity, as the State AIDS Director for the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), the Director of State Government Relations and Public Policy for the Mid-South Division of the American Cancer Society.
While at ADH, he led efforts to overhaul Arkansas’ HIV/AIDS programs. During his tenure at the American Cancer Society, he was responsible for managing the public policy agenda for the six-state division. Some of his successes include helping to design and pass laws in Arkansas and Louisiana that prohibit smoking in public places and one of the most comprehensive Colorectal Cancer Control laws in the country.
Since launching Forward Solutions, Kevin has provided thought leadership and leveraged his experience in providing technical guidance to a diverse client portfolio including the National League of Cities, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Save the Children. Most recently, Kevin and the Forward Solutions team guided the RWJF Health Disparities Team through a comprehensive strategic planning process to set the course for their ongoing efforts to eliminate health disparities.
Kevin holds a MPH from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, and continues to manage the Forward Solutions client portfolio and operations.
OUR LEADERS
Our Thoughtful and Measured Leaders
Kevin Dedner, MPH
Founder & Senior Advisor to Chief Executive Officer
Combining his passion for community development and public policy, Kevin founded Forward Solutions by coupling his policy and leadership experience with the goals of clients to develop astute and measured plans. He teaches each client that measurable outcomes establish trust and document a track record for success.
Kevin has a unique background that combines grassroots organizing, public health policy development, administration, and strategic thinking. Prior to establishing Forward Solutions, Dedner served as the Team Lead for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity, as the State AIDS Director for the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), the Director of State Government Relations and Public Policy for the Mid-South Division of the American Cancer Society.
While at ADH, he led efforts to overhaul Arkansas’ HIV/AIDS programs. During his tenure at the American Cancer Society, he was responsible for managing the public policy agenda for the six-state division. Some of his successes include helping to design and pass laws in Arkansas and Louisiana that prohibit smoking in public places and one of the most comprehensive Colorectal Cancer Control laws in the country.
Since launching Forward Solutions, Kevin has provided thought leadership and leveraged his experience in providing technical guidance to a diverse client portfolio including thought leaders in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the National League of Cities, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Save the Children. Most recently, Kevin and the Forward Solutions team guided the RWJF Health Disparities Team through a comprehensive strategic planning process to set the course for their ongoing efforts to eliminate health disparities.
Kevin holds a MPH from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, and continues to engage the Forward Solutions leadership team, client portfolio and operations.
Melvin Maxwell
Chief Executive Officer
After 40 years of experience in cradle-to-grave contract management, Melvin Maxwell is as passionate as ever. He served in the United
States Air Force as a Contracting Officer and Mobility Contracting Officer, Service Contracting Division Chief, Contract Negotiator, and Administrator. He was CEO of two National Government contracting firms, utilizing that experience and applied it to business development consulting over 50 firms to exponential growth. He was an instructor in Contracts Law, Administration, Cost and Price Negotiation and COR/QAE training. His expertise is in contracting in various spaces to include: IT, AI, and new technology, warfare and drones, construction and A/E, research and development, human capital and staffing. He is an expert in negotiations, and the FAR. He is a Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) and a CACM with degrees in Counseling and Leadership, Engineering, Contracts and Social Science.
T Eugene Warr
Director of Business Development and Capture Management
T. Eugene Warr is a proven leader with 40 plus years of business development, capture, financial, church and international business management. He is an author, thought leader, negotiator, global logistics and operations problem solver and visionary that is sought after by heads of state internationally, corporate leaders, officials across government and DoD contracting space. His ability to work in multiple industries seamlessly and leverage human capital and deep connections with high level assets globally is without peer. He holds degrees in Business, Leadership, and Theology.