As Executive Director, Small Business Programs, Ms. Kurze is responsible for managing, developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies and procedures to run a progressive DLA-wide program that facilitates the participation of various Small Businesses (Small Disadvantaged Business, Historically Underutilized Business Zone Small Business, Women-owned Small Business, and Service-disabled Veteran-owned Small Business), that are subject to special consideration and preferential treatment in the contracting mission of the Agency. She exercises leadership, program management and evaluation responsibility for socioeconomic programs as well as develop major programs and goals to achieve effective small business program (SBP) accomplishments.
Ms. Kurze previously served as the Director of Supplier Operations at DLA in the Supplier Operations Commodities Directorate, a role she assumed at DLA Aviation in August 2019 to February 2024. Supplier Operations Commodities sustains operational and industrial support by executing technical solutions and contracts providing global airpower to DLA Aviation customers for over 1,800 weapon systems. Ms. Kurze had direct oversight of ~650 military and civilian personnel with multi-functional areas to include, pre- and post-award, technical subject matter experts, strategic contracting, and program management responsibility for acquisition support as a part of DLA Aviation responsibility for over 1.7M national stock numbers resulting in a ~$3B annual obligation with monthly administration of ~20k contracts. She served as Chief of the Contracting Office (CCO) and led requirement development, contract awards and administration which required expert knowledge in federal acquisition law and policy. Ms. Kurze interacted daily with industry executives and key military customers and served as an advisor to DLA Aviation Command on contracting issues, as well as acquisition timelines, strategies, risks, and supplier concerns.
Since joining DLA Aviation in 2010, Ms. Kurze has served in multiple leadership roles improving DLA parts support. While at Aviation, she served as the Deputy Director of the Strategic Acquisition and Programs Directorate. She oversaw the development of customer support strategies implemented through corporate contracts, joint contracts, prime vendor arrangements, strategic material sourcing and strategic supplier alliances. Prior to joining DLA Aviation, she oversaw, developed, and executed public private partnership contracts, along with innovative design build contracts for the Virginia Department of Transportation, and served as a member of the Strategic Highway Research Program for national design-build procurement research.
Ms. Kurze holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, and a Master of Business Administration from Bellevue University.