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News | Dec. 3, 2020

Employee Spotlight - Heven Lang

By J6 Communications

Name: Heven Lang

Organization: Desktop Support Service Desk (NCR/J64A)

Years of Service: I served eight years on active duty as a Supply System Analyst/Supply Chain Manager in the Air Force and completed my remaining years until retirement with the Joint Improvised Threat Defeat Agency reserve unit. I have been with DLA for almost three years; prior to that I worked with the Department of the Army.

What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically?

I am a customer support representative, focusing on stakeholder integration services and customer service experience. I serve as a project manager and COTR for the tier two desktop support group within the National Capital Region. The primary goal is to integrate contractor personnel and resources to accomplish project tasks. I provide management, oversight, and integration by defining the course of action, evaluating progress, and advising management on potential issues. I work with various DLA support groups and outside agencies to support new requirements and resolved current IT issues. I have supported projects such as Modern Desktop 2.0, Enterprise Mobility Migration, ASOC move, and COOP standup. Though these projects seem small in comparison to high profile projects, the effect they have on the local users to continue supporting the warfighter is the outcome we strive for.

What is your background, including experience and credentials? How does your background help you be successful in your current role?

My customer service experience begin with my first job in high school and continued to blossom throughout my military career. The military provided me with extensive experience in supply chain management. Leaving the military, I knew I had focused my skills/abilities and realized that I had a knack for managing projects within the IT field. My strong belief in education and learning from others is why I completed a BS in Information Technology and MA in Executive Leadership and Management. My background in supply, customer experience, and education helps me greatly in my current position because it allows me to be an effective communicator and listener, which are key skills to possess in this field.

What aspect(s) of your current job gives you the most personal satisfaction? Why?

I really enjoy the interaction with people and seeing the successful completion of a project. Seeing a project through completion can sometime be tedious and stressful. The satisfaction comes from the smiles and happiness that the team feels when it is completed successfully. My motto - “What can I do to make things better?” - is how I approach all situations. I am a people-oriented type of person and I love to see people happy. I have found that it works for me and allows me to meet new people and create friendships along the way.

What are some of your passions outside of work?

I love going on walking trails, eating, and traveling around the world (COVID-19 has stopped that). The best trip so far was Colombia; it is so beautiful and truly underestimated. I also love spending time with my two boys and watching them play basketball and soccer.

What advice do you have for DLA employees?

Experience DLA in its entirety and utilize the benefits provided to you. There are so many opportunities to advance in your career, whether it is educational or promotional. Coming from another DOD agency, I can say this is the best agency that supports work-life balance and truly cares about its employees.

What other self-initiated efforts have you worked on?

I am working on becoming a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). This will help me incorporate new skills and strategies for managing projects.