For the Defense Logistics Agency’s work promoting the 2016 Combined Federal Campaign, the agency earned the National Capital Region’s “Best Overall Communications Program” award for medium-sized agencies at the federal-wide level. Medium-sized agencies are those whose goal for contributions is $100,000-$499,000.
In a March 3 ceremony at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, DLA was honored among agencies who employed a variety of creative techniques to inform and motivate their employees. In addition to using articles, advertisements, posters and “I Care About …” cards for employees to complete, the team took part in charity fairs, fundraisers and hosted an information table to answer questions about the campaign. They also compiled a video based on a social media phenomenon, the “mannequin challenge,” which featured DLA employees holding signs, banners and other visual representations of DLA’s commitment to CFC.
DLA was represented at the ceremony by Billie Keeler, deputy director of DLA Human Resources; Kathy Rhem, DLA Human Resources communications manager and 2016 CFC campaign manager; and Kaylynn Martin, assistant 2016 CFC campaign manager.
Rhem said the award recognized the entire team's efforts.
“It felt great to be recognized for our work, and it was especially an honor to attend the ceremony at the new National Museum of African American History and Culture,” she said. “We were honored to be recognized for Best Overall Communications Program because this award took into account all the efforts we undertook to reach our different audiences — senior leaders, CFC volunteers, and most importantly, all the potential donors among DLA employees.”
More than 100 CFC volunteers in DLA Headquarters and DLA Energy helped the agency exceed its $315,000 goal to reach a total of $326,000 in contributions.
“There's a lot of need in the world, and I'm grateful we were able to help raise these funds for some deserving causes,” Rhem said.