An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | Oct. 26, 2020

Employee Spotlight - Kevin Rosenblum

By J6 Communications

J6 Employee Spotlight

 

Name: Kevin Rosenblum

Organization:  IT Project Management Team (J6XB)

Years of Service: I served five years on active duty as an infantry officer in the Army. I’ve been a Defense Logistics Agency civilian for almost two years and prior to that, I was a contractor with DLA for two years. 

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

I’m an IT project manager focusing specifically on customer-initiated IT infrastructure projects that require extensive coordination across the J6 Enterprise Service Areas. Things like new audio visual/video teleconference facilities, secure rooms and sensitive compartmented information facilities, large employee relocations, new construction or renovation, as well as site standups and shutdowns. My colleagues and I work directly with the major subordinate commands that we support to help them define and refine the scope of their projects. I support Aviation, and there’s at least one of us at each MSC. Once the customer initiates a project, we’ll then coordinate all the actions of the various J6 ESAs that work together to bring the project to fruition. Throughout the process, we’ll maintain communication with the customer and advise them on any necessary follow-up steps on their part. In the end, it’s all about delivering a viable solution for the MSCs which directly support the warfighter.

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

I’ve got a pretty extensive background in project management, although I don’t have any formal credentials like Project Management Professional. My experience has all been through on the job training. I’ve had a wide range of experience including military leadership, project and program management at DLA headquarters, the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, and I’ve been the director of operations for a custom-made menswear brand. The thing that binds all my work experience together is the old adage that “plans never survive first contact with the enemy.” A plan helps inform your work, but plans can get derailed and processes can break down. At the end of the day, being flexible and adaptable has always enabled me to accomplish my goals even if the path I took to get there doesn’t always look the same as how I’d planned it.

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

I really enjoy seeing a project through from start to finish and helping our customers achieve their goal of better supporting the warfighter. Sometimes, in our line of work, you can feel a bit removed from that direct support to our service members, but it’s great to see a project come together and hear that your work really did have a positive impact on that effort in the end.  

What are some of your passions outside of work?    

I’m an avid endurance athlete, so I spend a lot of my free time cycling, running, swimming or doing some other form of exercise. Mountain biking is definitely my favorite. It’s not too far of a stretch to say that I’ve got more bike jerseys in my closet than dress shirts. I also love being a dad (most of the time) and playing with my six-year-old son is good motivation to keep in shape. I also love a good spy book whether it’s fiction or nonfiction. I think that world is absolutely fascinating and in a different life, I’d love to have been a CIA officer.

What advice do you have for DLA employees?

Explore all the career options that DLA has to offer. I started as a deputy business relationship manager in J6X and that experience set me up for my new role. We’re a big agency with a broad portfolio, so don’t be afraid to stretch yourself and go for things that interest you.

What other self-initiated efforts have you worked on?

For 2021, I’m serving as an operations officer on one of the rapid deployment teams. It’s an opportunity for me to serve in a more direct way, learn more about the agency and continue to grow my skillsets. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to have a direct impact bringing DLA’s capabilities to those that need the support.