Area Manager Raymond Johnson
Can you tell us about yourself?
I’m a military veteran. I served 10 years of active military in the Air Force, and 16 years in the Air Force Reserves. After the Air Force I worked a few years as a government contractor. That experience was fast paced and challenging but gave me more interest in becoming a government employee. Once embedded in the government, my first assignment was working for DLA Distribution at Norfolk, Virginia. The last few years have been a learning experience with more ups then downs, and I look forward to continuing to being part of the customer experience to the warfighter.
Describe your job in a sentence or two: Currently I’m proud to say I’m the Area Manager for DLA Disposition Services at Richmond. I’m responsible for overseeing the daily disposal, and reutilization services offered to DoD, and outside agencies.
What is your area of responsibility? Area Manager for DLA Disposition Services Richmond, NE.
How long have you worked for the federal government including military service? 18 years.
How long have you worked for DLA Disposition Services: Six Months.
What is your favorite thing about your line of work: I enjoy the satisfaction of reutilization items to other agencies. Second round usage of materials tends to make me very excited! Especially when they pass thru our site.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? I’ve been given a lot of advice throughout my career, but I would say the best piece of advice was “Always Remember your best tool are your people.”
What is your favorite memory with DLA Disposition Services: Being a newbie in Disposition but working closely with Distribution on the D2 Operation in Richmond years ago. I was able to see the beginning of Richmond Disposition becoming a site, and now I get to see how far it has come and get to be part of guiding on where it’s going.
What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess: I think every leader needs to not forget how they got to where they are. Never forget that nothing can be accomplished without the support of your people and peers.
How would you describe your leadership style and why has it worked so well for you: I’m hands on, and very attentive to the needs of my employees. No matter my blessings I continue to walk in faith and continue to treat people the way I want to be treated.
What keeps you motivated: The outcome of a plan keeps me motivated. I stay positive on successes and not failures. I believe every disappointment is a learning lesson to improve.
What do you see as your biggest challenge right now. My challenge is building my team to not only be successful, but to understand to achieve a goal you must be flexible and understand with future comes change.
Why is networking to build professional relationships so important in achieving success. I think an ally is only the smart to always have a source. It builds a relationship of positive communication.
What was your first job: First job was working in a restaurant called Bonanza washing dishes, and bussing tables, but my first job towards a career was joining the greatest service in the world “Air Force.”
What is your best memory of working here: Six months in so far, and learning? I’ll say ask me the same question next year this time.
What did you want to be when you grew up: I wanted to be a car salesman. I thought this would give me the opportunity to drive a lot of exotic cars.
What is your favorite quote: Teamwork makes the dream work.
What are your hobbies. I enjoy riding my motorcycle, working in the yard, and grilling, no matter the temperature!