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News | Aug. 3, 2015

Distribution HQ’s Wright wins Global Distribution Excellence: Administrative Support Performance of the Year Award

By Emily Tsambiras DLA Distribution Public Affairs

Melissa Wright, command support specialist at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution headquarters in New Cumberland, Pa., has been awarded the Global Distribution Excellence: Administrative Support Performance of the Year award for her administrative guidance and assistance to DLA Distribution headquarters staff, commanders, deputies and administrative personnel throughout DLA Distribution’s network of 24 distribution centers and detachments.  

Ensuring a consistent flow of information regarding a variety of topics to include employee pay and benefits, Wright disseminates information out to other administrative professionals throughout the network, who, under her guidance, filter to their workforces.   “With expert knowledge in a variety of administrative tasks and protocol, Ms. Wright serves as a mentor to employees new to the organization regardless of geographic location,” said Wright’s supervisor, Stacy Umstead.

Wright conducted several studies regarding the clerical workflow process within the command office and recommended solutions eliminating unnecessary tasks and multiple touches.  Her recommendations were adopted and resulted in a more streamlined process; reducing customer wait time and ensuring administrative timelines were met or exceeded.

In accordance with the DLA Correspondence Manual, Wright processed over 900 correspondence packages for DLA Distribution command signature in 2014.  “With her exceptional understanding of the DLA Distribution mission and keen sense of administrative prioritization, Ms. Wright routinely ensured 24-hour response time; allowing DLA Distribution personnel to meet established suspense timelines.”

Additionally, Wright processed over 5,000 miscellaneous approval forms for programs including security, travel, training, and performance evaluation.

With an understanding of audit readiness and proper file management, Wright established a tracking and filing system for incoming and outgoing correspondence within the command group that allowed for ease in tracking and retrieving correspondence creating total command accountability. 

“Ms. Wright is an expert manager of calendars and events and a proactive administrative professional, ensuring that the calendars of the DLA Distribution senior leadership are in sync with the calendars of higher echelon at DLA headquarters,” said Umstead.  “Managing the schedules of both the chief integration officer and the DLA Distribution deputy commander, Ms. Wright ensures positive office momentum and clarity of timelines allowing senior leaders to manage the Distribution mission.”