BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Pat Bagi
DLA Customer Account Manager
Battle Creek, Michigan
Describe your job in a sentence or two. I am the DLA Human Resources Customer Account Manager, my customer is DLA Disposition Services. I am the liaison between DLA Disposition Services and HR. I advise and assist leadership, supervisors and managers of DLA Disposition Services with human resources matters.
How long have you worked for the federal government including military service? I have been a federal civilian employee for almost 17 years. This includes 12 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs where I started as a GS-06.
How long have you worked for DLA? I have worked for DLA for 5 years.
What are some of your favorite memories with DLA? I have enjoyed training supervisors at several DSD Leadership Summits, which included getting a tour of the DLA Disposition Services site in Jacksonville, Florida. I received a nice tour of the facility and had the chance to see DLA Disposition Services at work. It helped me understand my customer better.
What is your favorite thing about your line of work? I enjoy the variety of the work and the people I work with.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? When you earn the trust of those around you, things get accomplished more efficiently and effectively. Time is not wasted verifying information.
What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess? Lead with integrity.
Can you share a story when you realized your efforts were making a difference? Being able to train and mentor people/employees. To see them use tools, ideas and practices that you helped them develop. To see them succeed and know you provided assistance.
What keeps you motivated? Being able to help my customer solve issues and being part of a solution.
What do you look for when evaluating top talent? Honesty, integrity, proactive (thinking about the future), team player and a positive, can-do attitude.
What mistakes have you seen individuals make that prevent them from being successful? Only focusing on the now and not thinking about tomorrow.
What was your first job? I began working at the age of 14 at my grandfather’s bakery, “Louie’s Bakery,” in Marshall, Michigan. I worked during the summer and on Saturdays during the school year. I began my day at 5:30 a.m. and my duties included making donut holes, frying donuts, washing dishes and other assorted tasks. Since I was too young to drive, I rode my bike to work in the summer.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Upon graduation from high school, I wanted to be an accountant. After taking accounting classes in college, I quickly determined that would not be my career path.
What are your hobbies? I enjoy traveling with my wife, cooking and playing pickleball.
DLA Disposition Services is celebrating its 50th Anniversary by reflecting on the mission, culture and its workforce. This series is highlighting leadership and employees throughout the agency, across the globe. Visit the historical page to learn more about the MSC and its history.