FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
During her 27-year career at Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Lula Manley distinguished herself as a mission-focused contracting officer, a division chief and finally as associate director of the Office of Small Business Programs.
For her contributions to the agency’s legacy, Manley was inducted into the DLA Energy Hall of Fame on March 22.
“The one thing I am most proud of is having the capability to train and lead others to do their job well and become successful in their career,” Manley said. “I understood that mentoring and training people throughout DLA Energy was essential to mission success.”
Manley began her career at DLA Energy in 1984. As a supervisory contracting officer, she managed 10 complex overseas programs and was responsible for inventory management functions. Her technical expertise was instrumental in transferring ownership of DLA Energy assets under the capitalization process, working closely with various DLA Energy offices and the military services.
Manley was noted for being a strong advocate for small business and providing them with a fair chance to compete for government work. As the associate director of the Office of Small Business Programs, she led a team that provided guidance on new policies and legislative changes affecting small business programs. Her efforts in hosting small business networking and training conferences help improve and optimize small business concerns for DLA Energy contracts.
A well-respected mentor, Manley was known as a patient and knowledgeable leader and teacher who believed it was imperative that her employees learn everything they could about the acquisition process, policies, and procedures from the ground up.
One of her protégés acknowledged her “keen ability to influence others to achieve superior results” and said she is “a true mentor, who was steadfast in her willingness to work with everyone, while consistently demanding excellence.”
“Lula was my trainer, supervisor and second line supervisor for 10 years,” said Ted Jones, division chief for the Strategic Policy & Programs Directorate who attended the induction ceremony. “We were truly honored to share this moment with Ms. Manley.”
The DLA Energy Hall of Fame is a lifetime achievement award to honor former members of the DLA Energy community who have made significant and enduring contributions to the organization. Nominees must be a former DLA Energy civilian or military employee, who have made a positive, long-term impact on the DLA Energy mission or have provided outstanding customer service, or other accomplishments.
“It means a lot to be selected as an inductee,” Manley said. “There are so many people I could thank including all my previous employees. Thank you, Greg Thevenin, for submitting my name and providing all necessary documentation required. Thanks to you and all others that contributed to the beautiful roses. I really appreciate them.”