What do you do?
I am the area manager at DLA Disposition Services Sagami, with two forward sites to support U.S. Forces Japan, Indo-Pacific Command, and joint forces located on mainland Japan.
How long have you worked for the federal government, including military service?
36 years.
How long have you worked for DLA Disposition Services?
13 years.
What do you like about your work?
Working with all the branches of the military, and, while I am stationed overseas, learning more about different cultures.
Any good advice worth sharing?
The best advice someone gave me was to always put a percentage of my salary into a mutual fund. That was 25 years ago.
Any favorite DLA memories?
My favorite memory with DLA DS was when I traveled to Battle Creek to the leadership conference to meet our leadership team.
What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?
I think every leader should have more than one characteristic to be a great leader. If you have to have one, it should be the ability to delegate well.
Any best practices for achieving goals or accomplishing tasks?
Communicate a clear mission and set of values, providing guideposts for decision making and action. Take a long-term view and build a shared vision with others, and act as a catalyst for organizational change.
Your biggest challenge right now?
My biggest challenges are the situations that arise around COVID-19 and keeping my employee safe at work while also ensuring our goals are met.
Any thoughts on the importance of networking?
To achieve success in anything that you do, you need to build alliances and create working relationships that will last. Success comes from teamwork, rather than one person or one organization working alone.
What would you have done differently in your career, if given the opportunity?
I would finish my college degree earlier in my military career.
What was your first job?
My first job was working on a farm as a young kid, picking tobacco.
Any heroes?
Mr. Ronald Black. He was a great mentor to me when I transitioned from military to civilian life.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Formula One driver.
What are your hobbies?
Anything dealing with cars and investing money.