FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Defense Logistics Agency Energy’s acquisition workforce was recognized during a high-energy honors program at the McNamara Headquarters Complex on Fort Belvoir, Virginia, June 15.
A few audience members proudly wore silver, shiny superhero capes to honor the theme, “Acquisition Professionals of Steel,” as they celebrated the career achievements of 56 acquisition employees both in person and virtually.
“Like steel, you all stand strong every day in support of the warfighter and whole of government,” said DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Jimmy Canlas. “Acquisition Professionals of Steel never bend in morals, ethics, or resolve…never break in their professional roles as stewards of the government.”
The hybrid event brought together about 20 people socially distanced in the conference room and more than 210 people online. Traditionally, the program is conducted in person averaging 50 to 75 people in attendance.
“The planning team pivoted to execute the program virtually which more than doubled the number of participants in the program,” said DLA Energy Acquisition Workforce Development and Intern Office Division Chief Ditu Kasuyi. “We are committed to making our events more inclusive, engaging, and memorable. It takes more planning, collaboration, and determination to create such an experience, and we know that our team is up to the task.”
Colleagues, supervisors, and friends joined to congratulate the employees on advancing their careers through Pathways to Career Excellence Program, Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act certifications, broadening perspectives through the industry management courses and becoming warranted contracting officers.
“Becoming a certified professional in your field is an important milestone in your career,” said DLA Energy Chief of the Contracting Office Jake Moser. “I commend each of you for completing the extensive training requirements…especially while in this time of pandemic and Back-to-Basics transformation.”
Back-To-Basics is a modernized talent management approach to implementing DAWIA requirements. The initiative streamlines the three-tiered certification framework and re-focuses training resources from a one-size-fits-all approach to a culture of lifelong learning for acquisition professionals.
DLA Energy Head of the Contracting Activity and Supplier Operations Director Gabriella Earhardt quoted Brian Herbert in her encouraging speech to the workforce. “The capacity to learn is a gift. The ability to learn is a skill. The willingness to learn is a choice,” she said.
“Thank you for your dedication to the warfighter and for your commitment to your professional growth,” Earhardt said. “I challenge you to make the choice to continue your journey. Never stop learning or growing and never lower your standards.”
Lorraine Gallagher participated online during the ceremony and thanked organizers for putting it together.
“In all my years, I must say it was the most enjoyable and uplifting ceremony that I’ve attended,” Gallagher said. “Special thanks go to my teammates who supported and enabled me to complete my Life Cycle Logistics certification.”
Acquisition professionals who earned certifications are as follows:
DAWIA Contracting
Level I: Donya Cox, Sylvie Hullinger, Randall Legions, Patrick Machulski, Monica Martin, Louis Morse, Brandon Moses, and Everette Ready
Level II: Alexis Davis, Bernice Doctor-Smith, Eddie Garcia Jr., Alexis Hamilton, Patrick Machulski, Paula Mejia, and Kristen Wrenn
Level III: Tracey Anderson, Tammie Campbell, Jerry Clark-Juneau, Letitia Edwards, Christine George, Adam Gugelman, Claude Johnson, Orlando Merritt, Maria Norfleet, Mary Richardson, and Jacee Stumpf
DAWIA Purchasing
Level I: Brian Hobbs
Level II: Brian Hobbs and Paula Mejia
DAWIA Product, Quality & Manufacturing
Level I: Brent McCoy, Jeffrey Sabo, and Makeena Stephens
Level II: Kelley Jackson-Cherry, Taylor Hart, and Makeena Stephens
Level III: Kelley Jackson-Cherry, Mark Mizrahi, Thomas Roelle, Makeena Stephens, and Michael Wilson
DAWIA Life Cycle Logistics
Level I: Leno Smith
Level II: Lorraine Gallagher and Keshaun Major
Advanced Certificate: Ricardo Selby
Contracting Warrant Officer Certifications:
Mamie Boglin, Rafael Gomez, Ruth Gregorio, Chancley Meadows, Mark Palombo, Ross Paxton, Angela Ponder, Heather Thomas, and Matthew Womer.
Insights to Industry at the University of Virginia graduates:
Hamida Ahmadi, Kari Archer, Jacquelyn Robinson-Tiller, Melissa Rodriguez, Jaron Tyner, Timothy Weatherspoon, and Justin Wingo
Pathways to Career Excellence graduates:
Donya Cox and Alexis Davis