Richmond, Va. –
Name: David Garner
Organization: J64
Years of Service: 15
What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically?
I am an information technology (IT) project manager, and currently the zero-trust architecture program manager. I have managed multiple IT related projects, as well as projects that migrated existing applications or new capabilities in commercial cloud enclaves.
What is your background, including experience and credentials? How does your background help you be successful in your current role?
I enlisted in the Navy as a Cryptologic Technician in 1987 and served until 1993. After attending college, I started working in the IT industry. In 1999, I got my first IT job at Bank of America doing level one help desk support. I also held positions in the private sector as a network administrator, senior network engineer, and finally as the manager of the IT department for Suez Environment.
After 9/11, I joined the Virginia Army National Guard and attended Officer Candidate School where I was commissioned as an Infantry officer. After service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, I transitioned to the Army Signal Corps because it aligned more with my civilian career. Since then, I’ve deployed in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve. I currently serve as the commander of the 123rd Cyber Protection Battalion, and from November 2020 to January 2022 I mobilized to Fort Meade, MD as part of Task Force Echo Five.
I believe my wide variety of experience gives me a broad depth of knowledge in multiple areas of information technology. Additionally, the leadership experiences I gained from military service and management in the private sector has given me the ability to effectively communicate to peers, stakeholders, and senior leaders.
What aspect(s) of your current job gives you the most personal satisfaction? Why?
Zero-trust touches on every aspect of IT, which I find interesting and challenging.
Zero-trust is an important initiative that will improve DLA’s cyber security posture to harden the environment against cyber-attacks from hostile nation state actors and cyber criminals.
What are some of your passions outside of work?
I enjoy being the “dad taxi” for my son, taking him up and down the east coast for hockey games and tournaments. We traveled to Europe earlier this year because my son had the opportunity to play in Austria and Slovakia as a member of the Potomac Patriots. I also enjoy doing CrossFit.
What advice do you have for DLA employees?
I would say remember we do all the things we do to ensure the Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman, or Coastie has the beans, bullets, fuel, etc. to conduct operations.