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News | Nov. 21, 2022

Information Operations Employee Spotlight - Lori Bovee

By DLA Information Operations

Name: Lori Bovee

Organization: J62, Enterprise Capabilities (Operational Energy Applications)

Years of Service: 36 

What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically? 

I’m a program manager, and my team delivers capabilities that support the DLA Energy supply chain at the depot level. We also support applications specific to Energy contracting and inventory reconciliation and auditability. We’re responsible for the technology that facilitates auditable processing of six million transactions a year, representing approximately $15 billion in sales revenue to DLA.

What is your background, including experience and credentials? How does your background help you be successful in your current role? 

I “grew up” in DLA Energy – I started there when it was Defense Fuel Supply Center at Cameron Station, VA. Starting as a clerk, I assumed positions of increasing responsibility to include implementing the extension of the DLA Energy supply chain to the consuming weapon system/appropriation level in 2001 – essentially, migrating from a wholesale fuels sales model to retail operations. I provided support to the migration of DLA Energy into the Enterprise Business System (EBS), with requirements definition and implementation of the Energy Convergence enterprise platform that replaced the original EBS. These efforts equipped me with extensive knowledge of energy processes and the physical mechanics of the fuel supply chain that’s so foundational to the warfighter. I’ve been able to leverage this knowledge into oversight of the development and maintenance of the technology that enables these processes. I am DAWIA level III certified in Contracting and Information Technology.

What aspect(s) of your current job gives you the most personal satisfaction?  Why? 

I participated in defining the customer requirements for a number of game-changing technological advances while still working for DLA Energy, then moved to J6 to oversee bringing those capabilities on-line. Transforming the tools supporting operations at the fuel depot level to increase accounting efficiency and data integrity has been amazing work, where incremental improvements are readily visible. We’ve also cultivated an outstanding, high performing branch team that stays focused on the overall outcome even while addressing significant challenges at the detail level. We have a solid, collaborative relationship with DLA Energy as our customer, which has sustained us through major changes like folding Energy operational technology into our portfolio branch. Working with amazing people committed to make good things happen is the best situation to be in - this job has delivered on that at all levels.

What are some of your passions outside of work?   

My private life has essentially “gone to the dogs” – I’m credentialed to provide canine/owner training and testing in various disciplines, and I’m active with my local all-breed club and national breed clubs. I have seven dogs of various breeds and a robust part-time job in keeping them entertained, to include training and competition in various disciplines. I’ve been active with rescue and rehoming for decades, fostering over 100 dogs enroute to their forever homes. I’m also an avid reader, so if the dogs don’t have my attention my nose is probably in a book. I have a close relationship within my family; I relocated to 10 acres about an hour south of Richmond in 2020 to be within a few miles of my parents (and give my furry family a bit more space to run), and it’s wonderful! 

What advice do you have for DLA employees? 

Remember that a huge chunk of your reality is created between your ears, so be careful what you tell yourself about whatever you’re tasked with doing or whatever challenges you face. “Little things” add up to big things that are really important to our warfighters. Also, stay curious! Whatever you think you know about something, there’s more to learn and another level to take things to.

What other self-initiated efforts have you worked on?  

I’m currently working on polishing up my Spanish; there are a lot of folks in my community that speak it as a primary language, and I’ve lost most of my fluency through lack of practice. I’m also putting together Nosework and Treiball animal sport training and test courses for the pups. I don’t know if we’ll ever hit a competitive level with either training, but we’re having fun learning.