RICHMOND, Va. –
Employee spotlights regularly feature outstanding nonsupervisory personnel from throughout the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and other DLA employees on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Organizational directors may submit the names of employees they wish to feature in this column to DLA Aviation Public Affairs.
Name: Carla Seymour
Organizational directorate/division: Defense Logistics Agency Aviation at Oklahoma City
How long have you worked for DLA: 17 years.
What is your job title, and what do you do? As a program manager, I oversee the General Support Division’s stock fund, tracking and managing Oklahoma City-Tinker’s $3.7 billion working capital stock fund. This fund supports 77 Air Force bases, ensuring they have the obligatory authority for necessary funding.
How do you support the warfighter? I ensure funds and logistical systems are properly allocated, preventing financial disruptions that could impact operations. This means resolving account discrepancies, tracking misallocated funds, and streamlining inefficiencies to ensure smooth Air Force supply chain operations.
Collaboration is key. I work with Air Force logistics centers, defense organizations and financial departments to ensure funding aligns with operational needs. Whether responding to urgent supply requests or managing new budget allocations, effective communication ensures warfighters get what they need without delays.
Ultimately, my role protects the financial integrity of stock funds, directly impacting mission readiness by ensuring essential equipment, supplies and resources are available when needed.
What do you like most about your job and why? What I like most about my job is managing complex budgets, solving supply chain challenges and knowing my work directly impacts the Air Force’s success. The intricacy of budgeting, financial allocation and problem-solving keeps me engaged, and the knowledge that my efforts support the warfighter makes it incredibly rewarding.
I also appreciate the collaborative teamwork with partners like the Armed Forces Materiel Command Headquarters and Defense Finance and Accounting. These partnerships create a shared mission focus, where collective expertise drives operational efficiency. Working in an environment that values communication, coordination and trust motivates me every day.
What are your best practices for achieving goals or accomplishing tasks? Success requires adaptability, vigilance and strategic planning. I set clear objectives and priorities, ensuring my work aligns with mission goals. Open communication with my team and stakeholders fosters collaboration, allowing us to resolve issues and refine processes effectively.
I rely on detailed analysis to make informed decisions, using data to guide both immediate actions and long-term strategies. Regularly reviewing and adjusting strategies ensures we remain responsive to changing circumstances.
Finally, teamwork is essential. Sharing knowledge and resources enhances efficiency, and various perspectives lead to better solutions. A strong foundation of communication, analysis, and adaptability ensures success.
If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them? I would tell them that behind the scenes, a dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure you have the resources, equipment and support needed for success. Whether securing funding, managing logistics or addressing unexpected challenges, our mission is to ensure you never have to worry about supply chain issues.
Your success is our success, and we are fully committed to providing everything you need to focus on your mission and defend our nation.
What is the most surprising/unexpected thing others don’t know about you? Many people don’t know about my deep passion for child advocacy. I actively support initiatives that promote children’s well-being, ensuring they have access to education, resources and opportunities. Interestingly, this passion connects with my love for solving complex puzzles and riddles. Both require critical thinking, creativity and patience – whether piecing together a puzzle or finding innovative solutions for child advocacy challenges. Solving puzzles keeps me mentally sharp, enhances my problem-solving skills and helps me approach challenges from multiple angles – a mindset that benefits both my advocacy work and professional role.
What are some of your passions outside of work? One of my biggest passions outside of work is cooking. For me, it’s more than preparing meals – it’s a form of self-expression and a way to connect with others. Cooking helps me unwind after a busy day or week, allowing me to experiment with flavors and techniques while finding joy in creating something from scratch. I love how food brings people together, fostering conversation, laughter and shared experiences. The rhythm of chopping, stirring and tasting is incredibly meditative and helps me disconnect from the stresses of work. I also enjoy learning new culinary skills, whether mastering a technique or exploring different cuisines. Cooking is a lifelong journey, and every dish offers a chance to grow, refine my skills and create lasting memories.
Who is the most influential person in your life...past or present? The most influential person in my life is undoubtedly my mother, Laverne Seymour. Her unwavering source of stability, wisdom and encouragement has been a constant throughout my life, extending far beyond the foundational support she provided me as a child. Growing up, she was the pillar that held our family together, offering both emotional and practical guidance that laid the groundwork for everything I’ve achieved since.
Laverne’s influence has been crucial in shaping not only my values but also my professional path. Her strength, resilience and ability to face challenges with grace have taught me important lessons about perseverance and hard work. She instilled in me the importance of staying grounded, maintaining integrity and continuously striving to do my best. Her wisdom has been an invaluable compass, guiding me through difficult decisions, whether personal or professional.
Her support has been instrumental in my financial and career achievements. When I faced obstacles, Laverne was always there to provide the clarity and encouragement I needed to push through. But it’s not just her advice that shaped me — it’s her example. Watching her navigate life with determination and grace inspired me to pursue my goals with the same level of commitment.
As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve also come to appreciate the importance of supporting others, just as she supported me. Her mentorship, not just as a mother but as a role model, inspired me to give back and mentor others in their professional journeys. Her approach to life, work, and relationships has had a profound impact on how I approach leadership and helping others grow.
Additionally, my sons and grandchildren have played a crucial role in motivating me to keep striving for success. They inspire me to build a legacy of support and achievement that can positively influence the generations that follow. But it is my mother’s example that has set the foundation for all of this.
Laverne Seymour’s guidance and love have shaped the person I am today, and her influence continues to be a driving force in both my personal and professional life. She is more than just a mother — she is a role model, a mentor and a source of unwavering support. Her place in my heart is immeasurable, and I continue to look to her as an example of strength, wisdom and grace in everything I do.