FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Defense Logistics Agency Energy hosted the 2025 DLA Energy Acquisition Workforce Symposium at the McNamara Headquarters Complex, here on June 10-12, 2025. The symposium was a hybrid event which could be attended onsite or virtually. More than 300 professionals attended the event both in person and virtually from San Antonio, Texas, Virginia, and other geographical locations. Although the symposium was hosted by DLA Energy, all DLA employees were welcome to attend the sessions.
In her opening remarks, DLA Energy Acquisition Executive and host Gabriella Earhardt said:
“Today, we come together not just as professionals in procurement, contracting, logistics, and policy, but as mission-accomplishers. It is each of you, all of you--you are the people who ensure that every contract, every dollar, and every deliverable moves us closer to achieving the DLA Energy mission and ensuring the warfighter is equipped with everything they need to succeed.”
“Throughout the next three days, you’ll hear from inspiring leaders, engage in thought-provoking workshops, and leave with tools that will help you make an even greater impact. I encourage you to ask questions, network boldly, and share your expertise because your voice matters in shaping the future of our agency. I’ll close with a quote that is especially fitting for us as acquisition professionals, “Sun Tzu from The Art of War famously said, “The line between disorder and order lies in logistics.”
This year’s theme, “From Strategy to Action: Building a Workforce Ready for Tomorrow” provided a holistic approach to training by focusing on the employee’s overall growth through total wellness, professional development, networking and social activities. The symposium offered various intimate sessions with senior leaders for attendees such as “Breakfast with a Senior Leader” and Dine-Around Luncheons with small groups. The first session for “Breakfast with a Senior Leader” was led by United States Air Force, Chief Master Sergeant Alvin Dyer, DLA senior enlisted leader who inspired attendees to decide why they wanted to lead and determine the type of leader required to manage them. The second session was led by USAF, Brig. Gen. Jimmy “Vegas” Canlas, former DLA Energy commander who encouraged participants to continue to reach for opportunities and decide what would be their coming out song. Dine-Arounds included leaders from DLA and DLA Energy directorates who emphasized the importance of mentorship, creating an action plan, having a positive mind set and continuity.
“The key is to hear, listen, and absorb the concepts and ideas presented and consider how the things you learn can better help you serve the Warfighter. DLA is the best place to work and the best in providing logistical support because of each of you and your commitment to grow and serve,” said Rear Adm. George Bresnihan, the DLA Energy commander.
Other sessions/activities included a sunrise walk, yoga, a scavenger hunt around the pond, meditation, workshops for career paths in contracting, life cycle logistics, engineering and technical management. In addition, there were panel discussions, breakout sessions on contested logistics, developing new skills, interacting with multi-generational teams, artificial intelligence and analytics, acquisition planning, supply chain risks, building mission readiness, preventing burnout, emotional intelligence, DLA Connect and leadership. There was a professional development fair which included consultants from academia, government, and private sectors. The development fair provided attendees with the opportunity to network during the day at the symposium. Additionally, the symposium included two evening networking events that included a networking social and bowling competition social, where DLA Energy senior leaders and employees served as team captains.
The DLA Vice Director Brad Bunn, said, “Over three days, you will have opportunities to participate in professional development fairs, network luncheons, expand your knowledge in logistics, engineering, and technical management. But most importantly, understand DLA’s Warfighter focused mission in the process.”
Day one began with the opening General Session: Acquisition Roadmap 2.0 where senior leaders from DLA headquarters and DLA Energy welcomed attendees and discussed topics related to the future of the workforce such as development, leadership, talent strategies, readiness and challenges.
George Atwood, DLA Energy acting deputy commander and Dr. Charles Barber, DLA director for human resources presented the Acquisition Roadmap 2.0 chat which was moderated by Dr. Radhiyah (Thea) Miller-Smith, DLA Energy Bulk Petroleum supply chain chief.
In addition to the general session and other acquisition related sessions, the symposium featured a non-acquisition workforce panel discussion, titled, “Power Community.” The panelists were Michael West, DLA Energy deputy director, Command Action Group; Maria Spicer, DLA Energy Office of Internal Review, director; DaToya Taylor, DLA Energy Futures Integration and Posture Directorate, acting director and Gary Parsons, DLA Energy chief Engineering, Environmental, Property Division. The panelists discussed perseverance and their career journeys.
Day two kicked off with an early morning sunrise walk and a scavenger hunt around the pond. Additional sessions included presentations on acquisition planning/modernization, artificial intelligence, building talent with Gen Z insights, contested logistics, managing multi-generational teams, navigating supply chain risks, and upskilling for the future.
One session titled, “DLA Energy AI and Analytics,” was led by Alontae Uptegrow, DLA Energy contract specialist and DLA Energy PaCER: Andrea Diaz-Aviles, DLA Pathways intern and Kenneth Murphy, DLA Energy Supply Chain Management. They shared their knowledge of these technical tools and the impact on the workforce.
Day three, the final day started with early morning yoga and meditation. Other sessions included: mission readiness, maintaining balance, DLA Connect, leadership, emotional intelligence, and an Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (ESPY) style awards closing ceremony.
One session featured a presentation, titled, “Maintaining Balance: Practical Strategies for Preventing Burnout” by guest speakers, Christi Venable, Smile Therapy Services CEO and Jennifer Hanks, Government Solutions CEO. The speakers spoke on acquisition burnout and provided an assessment for attendees to determine where they experienced the most pressure during the contract management process.
The symposium ended with the ESPY style awards ceremony which acknowledged various employees and volunteers for outstanding performance either with the symposium or on their jobs.
Omar Joyce, a DLA Energy PaCER received the, "Fast Skater” award, which honors an individual who consistently demonstrates speed, efficiency, and agility in their work, quickly adapts to changing priorities and delivers results under tight deadlines.
Andrea Diaz-Aviles, DLA Energy Pathways intern received the "Fueling the Future-Rookie of the Year" award, which honors the outstanding performance, exceptional initiative, and unwavering willingness to tackle any challenge during their internship with DLA Energy. The award citation states, “like a promising rookie who quickly becomes a key player on their team, this individual has consistently exceeded expectations and made a significant impact on our organization. They have demonstrated a rare combination of talent, work ethic, and a can-do attitude that has inspired their colleagues and impressed their supervisors.”
Participants in the DLA Energy and DoD talent development programs provided feedback on their experience with the symposium. Makayla Draper, DoD College Acquisition intern, Joyce and Diaz-Aviles, praised the symposium for providing each of them with an opportunity to network with senior leaders, industry experts and other employees. They said that it provided knowledge that would help develop their careers. Each said, they all would volunteer, attend again and recommend it to their peers.
“The symposium provided a platform for strategic alignment, shared learning and cross-functional, networking, said Dr. Dwayne Briscoe, co-chair of the symposium. “For DLA and DLA Energy, it reinforced the importance of collaboration, adaptability and innovation in achieving our mission. For participants, it offered valuable training, insights into emerging acquisition trends, and a space to engage with leadership and peers. It also strengthened morale and reinforced a sense of belonging and purpose with the workforce. The Acquisition Workforce Symposium is more than just a conference, it’s a catalyst for growth, collaboration and mission readiness across the acquisition enterprise.”
Charles Hudson, Briscoe’s co-chair said, “The symposium presented information that our workforce doesn’t often get. Additionally, the symposium allotted the workforce opportunities to be in intimate settings with senior leaders via the breakfast and dine-around events.”