COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support (Columbus) honored its next generation of leaders Feb. 12, during a Pathways to Career Excellence program graduation ceremony. The event, held in the Defense Supply Center Columbus Operations Center Auditorium, marked a significant career milestone for 123 graduates, including 70 contract specialists, 18 quality assurance specialists, 34 general supply specialists and one finance specialist.
The PaCE program is a two-year training program designed to train entry-level personnel for subsequent advancement to the journey-level in professional, administrative and technological career fields. This is accomplished through on-the-job assignments, cross-training, shadow opportunities and formal training such as classroom, distance learning, web-based training, conferences and seminars.
DLA Weapons Support (Columbus) Commander Navy Rear Adm. Julie Treanor described the program as a transformative experience.
“For more than two decades, the PaCE program has been a foundational pillar in our commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in logistics and supply chain management, as well as financial management,” she said. “It is truly a transformative experience, meticulously designed to push participants beyond their perceived limits.”
Providing a personal perspective on the journey was Lashana Crone, Center for Learner Development and Management chief, DLA Learning, Development and Readiness, who provided opening remarks, reflecting on her own time as an intern.
“As I look out at you, I’m reminded of my own journey,” Crone shared. “I remember sitting right where you are as a DLA corporate intern wondering if I had what it took to make it through…and what my future at DLA could possibly look like.”
She acknowledged the uncertainty that can accompany the intense training, recalling how she left a comfortable job and often questioned her decision.
“When I walked across that stage – certificate in hand – I remember thinking with absolute certainty, ‘Yes, I absolutely made the right decision.’”
Crone encouraged the graduates to carry the torch of mentorship forward, inspiring others and lending a helping hand to those who follow.
Treanor also shared a heartfelt message in her keynote speech, praising the graduates’ hard work and perseverance throughout the program.
“Your journey through the PaCE program has been a testament to your resilience and determination,” she said. “I know it wasn’t easy. You’ve balanced demanding workloads with rigorous training, all while navigating your personal commitments and the ever-present changes within our own DLA Weapons Support organization.”
“Every challenge, every late night, and every tough lesson has forged you into the skilled professionals you are today,” she continued. “You are the future of DLA Weapons Support, and from where I'm standing, the future looks incredibly bright.”
Treanor highlighted various strengths of the graduating class, noting that many have pursued formal education beyond a bachelor’s degree and over 20 are military veterans. While the majority are just beginning their federal service, some bring more than 20 years of experience, creating an environment of mentorship and shared knowledge. She also noted their personal talents as coaches, athletes, small business owners and more.
“It is this combination of professional expertise and personal passion that makes you invaluable to our team,” Treanor said.
“We are entrusting you with our future, confident that the skills you’ve honed here will pave the way for an even more effective and innovative organization,” she continued. “That is your charge, and it is a responsibility to be shouldered with both enthusiasm and dedication.”
Dayonna Rispress, a newly minted customer account specialist, is ready to take that charge.
“Graduating the program was extremely important to me. It highlights my commitment to our mission of being the driving force to ensure warfighter readiness and sustainment,” she said. “From day one we were required to exemplify high competencies such as resilience, leadership, collaboration and innovation, preparing us to become the driving force and future leaders of DLA.”
She highlighted the unwavering support and engagement from staff and added that the program not only provided the knowledge and technical expertise required for her duties, but it also offered opportunities to sharpen her soft skills.
“The program strengthened my leadership, public speaking, time management and organizational skills,” the former juvenile corrections officer said. “These are skills I will utilize every day in my career.”
After each graduate proudly walked the stage to cheers from a full auditorium, DLA Weapons Support (Columbus) Director of Operations Chrissy Schall offered a few parting thoughts.
“This hasn’t been the easiest two years…but you have risen above everything we have asked of you and you’ve done an amazing job,” she said. “Take what you’ve learned, take the relationships you’ve built and get out there because you will be the leaders of generations to come. Our warfighter needs it now more than ever and I know that you have what it takes.”
Members of the 2025 PaCE class and their chosen disciplines are:
Contract Specialist:
Mika Adams, Derek Adelman, Alek Adkins, Carlos Alicea, Edward Aragon, Kurt Becka, Brian Burkhart, Kyla Burnett, Debra Carroll, Angela Chappell, Steven Chomos, Haley Clark, Arica Clayton, Jennifer Cline, Tanya Cool, Rita Cortes, Jennifer Cummins, Christine Davis, Bernadine Davis-Sheets, Kacie Decarlo, Misty Eckard, Kaitlynne Freitas, Ronald Gillespie Jr., Heather Gleason, Donald Gray, Tricia Griffith, Chelsea Harger, Angie Hernandez, David Jacques, William Jolley, Timothy Jones, Carrolline Kelly, Matthew Lepak, Trey Linder, Lanette Lipscomb, James Losey III, Elizabeth McGraw, Rodney McNinch, Tiffani Merritt, Gregory Miles, Trenton Miller, Rocio Mino, Thomas Mitchell, Melliandra Moffat, Veronica Monnin, Benjamin Nevitt, Chance Nicklaus, Jennifer Payne, Cheryl Pillitteri, Evan Pliska, Sitora Rakhmatova, Adam Ray, Thomas Reckart, Brice Royer, Andrea Schneck, Daniel Smith, Jr., Ida Szulewski, Marisa Thompson, Brendon Watters, Jamie White, Scott Yonkers and Nathanial Young.
General Supply Specialist:
Noal Aponte, Tony Batts, Carter Callison, David Cox, Tyneshia Daniel, Claire Dittoe, Jason Elsken, Austin Friedrichsen, Ian Grahm, Cayla Hall, Wendy Hatzer, Tucker Hensel, Julie Holobaugh, Alawn Jordan, Brooke King, Matthew Lappert, Stacy Long-Purifoy, Cameron Loomis, Alfreda Mays, Christopher Meacham, Christina Roberston, Leanne Smith, Kyle Taylor, Bryan Thompson, Monique Villaloboz, Christopher Willey and Doretta Williams.
Quality Assurance Specialist:
Michael Beckert, William Blackburn, Dawn Boehmer, Johanna Burgos Gonzalez, Seth Caskey, Heather Hale, Keith Hall, Jordan Johnson, Joshua Martinelli, Justin Price, Kathleen Raines, Joseph Simpson, Clayton Tallman, Clay Taylor, Paul Tillett, Jr., James Waring, Christopher Jon Williams II and Joshua Zickefoose.
Finance Specialist:
Brittany Woodard
A recording of the ceremony can be viewed here. [CAC-enabled]
For more information on the program, visit the DLA Pathways to Career Excellence (PaCE) Program.