Houston –
The Defense Logistics Agency Energy Americas outgoing Commander Army Col. Ronald Ross handed over responsibility of the organization to Army Col. Craig Simonsgaard during a change of command ceremony July 9.
DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Mark McLeod officiated the ceremony. McLeod took the time to thank Ross for all he did as the DLA Energy Americas commander.
“Ross created an atmosphere that increased productivity and improved relationships with customers,” McLeod said.
During the ceremony, Ross was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal for his service. In his position, Ross ensured the quality of more than 9.6 billion gallons of fuel annually through the execution of $27.8 billion in petroleum contracts. He managed of more than 390 fuel locations and 1,300 customer accounts, as well as emphasized business improvements and led DLA Energy Convergence initiatives and improvement to aging Defense Department fuels infrastructure.
Ross said he learned early in his career that he must surround himself with the best, let them do their job and he would be successful, and it took him just a short time to realize DLA Energy Americas was filled with talented and professional people.
He thanked the employees of DLA Energy Americas, who he credited with being responsible for the accomplishments of the region.
“Not only did they transition to the (Enterprise Business System,) but they did it during personnel draw down, budget constraints and furloughs,” Ross said. “When that wasn’t enough, mother nature threw in a natural disaster – Hurricane Sandy.”
Ross, a Boston native, took command of DLA Energy Americas in July 2012. His next assignment is the Transportation School commandant at Fort Lee, Virginia.
Simonsgaard is a native of Phoenix. He is a distinguished military graduate from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He also has a Master of Business Administration from Webster University. His military education includes the Armor Officer Basic Course, Jumpmaster Course, Military Intelligence Officer Transition and Advanced Courses, Counter-Intelligence Officer Course, the Combined Arms Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College, Military Transition and Advanced Military Transition Team Course, Joint & Combined Warfighting School – JPME Phase II and the U.S. Army War College Fellowship at the University of Denver.