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# Arthur Welsh: A legacy of leadership and innovation in defense logistics

By Dana ThornburyDLA Disposition Services Public Affairs

                BATTLE CREEK, Mich.  –              
After an illustrious 37-year career serving the federal government, Arthur Welsh bid farewell to Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services in a heartfelt ceremony held on December at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center.

                Arthur Welsh addressed the DLA Disposition Services workforce during his retirement ceremony Dec. 6, 2023. During his remarks, he thanked all of those that have helped him along his journey as well as stressed the importance and gratitude of those he has had the pleasure of working alongside.                            Arthur Welsh                            Arthur Welsh addressed the DLA Disposition Services workforce during his retirement ceremony Dec. 6, 2023. During his remarks, he thanked all of those that have helped him along his journey as well as stressed the importance and gratitude of those he has had the pleasure of working alongside.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Jace ArmstrongVIRIN: 231206-D-OS362-0067His journey began nearly three decades ago as a WG-05 material handler at what was once known as the Fort Lewis Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office in Washington state. Throughout the years, Welsh's commitment and dedication have been indispensable, leading to his current position as the DLA Disposition Services operations director at its headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan.

During the ceremony, Welsh humbly remarked, "I look at these awards and any of the other awards I’ve gotten throughout my life and what it always took was a team... to all of those teams, I say thank you."

A leader known for his unwavering passion for problem-solving, Welsh's tenure at DLA Disposition Services has been marked by a tireless pursuit of excellence, bringing about transformative changes in the realm of reverse logistics. His impact reverberates through the organization, setting unprecedented benchmarks and redefining the landscape of disposal support to the warfighter.

Reflecting on his career in a leadership spotlight, Welsh shared, "My favorite part of what we do is that even after almost 30 years in the business, I still see new challenges daily. Once I think I have seen it all, I will get a call or email asking for assistance on the disposal of something that is new. I do truly love my job and what we do."

                DLA Disposition Services Chief of Staff presents Operations Director Arthur Welsh with a retirement gift from the staff.                            Parting gift                            DLA Disposition Services Chief of Staff presents Operations Director Arthur Welsh with a retirement gift from the staff.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Jace ArmstrongVIRIN: 231206-D-OS362-0061Under Welsh's leadership, the organization experienced remarkable advancements in efficiency, particularly through his visionary Network Optimization initiative. Through restructuring and standardizing processes, Welsh reduced the number of field sites in the continental U.S. from 86 to 32, increased annual turn-in capacity, helped right-size the workforce, and significantly reduced costs, saving DLA millions of dollars annually.

"Arthur Welsh is an absolute master at assessing organizational disposal efficiencies and architecting workload networks," said Chief of Staff Peter Foreman, highlighting Welsh's unparalleled acumen in driving strategic improvements.

Welsh's impact transcends numbers and figures. Known for his mentorship and caring leadership, he leaves behind a legacy of compassion and guidance.

"He was a very caring supervisor, with a true open-door policy, willing to assist and guide as needed," said Kari Stenman, his previous administrative assistant, emphasizing Welsh's innate ability to inspire and nurture talent.

Yet, amidst his sterling professional career, Welsh's colleagues also remember him for his personal quirks and interests. An ardent lover of golf, Welsh said he plans to spend a significant amount of his retirement time perfecting his swing on the course, embracing a passion that has always brought him joy.

                On the left is DLA Disposition Services Operations Director Arthur Welsh in his full Cubs moments before his only poor judgement counseling session with Director Mike Cannon. However, for one day only, Welsh converted Cannon to the Cubs fan base during his retirement ceremony where Cannon willingly put on a Cubs hat.                            Cubs Win                            On the left is DLA Disposition Services Operations Director Arthur Welsh in his full Cubs moments before his only poor judgement counseling session with Director Mike Cannon. However, for one day only, Welsh converted Cannon to the Cubs fan base during his retirement ceremony where Cannon willingly put on a Cubs hat.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Jace Armstrong and Peter ForemanVIRIN: 231206-D-D0441-5050As DLA Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon expressed, "Arthur Welsh's exceptional talent, dedication, and leadership have left an indelible mark on our organization. His contributions have not only reshaped our processes but have also inspired generations within the Defense Logistics Agency."

“I was asked about my awards for this retirement ceremony, and I said I don’t want any,” Welsh said. “As Tim said, I wanted to go quietly. I am old school; I believed my paycheck has been enough and that’s been my award. But there has been one exception. That one exception in my mind is my greatest achievement. That achievement is the impact I have made on people's lives... When I look around, I see people that I have hired, coached, and mentored – good and bad. I’ve seen how they moved forward in their careers. To anyone who does not have a coach or mentor, get one now, it will improve your life and your career."

Welsh's retirement signifies the end of an era at DLA Disposition Services, but his impact will resonate as a testament to the power of innovation, leadership, and dedication in serving the nation's defense.

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