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 PaCE Spotlight: James Isola By Liz Norvey
 James Isola is a current member of PaCE Group 44 beginning in 2022. For his second year in the PaCE Program, he will remain at DLA Disposition Services Headquarters in Battle Creek. James is the only member of his group that is a part of the Contracting (1102) PaCE Program Track. **Official photo with flag and blue background
        James Isola
            Official photo of James Isola

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                    Photo By: Jace Armstrong
                    
                    VIRIN: 231003-D-OS362-5001** The PaCE program is a two-year program intended to enhance your professional skills while also giving you a broad overview of every facet of DLA Disposition Services. You gain valuable information about the agency that other new employees don’t receive which enables you to have a better understanding of how every directorate works. **Why did you first apply to the PaCE Program? Was it your first position with DLA? (If not, how long have you been with DLA?)** I applied to the PaCE program to get my foot in DLA. This is my first position with the agency. **What background do you have? Do you have a lot of DLA experience, or were a recent grad, or did you come from another field?** I have a bachelor’s degree in Personal Financial Planning from Western Michigan University. My first position out of college was as an account manager for a local insurance agency. **What was your position before coming to the PaCE Program, if any? (If not DLA, what were you doing before/what pathway did you come to DLA through?)** I was a Social Insurance Claims Specialist with the Social Security Administration. I conducted initial disability claims for the Title XVI program which was a needs-based application. If claimants were found to be disabled, I would work with them to get them into pay status. Also, I would work with individuals who were already in pay status to update their accounts, such as address changes or billing changes. **What have been your favorite parts of the PaCE Program?** My favorite parts of the PaCE program have been going on TDY trips and being able to shadow the Directors of our agency. **PaCERs from DLA Disposition Services visit the Anniston site in Alabama as part of their training.




Group of people in front of a building
        James Isola
            PaCERs from DLA Disposition Services visit the Anniston site in Alabama as part of their training.

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                    Photo By: Courtesy Photo
                    
                    VIRIN: 231013-D-D0441-5000

















Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program (for current PaCERs, any favorite moments so far)?** My favorite memory has been spending time with my fellow PaCERs on our two TDYs. We visited Anniston and Richmond for our visits. We would go out to dinner as a group every night and even went duckpin bowling in Richmond. The trips gave us a better understanding of how the field sites operate and helped us bond as a group. **If there was one thing that could’ve been different for you in the PaCE program, what would it be?** There is nothing I would change about the PaCE program. The experience has been nothing but rewarding. **What would you say is the most important quality to succeed in the PaCE program?** The most important quality to succeed in the PaCE program to me would be curiosity. Those who are eager to learn everything they can in the agency will have the most success. **Where are you assigned to next year? Where was it on your list (was it your top choice)?** Contract Specialist PaCERs are required to stay in Battle Creek after completion of the program due to the contracting directorate being located here at Disposition Services HQ. Staying in Michigan was the preferred option for me though. **What your plans for your future in the agency? Do you hope to have a specific pathway/career field? Or a certain GS level?** I don’t currently have a plan for my future in the agency after completion of the PaCE program. I do plan to elevate to the GS 13-15 level sometime in my career.
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