# Supplier Operations director assumes role of acting deputy commander

/ Published Dec. 6, 2016
Fort Belvoir, Virginia, 
Gabby Earhardt assumed the role of Defense Logistics Agency Energy acting deputy commander following the departure of former DLA Energy Deputy Commander George Atwood Nov. 28. DLA Director Air Force Lt. Gen. Andy Busch selected Atwood to serve as the DLA Logistics Operations Support – Policy and Strategic Programs executive director. 

Prior to serving as the acting deputy commander, Earhardt served as the DLA Energy Supplier Operations director beginning in February 2013. Earhardt also was the director of the Procurement Process Support directorate.“Gabby has a huge amount of knowledge and years of experience with DLA Energy and I'm excited to bring her into the front office,” said DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Martin Chapin. “As the acting deputy commander, she will assume all of the roles Mr. Atwood previously held.”  

Earhardt began her tenure with DLA Energy in 1993. She has worked in various contracting positions within DLA Energy, to include contracting officer in the Overseas Bulk Fuels Division, division chief for the Direct Supply Natural Gas Program and in the Electricity and Utility Privatization Programs. 

The transition of leadership underscores the significant depth and experience of DLA Energy directors. Atwood was the first DLA Energy employee to be selected to the senior executive service rank and he began his career at DLA Energy in 1994.

“I can't emphasize enough how great it's been working with George for my relatively short time in Energy and how much I relied on his expertise and counsel as I spun up as your new commander,” Chapin said.” He has done incredible work for [the organization;] his leadership is phenomenal and he will be greatly missed ... not just for his professional acumen, but because he has been a friend and colleague in Energy for the past 22 years. We wish him the best of luck in his new role; I know we will continue to be awesome.”

Atwood began his career at DLA Energy in 1994 as a GS-7 contract specialist. Prior to his deputy commander assignment, he served as the director of DLA Energy’s Procurement Process Support directorate and as the deputy director of DLA Energy Supplier Operations. Atwood also served as the associate director of the DLA Energy Acquisition Policy and Oversight Office and was responsible for providing acquisition policy and oversight for DLA Energy’s procurement programs. In addition, Atwood served as the DLA Energy Europe & Africa deputy director in Kaiserslautern, Germany, assisting in the execution of DLA Energy’s mission to support storage, transportation and distribution of bulk petroleum products for all U.S. forces and U.S. supported missions in the European and African theaters.

“One of the great things about DLA is that we are encouraged to try new ideas and get out of our comfort zone,” Atwood said in an email to the DLA Energy workforce. “This opportunity to fill the J-34 position is a great professional opportunity for me as well as opens up new opportunities within Energy. I use this transition to encourage everyone to never hesitate or be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges.”