# DLA Director lauds culture improvements, small business gains at Distribution DOP review

/ Published April 3, 2019
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Darrell Williams sat down with DLA Distribution’s commanding officer Navy Rear Adm. Kevin M. Jones and the organization’s senior staff March 18 to discuss DLA Distribution’s 2019 Dynamic Operating Plan at the New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, headquarters.

The purpose of the operating plan—which is aligned with the Director’s Agency-wide Strategic Plan and its five lines of effort—is to outline a way forward for DLA Distribution to continue to build on its existing storage and distribution capabilities, leverage strategic and industry partners, and capitalize on the innovation and talent of its diverse workforce.

Williams began the DOP review by presenting his “Ya Done Good” certificates of achievement, which recognize individuals who have performed their jobs in an outstanding fashion. 

Future Plans Strategic Planner Army Lt. Col. Tara Trout was recognized for creating and leading an integrated planning team tasked with the closure of the Material Processing Center in Salalah, Oman.  

DLA Distribution Finance Business Analyst Michelle VanSickler received the award for her work with the Office of the Inspector General on Army small arms workload as well as budgeting and rate setting as far back as fiscal year 2015.  

DLA Distribution Acquisition’s Michael Ward was recognized for his efforts in managing the deactivation of one application and both building and implementing the replacement application in a timeframe that has exceeded initial expectations by more than a year.

Additionally, the Director presented a commander’s coin to DLA Human Resources Customer Account Manager Darlene Ferrante for her 37 years of service to DLA.

Moving into the annual session, Williams had many positive things to say about the organization’s senior leaders. He was particularly impressed with the Denison Culture Climate survey results. “You did extraordinarily well with this year’s Denison Survey.”

“Distribution’s improvement of 21 points was among the highest in the agency. Twenty-one points is significant,” explained Williams. “You don’t get there unless it really does become part of your culture. It is obvious there are great things happening at DLA Distribution—especially considering the expanse of this organization.”

Furthermore, Williams praised DLA Distribution’s Small Business program. “You continue to do well, and are moving at record pace this year.”

Williams was updated on the current modernization efforts within Distribution. Wireless tablets and printers are beginning to be used in areas like stock readiness and inventory, allowing for increased accountability and productivity – but especially in assisting with the 100% inventory taking place across Distribution’s network.  

Additionally, leadership briefed Williams on the plan for the modernization of DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania’s Eastern Distribution Center. This would be the first major modernization effort of the EDC since the late 1980s. The project would provide for a $107 million return on investment in just over four years.

The director stated that these modernization efforts are critical and will affect audit and performance for many years to come.

Williams expressed his confidence in the Major Subordinate Command’s ability to meet its goals, affirming the journey has made the Agency as a whole better—more efficient and effective.

In closing, Williams said he was pleased with the plan, saying that Distribution is the DLA MSC that most significantly touches upon all of the LOEs in the DLA Strategic Plan.  

Following his discussion with Distribution leadership, Williams hosted a brown bag lunch with Distribution’s senior employees. 

Williams informed the attendees of significant changes in leadership at DLA headquarters stating that nearly 30% of Senior Executive Service members were retiring or moving on to other opportunities. “According to [Human Resources Director] Mr. Bunn, this is the most change to the agency in 13 years.”

Williams continued by saying “You can look at this as a challenge—which it is, but it is also a tremendous opportunity. One of the reasons I wanted to talk to the GS14 and 15 leadership is because I think this change will present great opportunities for each of you—and we need you to steady the ship. Realize some of the interfaces in the agency will change, but what makes this agency run is its people.”

Williams thanked senior leaders for hosting him and said he always learns something new when he visits DLA Distribution that can be applied across the agency.