# Mission-critical and essential leader receives July Leadership Award 

/ Published Sept. 18, 2020
RICHMOND, Va., 
The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation Leadership Working Group recognized Gregory Kennedy this past July with the DLA Aviation Leadership Award. Kennedy is the Fusion Operations Division chief for DLA Aviation’s Customer Operations Directorate.

“Leaders are made, they are not born,” Vincent Lombardi, American Football Coach and National Football League Executive said. “They are made by hard-effort, which is the price all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.”

One might say that Kennedy is reaping the reward for having paid the price because it was his hard work and effort which led to him being recognized for the award.

Kennedy was nominated for the award by Kevin Ryan, the Fusion Operations division deputy chief.

“Greg is an outstanding leader in that he never asks an employee to do anything he is not willing to do himself,” Ryan said. “His collaborative efforts showcase his ability to lead teams through complex problems, while displaying a genuine interest in self-growth and professional development.”

The Customer Operations Directorate is responsible for the four military service divisions as well as the Mapping, Emergency Supply Operations and Nuclear Support divisions and  the DLA Aviation Logistics Operations Center. They also provide support to six industrial support activities.

Kennedy is responsible for the continuity and sustained daily operations within DLA Aviation. He serves in a critical role which not only orchestrates daily operations, but actively engages across the agency to support the warfighter, service divisions, DLA Headquarters operations and the agency's strategic partners.

“He has a diverse background from when he was on active duty in the Air Force,” Ryan said. “Greg has a strong work ethic and is the type of leader that employees want to work for because he values and rewards his employees for their contribution to the overall success of DLA.”

According to Kennedy, he was surprised yet humbled as well as honored that he was recognized.

“I have always lived by the mantra that a leader is only as good as the team they have working for them and I have an outstanding team,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy has established himself as a mission-critical and essential leader.

Some of Kennedy’s contributions, which led to him receiving this award include: working directly alongside Air Force Brig. Gen. David  Sanford, commander, DLA Aviation, to develop and produce a Health of the Fleet Chart that will be used for briefing the DLA Aviation deputy commander, the United States Marine Corps and the Navy Exchange Service Command; becoming the face of DLA Aviation to Defense Logistics Agency Headquarters, Fort Belvoir, Virginia; and taking on additional duties such as making sure DLA Aviation accountability and reconstitution updates were provided to the DLA director weekly.

“Greg sets the example of a true professional leader through his character, integrity and consistent loyalty,” Ryan said. “He fosters a positive work environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, while building a cohesive team environment. He is an exemplary and moral leader, and is highly deserving to be recognized as one of DLA Aviation’s very best.”