# Disposition Services leaders meet for second day of Strategic Leadership Summit

/ Published Oct. 26, 2022
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., 
Leaders from Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services met for the second day of the Strategic Leadership Summit Oct. 25 in Battle Creek, Michigan, where the day’s focus was safety lessons learned and a way forward, the importance of communication in the workplace, and suicide prevention training.

                During his opening remarks, Director Mike Cannon presented South-East Region Director Becky Watson with a 25-year length of service certificate.                            DLA Disposition Services South-East Director receives lservice award                            During his opening remarks, Director Mike Cannon presented South-East Region Director Becky Watson with a 25-year length of service certificate.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Jace ArmstrongVIRIN: 221025-D-OS362-015During his opening remarks, Director Mike Cannon presented South-East Region Director Becky Watson with a 25-year length of service certificate.

“Twenty-five years of service, that’s cool,” Cannon said. “It’s nice to know you’re appreciated by the workforce, your peers, and your coworkers.”

Battle Creek Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Family Program Manager Lisa Grenon invited guest speaker Scott Teichmer, a member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Calhoun County as well as Question, Persuade, Refer Institute master trainer, to train participants.

QPR Institute suicide prevention training highlights three steps that can help save a life from suicide. Participants identify myths versus facts about suicide, learn about warning signs, explore how to initiate a conversation about suicide, and more.

“I’m grateful that we are able to do this training with you,” Teichmer said. “QPR is considered a gatekeeper training, meaning individuals trained in QPR are better able to identify those who may be at risk, and not only identify those who may be at risk but know that means ‘I have to do something.’ I would classify it as a bystander intervention.”                QPR Master Trainer Scott Teichmer trains DLA Disposition Services leaders at Strategic Leadership Summit Oct. 25.                            QPR Master Trainer Scott Teichmer trains DLA Disposition Services leaders at summit                            QPR Master Trainer Scott Teichmer trains DLA Disposition Services leaders at Strategic Leadership Summit Oct. 25.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Kelly BurellVIRIN: 221026-D-D0441-430

Safety and Occupational Health Manager Bill Cohoe presented end of the fiscal year data. Although reported safety incidents were low, Cohoe stressed that the organization could still do better next fiscal year.

“As Mr. Cannon said, ‘safety doesn’t have a rank’ and if you see something, report it,” Cohoe said. “Two essential components of an active safety culture in any organization are effective communication and strong working relationships where there is trust among employees at all levels.”

North-East Region Director Beth Ford shared challenges faced during a potentially risky property turn in, and other topics included an update on the Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization department and its goals for fiscal year 2023, as well as an operations directorate mission impact and issues working group led by Operations Director Arthur Welsh.

“There are certain types of agency issues that we will discuss as a team to identify a way forward,” Welsh explained.

Attendees divided into teams for a short breakout session to discuss ways to mitigate recurring issues within the agency.

The Senior Leadership Summit continues Oct. 26 with a focus on how prioritizing culture can lead to a more efficient and favorable environment for a diverse workforce.

----

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their mental health and need assistance, please visit 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.