# Leadership Reflection: David Stickney 

/ Published March 15, 2022

                DLA Disposition Services Aviano Area Manager David Stickney.                            220302-D-D0441-1251                            DLA Disposition Services Aviano Area Manager David Stickney.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Courtesy photoVIRIN: 220302-D-D0441-1251**What’s your role?**

As a new area manager, I am responsible for the Aviano hub, which includes Rota, Spain, and Sigonella and Aviano, Italy.

**How long as a fed?**

I have been with the federal government in various capacities since my enlistment with the U.S. Navy in September 1985. 

**How long with DLA Disposition Services?**

Since 2003. I was associated with DLA Disposition Services as a DSU-3 member. In March of 2010, I started full time as a management resource analyst.

**Things that make your line of work fulfilling?**

1. The warfighter. 2. Reutilizing property for our nation, which leads to ... 3. Keeping landfills from being overloaded with waste.

**The best advice you have received?**

"Safety-Accuracy-Speed" and "Improvise-Adapt-Overcome."

**DLA memories worth sharing?**

My best (and most difficult) memories of DLA Disposition Services come from my three deployments to Afghanistan, once to Bagram and twice to Kandahar.

**Tell us how you approach change.**

Embrace it and move forward. As the old saying goes, “The only constant in this world is change.”

I found that to be very true.

**What keeps you motivated?**

Learning new things and gaining a deeper insight on my abilities, even when it doesn't turn out the way I had planned.

**What do you see as your biggest challenge right now?**

Every day is a challenge, whether it be great or small. Completing a solid day's work where I can look back at my accomplishments helps me feel that I have met the challenge. 

**Why is networking to build professional relationships so important in achieving success?** Because we need those relationships that help us to be better as an agency, and when we do, we all succeed, the accomplishment of which is exponential.

**What mistakes have you seen individuals make that prevent them from being successful?**

Repeating the same mistake more than once, and sometimes again and again.

**What would you have done differently in your career if given the opportunity?**

Started sooner! For 15 years I worked as a carpenter, then moved into business, which I regret not doing sooner.

**Your first job?**

My first job was paperboy, but the job that is most memorable is when I was a pineapple picker at the Napili Plantation on Maui when I was 16 years old.

**What did you want to be when you grew up?**

I wanted to be a forest ranger when I grew up, but somehow my path led a different way.

**Any hobbies?**

Playing the guitar is my favorite.

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DLA Disposition Services is celebrating its 50th Anniversary by reflecting on its mission, culture, and workforce. This series is highlighting leadership and employees throughout the agency, across the globe. Visit the historical page to learn more about the MSC and its history.