# DLA Distribution leadership summit highlights culture of innovation

/ Published Nov. 21, 2022
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution is creating a culture of innovation, the DLA Distribution commander told senior leadership Oct. 24 as he shared his leadership philosophy during opening remarks at the fall 2022 senior leadership summit at DLA Distribution Headquarters in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania.

Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase, commander, DLA Distribution, shared the importance of modernization efforts to enhance capabilities and to become a world-class organization.

                Defense Logistics Agency Distribution senior leaders from around the globe attend the fall 2022 leadership summit Oct. 26, 2022, in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. Under the umbrella of innovation, the summit focused on strategies to meet customer requirements, modernization, new warehouse management system implementation and upcoming audit and readiness requirements. Photo by Diana Dawa.                            DLA Distribution leadership summit highlights culture of innovation                            Defense Logistics Agency Distribution senior leaders from around the globe attend the fall 2022 leadership summit Oct. 26, 2022, in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. Under the umbrella of innovation, the summit focused on strategies to meet customer requirements, modernization, new warehouse management system implementation and upcoming audit and readiness requirements. Photo by Diana Dawa.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Diana DawaVIRIN: 221026-D-WD427-0001

He cited teamwork as the heart of DLA Distribution, with a reference to his days of rowing crew, and the importance of keeping everyone on the team pulling the oars together and on course. In pace with his command philosophy of one team, one mission, one heading and one standard, Chase challenged his senior leaders to think differently ... while creating an agile organization with a trained, efficient, safe workforce that fosters innovation.

Senior leaders from the 24 worldwide DLA Distribution centers and Distribution Headquarters received guidance from the headquarters’ leadership team on how to lead their teams under the commander’s vision to become better connected, more committed and further capable today than they were yesterday.

Under the umbrella of innovation, the four-day summit focused on strategies to meet customer requirements, modernization, new warehouse management system implementation and upcoming audit and readiness requirements.

                Fred Hildrich, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Red River, Texas, deputy commander, talks with Mike Watt, DLA Distribution Headquarters current operations, during the 2022 fall senior leadership summit in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, Oct. 26, 2022. Photo by Diana Dawa                            DLA Distribution leadership summit highlights culture of innovation                            Fred Hildrich, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Red River, Texas, deputy commander, talks with Mike Watt, DLA Distribution Headquarters current operations, during the 2022 fall senior leadership summit in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, Oct. 26, 2022. Photo by Diana Dawa            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Diana DawaVIRIN: 221026-D-WD427-0002

During the summit, leaders from the 24 DLA Distribution centers presented strategies they’re currently using or plan to use to initiate, execute and manage innovation, leverage technology, increase productivity, manage budgets and ensure quality and productivity at each location.

In addition, DLA Distribution Headquarters’ staff provided an update on modernization efforts including ruggedized tablets, mobile printers, voice technology, automated inventory, goods to person and other efforts that increase productivity, improve performance, quality and reduce costs. They described how distribution centers can use big data and business intelligence tools for faster and better decision making. To help maintain a culture of innovation throughout the worldwide network, staff asked commanders and directors to help collaborate with workers to build support and create ownership and acceptance of the new tools.

The DLA Distribution audit team also described new comprehensive tools and access to quality data to provide distribution center leaders the information they need to help drive continuous improvement across the storage and distribution life cycle. As distribution centers evolve from the Distribution Standard System to the new Warehouse Management System, the audit team foot stomped the importance of keeping inventory counts correct to ensure a smooth transition.

The summit takes the agency one step forward toward the goal of becoming a world-class organization. Through the lens of innovation, DLA Distribution will continue to provide readiness and lethality to the warfighter... providing them with what they need, when they need it, where they need it ... on a daily basis.

                Marine Corps Col. Kevin M. Chunn, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California, commander, presents strategies DDJC is currently using to initiate, execute and manage innovation, leverage technology, increase productivity, manage budgets and ensure quality and productivity, at the fall 2022 senior leadership summit in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, Oct. 24, 2022. Photo by Matthew Mahoney                            DLA Distribution leadership summit highlights culture of innovation                            Marine Corps Col. Kevin M. Chunn, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California, commander, presents strategies DDJC is currently using to initiate, execute and manage innovation, leverage technology, increase productivity, manage budgets and ensure quality and productivity, at the fall 2022 senior leadership summit in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, Oct. 24, 2022. Photo by Matthew Mahoney            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Matthew MahoneyVIRIN: 221024-D-VQ057-0013