# READY Forum links new employees to DLA mission, culture

/ Published April 12, 2024
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 
A new command sponsored 'READY Forum' was introduced into the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime schedule of events April 10.

The READY Forum is a relaxed, but vibrant opportunity for DLA Land and Maritime employees, new and seasoned, to engage and interact with leadership and learn about the DLA mission to best support the warfighter.

                Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Deputy Commander Kenneth Watson speaks at the People Support and Culture Division’s READY Forum April 10 in the Building 20 Auditorium. The forum will be offered twice a year, as a new requirement for individuals that have recently joined the DLA Land and Maritime workforce.                            READY Forum links new employees to DLA mission, culture                            Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Deputy Commander Kenneth Watson speaks at the People Support and Culture Division’s READY Forum April 10 in the Building 20 Auditorium. The forum will be offered twice a year, as a new requirement for individuals that have recently joined the DLA Land and Maritime workforce.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Arthur HyltonVIRIN: 240410-D-DM952-1235

The forum will be offered twice a year as a new requirement for individuals that have recently joined the DLA Land and Maritime workforce. Hosted by the People Support and Culture Division, the event educates all employees on the importance of understanding and engaging with leadership on a regular basis and the unique dynamics for supporting the warfighter.

 “Sometimes it is easy, with everyday tasks, to lose sight of the big picture - that everyone has a story that connects them to the warfighter.” said Dr. James McGarvey, a management and program analyst with DLA Land and Maritime's People Support and Culture Division. “We want people to understand that while sometimes the warfighter might seem distant, it is truly our warfighter, our story, our DLA, and we have the responsibility and pride to serve them as our customer.”

The READY Forum, developed as a result from the Denison Survey feedback from the DLA Land and Maritime workforce, gives employees the opportunity to hear first-hand how their daily work impacts the global mission of DLA around the world.

The acronym “READY” represents: Relationship - building leadership connection to the workforce; Enrichment - protecting the workforce and resources; Accountability - managing talent and perform/reward; Development - sustaining people and culture; and Your Story - solidifying employee connection and involvement.

While the event will be offered twice a year, the speakers and topics will rotate through individuals serving in various capacities within command.

Individuals attending will have the opportunity to hear warfighter stories demonstrating how their roles impact real life situations and how their specific roles support the warfighter mission of DLA. Having the ability to hear stories from individuals with career and life experience in workplace roles, allows employees to better understand the critical role that they play in providing essential support to those who serve in the Armed Forces.

“The intent of the forum is to better understand the impact the actions we take every day have on our warfighters and ultimately the security of our country,” said Michael Jones, director of Executive Programs. “We hope to show the connection between our workload and the events happening around the globe at any time.”

The newly reformed People Support and Culture Division, under the direction of Division Chief Jamila Bayard has been actively working on instituting culture initiatives and assessing results of the Denison Survey.

                Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime’s People Support and Culture Division organized the new command sponsored READY Forum April 10 in the Building 20 Auditorium. The forum will be offered twice a year, as a new requirement for individuals who have recently joined the DLA Land and Maritime workforce. (From left) DLA Land and Maritime People Support and Culture Division Chief Jamila Bayard, Change Management Specialist Raymond Bibb, Management and Program Analyst Amy Roby, Management and Program Analyst Dr. James McGarvey, Management and Program Assistant Rita Flowers and Management and Program Analyst Shannon Leppo. Not pictured: Management and Program Analyst Michelle Martell and Change Management Specialist Liza Tom.                            READY Forum links new employees to DLA mission, culture                            Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime’s People Support and Culture Division organized the new command sponsored READY Forum April 10 in the Building 20 Auditorium. The forum will be offered twice a year, as a new requirement for individuals who have recently joined the DLA Land and Maritime workforce. (From left) DLA Land and Maritime People Support and Culture Division Chief Jamila Bayard, Change Management Specialist Raymond Bibb, Management and Program Analyst Amy Roby, Management and Program Analyst Dr. James McGarvey, Management and Program Assistant Rita Flowers and Management and Program Analyst Shannon Leppo. Not pictured: Management and Program Analyst Michelle Martell and Change Management Specialist Liza Tom.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Arthur HyltonVIRIN: 240410-D-DM952-1345