# Kathy Atkins-Nunez: Pioneering excellence in leadership 

/ Published Dec. 27, 2023
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., 
Longtime employee Kathy Atkins-Nunez recently concluded a remarkable 39-year journey with Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services, while helping to establish an organizational benchmark for leadership.

Throughout her tenure, colleagues said she exemplified a commitment to not only meeting but surpassing standards and fostering an environment of continual enhancement and dedication.

                Kathy Atkins-Nunez and Arthur Welsh discuss warehouse operations at DLA Disposition Services at Red River Army Depot, Texas February 2020. Atkins-Nunez and Welsh are both retiring from federal service with a combined 76 years of service to the nation.                            Two                            Kathy Atkins-Nunez and Arthur Welsh discuss warehouse operations at DLA Disposition Services at Red River Army Depot, Texas February 2020. Atkins-Nunez and Welsh are both retiring from federal service with a combined 76 years of service to the nation.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Jeff LandenbergerVIRIN: 200226-D-YU183-1510Her final DLA role was as director of the Mid-America region, where she oversaw its surplus property reutilization, transfer, donation, and sales efforts and promoted cost-effective methods for fulfilling the supply needs of DOD, federal, state, and qualified non-profit customers.

Her oversight of receipt, accountability, storage, and excess property issuance reflected a consummate dedication to efficiency and accuracy. Managing a substantial $1.5 million budget, she ensured meticulous execution across various programs, including Defense Travel System and government purchase cards, while overseeing the welfare and safety of 191 personnel across 15 operational sites within the region.

Before taking the helm at Mid-America, Atkins-Nunez served as director of the South-East region, where Audrey Weber was her deputy for 10 years. 

“She is a very empathetic person,” Weber said. “’People first,’ and she made sure people knew that. The job is important, but you are more important.”

Weber said when it came to the job, she was very data driven. Atkins-Nunez relied on it to monitor the health of her sites.

“She did not believe in ‘tiger teams,’” Weber said, referring to a short-term infusion of extra employees at a location to help it get back on track. “If a site was struggling, she would not send someone in to clean it up.”

Instead, Weber said, Atkins-Nunez believed that the site needed to fix itself or the problem would re-occur. Weber recalled that once, there was a site whose metrics were sub-par for a full year while the area manager in charge was encouraged to find the solutions and fix any underlying issues.

“They have never gone red again,” Webber said.    

She was cited for helping Mid-America during a transformative period, redefining organizational structures, optimizing workload distribution, and enhancing facilities to better support the warfighter. Her strategic acumen and visionary contributions streamlined operations, ensuring agility and responsiveness in meeting critical demands.

"Kathy Atkins Nunez’s leadership has not only set high benchmarks but has been instrumental in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and dedication within the agency," said Pete Foreman, chief of staff DLA Disposition Services.

DLA Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon also lauded her impact, saying "Kathy Atkins-Nunez has been a pivotal figure in our organization's success, reshaping operational landscapes and steering us towards a more efficient and adaptive framework."

Her forward-thinking approach helped usher the agency into the digital era, Cannon said. She was considered a champion of systems modernization, from DAISY to today’s Warehouse Management System. He said her adeptness in navigating complex transitions minimized disruptions and showcased her ability to leverage technology for enhanced efficiency.

Cannon added that her sites consistently outperformed organizational metrics, leading to substantial increases in RTD and sales rates, and strengthened support for humanitarian and disaster relief efforts alongside FEMA. Her leadership’s tangible impact on organizational success reverberates through various success stories from diverse sites, underscoring the consistency and efficacy of her strategies.

Throughout her illustrious career, Kathy epitomized resilience, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to driving results, particularly in high-pressure scenarios. Her legacy of excellence, mentorship, and visionary leadership will endure as an inspiration for future generations.

As Kathy Atkins-Nunez embarks on a well-deserved retirement, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence and transformative leadership that will resonate as a guiding light within DLA and the Defense Department for years to come.