Leadership Spotlight: Mark Aicher
 
   Mark Aicher Director, Business Support
Battle Creek, Michigan  **Mark Aicher wearing blue shirt with trees in the background
        Mark Aicher
            Mark Aicher is the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services director of business support. Aicher has 34 years of federal service.

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                    VIRIN: 210129-D-D0441-501**  I lead a diverse group of exceptional personnel who are tackling audit advancement, effectiveness of internal controls, managing compliance, risk, system sustainment, issuance, and agreements programs. In addition, we manage enterprise-wide transformational initiatives, business modernization, process reengineering, and funds and facilities management. **How long have you worked for the federal government including military service?**  34 years. **How long have you worked for DLA Disposition Services?** 9 years. **What is your favorite thing about your line of work?**  Leading people. **What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?** After I graduated from Air Force Officer Training School, my stepdad, a retired Air Force senior master sergeant, told me to grab ahold of a senior noncommissioned officer and learn everything I could from them. That’s what I did, and it served me well throughout my career. **What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?**  The ability to listen. **Tell us how you approach change.**  Communicate, communicate, and then communicate some more.  Explain the reasons for the change. In the absence of information, people fill in the gaps and make things up. Often, the rumors are harder to overcome than the change itself. **What are your best practices for achieving goals or accomplishing tasks?** Have a plan, set milestones, track progress, and don’t let setbacks derail the plan. Never quit and never surrender. **Mark Aicher in military uniform with a blue background and an American flag
        Mark Aicher
            Mark Aicher is the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services director of business support. Aicher has 34 years of federal service.

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                    VIRIN: 210129-D-D0441-502

















Why is networking to build professional relationships so important in achieving success?** Networking allows you access to a lot of people with a wide range of experiences. If you are presented with a problem you are struggling with, the network may have options or solutions. It’s also a valuable communication tool. If needed, the network can reach far wider than your immediate work area. **What mistakes have you seen individuals make that prevent them from being successful?**  Not considering the unintended consequences of the decisions they make. They assume their decision is spot on and when they don’t get the results they expect, they struggle to adapt their plan. **What was your first job?**  Other than cutting grass, my first job was as a dishwasher at a local restaurant. **What did you want to be when you grew up?**  I wanted to build things when I grew up, such as bridges, roads and buildings. I got my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, but when I couldn’t find a job in the early 80s, I ended up in the Air Force. **What are your hobbies?** Wildlife photography and working out.  *Employee and leadership spotlight regularly features outstanding personnel from throughout the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services and other DLA organizations located at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan. Organizational directors may submit feature request to DLA Disposition Services Public Affairs.*