# Leadership summit sets the course for excellence

/ Published Oct. 24, 2023
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., 
The 2023 Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Leadership Summit kicked-off with Director Mike Cannon delivering opening remarks that set the tone for a week of collaboration and strategic planning.

Leaders from our disposal and document services sites around the world joined their headquarters counterparts at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan.

                DLA Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon addresses senior leaders during opening remarks of the week-long strategic summit.                            Mike Cannon addresses leaders                            DLA Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon addresses senior leaders during opening remarks of the week-long strategic summit.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Jace ArmstrongVIRIN: 231023-D-OS362-062"The purpose of this summit is to get everybody organized and synchronized," Cannon said.

He continued to highlight that this was a historic moment, as it marked the first summit with Document Services officially aligned under Disposition, acknowledging the changing workforce demographics but underlined that some things would remain consistent.

We're still going to be in 14 countries in two territories, Cannon added. We're currently in 26 states, and as the Document Service data aligns underneath Disposition Services, this will grow and our 56 field sites will almost double.

One statistic Cannon pointed out was the strong representation of veterans within the workforce, exceeding 60%. He noted the importance of this fact, as DLA Disposition Services and Document Services are unique within DLA, having customers in uniform walking into their shops almost daily, emphasizing their role as the face to the Warfighter.

Cannon expressed his gratitude to those who have served and continue to serve those in uniform, highlighting that the appreciation for the Warfighter should be shared by all.

During his address, he went on to highlight various accomplishments, from responsible hazardous waste disposal, assistance in Iraq and the Philippines, back to basics training, and the new Excess to Disposal business cycle. Safety remained paramount, with Cannon's assertion that "slow is smooth, smooth is fast." He praised the transition to Warehouse Management System, noting it as the smoothest major IT rollout he had witnessed in his 42-year career, enabling modernization in various areas.

Fiscal year 2024 priorities came into focus, with completing WMS and an emphasis on business support and research and development. Notably, Cannon mentioned ongoing efforts, such as an automatic robot for sweeping. The aim is to optimize operations, combining high-tech solutions with low-tech efficiencies to enhance mission focus.

Collaboration between Document Services and Disposition was also highlighted with plans to partner on an E-document solution for disposition as well as partnering with customers and DLA for the execution of the DoDI 5330.03 that outlines Document Services as the single provider for printing and office print devises.

Cannon reiterated the importance of defining priorities to support the Warfighter and provide better care for the workforce, emphasizing the need for a safe, enjoyable workplace with the right tools and equipment, all while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

The event continued with several briefings, including sexual assault awareness and prevention, union updates and suicide prevention training.

                Attendees of the DLA Disposition Services Leadership Summit gathered outside the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center for a team photo.                            DLA Disposition Services Leadership Summit                            Attendees of the DLA Disposition Services Leadership Summit gathered outside the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center for a team photo.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Jace ArmstrongVIRIN: 231024-D-OS362-004The afternoon saw a comprehensive ethics briefing, with Cannon underlining the importance of upholding the federal employee oath of office and doing what's right, not just what's legal. He stressed the need for a high standard of conduct and expectations for all.

Wrapping up the day were briefings from the Equal Employment Office, focusing on reasonable accommodations and the workforce.

The discussions and exchanges will continue throughout the summit, covering a wide range of topics and including a team-building activity that focuses on enhancing communication and connections. The summit continues as a week of collaboration, strategic planning, and a commitment to excellence in supporting the Warfighter.