RA summit brings together two DSDs for training

Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services resource analysts from the Southeast and Mid-America regions recently gathered for a unique and informative summit in Jacksonville, Florida. With a diverse group of personnel, the summit served as an excellent opportunity to encourage teamwork and communication across the agency.

"The recent first-ever dual Regional Resource Analyst Summit, hosted by DSD Southeast and DSD Mid-America, proved to be a resounding success," said Mike Kancilja, Mid-West Deputy Director. "Bringing together analysts from both regions sparked a wave of cross-functional communication, breaking down barriers and fostering a collaborative spirit."

This was the first time this RA summit included both regions. As Kancilja reflected, he noted that participants eagerly shared their success stories and lessons learned. This exchange of ideas and knowledge is expected to benefit both regions.

The summit exemplified DLA Disposition Services' commitment to sustaining an agile and resilient workforce. Kancilja emphasized that summit organizers understood the importance of investing in people, is just as important as investing in people. This belief echoes one of the Disposition Services imperative objectives which is sustaining an agile and resilient workforce.

Attendees ranged from highly experienced professionals to first-time participants. Pamela Thompson, who has been with DLA for 18 years and a resource analyst since 2014, has attended multiple summits and understands her role in supporting the warfighter from the DLA Disposition Services site at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

"My role as the lead RA is to ensure the strategic plan is executed for the distribution of funds and to advise management and the RA team on our financial needs to support the warfighter," Thompson said.

Another attendee, Kimberlee Quaney, a management and program analyst, discussed her role in helping attendees improve teamwork and understand how their roles impact others.

"As the lead RA at DSD Southeast, one of my main roles is not only to oversee the RAs," Quaney said, "but also ensure everyone is properly trained, executes their workload, understands the processes, and that we all work cohesively as one team. That was the focus of this summit."

Throughout the summit, a variety of topics were covered, ranging from budget management to safety maintenance and repair needs. One objective remained at the forefront of all discussions: the emphasis on focus.

"Slowing down and being deliberate was a key message," said Southeast Region Director Becky Watson. "As a resource analyst, you need to pay attention to detail. Sometimes it's important to slow down and focus on your job to limit mistakes. Being meticulous and having attention to detail and consistency - these are all crucial to the job."