Kathy Bankerd from midcareer until now. Everyone who’s mentored me in one way or another helped me understand that my job is an important part of the acquisition process and inspired me to work hard, be cognizant of what needed to be achieved and to be proud of the work product.
STAYING THE COURSE Wall has been with ACC-APG for more than 30 years, progressing from her first post as a secretary to her current position as a contract specialist and team leader. (Photo by Betsy Kozak- Howard, ACC-APG)
How did you become part of the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?
I became a part of the workforce in the early 1980s. As a college graduate, I had many opportunities for upward mobility in the procurement field. I stayed in the field because of the amazing people who mentored me—they had experienced con- tracting through the Vietnam [War] era. Tey had a passion for the process and encouraged a team approach with the cus- tomers who needed to field services and products. Tey were so generous with their knowledge, time and general interest in me that it motivated me to learn as much
The most meaningful awards are the ones I have received from customers who felt genuine appreciation for our work supporting the warfighter mission.
as I could and to be an integral part of an acquisition team.
What do you see as the most important points in your career with the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?
By far the most important part of my job is to help my customers traverse the acquisition minefield of regulations and procedures to ultimately get the ser- vice or product for their mission. Tis could be as simple as office furniture or a weapon system, or involve the research required to decrease the weight of a body armor system.
Can you name a particular mentor or mentors who helped you in your career? How did they help you? Have you been a mentor?
I have had numerous mentors throughout my acquisition career who have fostered my interests and kept me motivated to continue to strive to make the process more efficient and expedient for the orga- nization enlisting my services. Helen Morrison and Richard Gravely were very influential in the early part of my career, and I’ve been privileged to work with
I have been a mentor to interns through- out the years and found it gratifying to give back to people eager to learn. It is a challenge to mentor interns who come to you with no experience because of the time factor and your own workload, but to see someone begin to make inde- pendent decisions based on rules and procedures along with common sense brings a tremendous amount of satisfac- tion and pride in what we are all trying to accomplish.
What’s the greatest satisfaction you have in being a part of the Army Acqui- sition Workforce?
Executing contract actions that provide systems and equipment that directly help the warfighter in theater during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom provides the most job satisfaction.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get where you are today?
Because of the changes in federal con- tracting that I have seen over the years that I have been in this field, I would rec- ommend that people entering the 1102 [contracting] series be very patient. Tere is a lot to learn, and it can be burdensome and overwhelming. Take advantage of all advanced learning opportunities and educational assignments to further your understanding of the process and how to grow in this field.
—MS. SUSAN L. FOLLETT
ASC.ARMY.MIL 95
CONTRACTING
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