TALENT MANAGEMENT
Miller got her start in acquisition directly out of college, start- ing as a “COPPER CAP” intern for the Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colorado. “After 9/11, my husband felt a calling to serve in the Army and decided to enlist. We moved to Fort Stewart, Georgia, and I was presented with an opportunity to work for the Savannah District Corps of Engineers.” As a lead contract special- ist, she was quickly engaged in several large programs, including work related to base realignment and closure and global contin- gency efforts. “Te work was fast-paced and challenging, and I knew we were making a meaningful impact on our Soldiers and their families,” she said.
Miller has since worked in four USACE districts across the coun- try. “I was fortunate to continue my career with USACE and build my contracting knowledge while moving around with my husband while he was on active duty,” she said. “Te longer I’ve stayed with the Corps, the more I discover about the huge impact we have on our Army and our nation, and that is why I continue to stay with USACE—our mission is awesome.”
Before taking on her current role, she spent six years as the mili- tary contract execution chief in the Little Rock District Corps of Engineers—“the single most transformative experience in my career,” she said. It was her first formal leadership position and, in addition to a wealth of experience, she gained a valued mentor in her chief of contracting, Sandra Easter. “Ms. Easter’s guidance and genuine interest in my development made my time there both challenging and very rewarding,” Miller said. During the assignment, the chief of the Business Oversight Branch retired and Miller was asked to take on those responsi- bilities—including supervising several more employees, running the district’s Government Purchase Card Program and ensuring that compliance reviews took place—in addition to her other duties. “It was daunting, to say the least,” Miller said. “But I said yes and learned as much as I could, and I think that expe- rience made me a better candidate for the position I am in now.”
Easter is one of several mentors who have played important roles in Miller’s career. “Tose relationships are another big reason I’ve stayed with USACE,” she said, noting that Denver Heath, USACE senior contracting official in Dallas, has also been an important mentor. “Without his faith in me and his encourage- ment through tough challenges, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she said. “My network of trusted mentors and coaches is one of my greatest treasures.”
On the other side of the mentoring equation, Miller provides formal and informal mentoring to contracting professionals and
PRESENTING OPPORTUNITIES
Miller talks about career opportunities with the Corps of Engineers at the University of North Texas in November. (Photo by Brian Hirsch, University of North Texas)
other members of USACE interdisciplinary teams. “For junior acquisition professionals, I have a few big pieces of advice. First, take advantage of every single opportunity afforded to you— even if it doesn’t fit what you think you want out of your career. Opportunities to excel are everywhere, and while they aren’t always fun, they are almost always worthwhile. Second, always do your best and look for ways to give back to your organiza- tion,” she said. “Live the Army values and, lastly, find a cause you are passionate about outside of work and give back to your community.”
For Miller, who has three children, that cause is Girl Scouts USA. Leading a Girl Scout troop “has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and nearly every experience has made me a better Army civilian,” she said. Troop leadership “has helped remind me of what it means to be a good and effective leader, and encouraging the girls to get outside of their comfort zone requires me to get outside of mine as well. As members of the Army Acquisition Workforce, we need to get outside of what is familiar and comfortable and be innovative in how we go about solving the nation’s toughest challenges.”
—SUSAN L. FOLLETT
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