COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: U.S. Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground, Division B, Branch D
TITLE: Contract specialist
YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 14
DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: Contracting professional
EDUCATION: M.S. in management science and B.S. in business administration and management, both from the University of Maryland University College
AWARDS: Special Act of Service Award (2023); Recognition from the Integrated Logistics Support Center, Director of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (2022, 2020); Civilian Service Commendation Medal (2021); Recognition from the Deputy Executive Director of the Software Engineering Center (2020)

Chere Benson

by Cheryl Marino

Throughout her career as a contract specialist, Chere Benson has encountered numerous challenges, navigating significant organizational changes and complex negotiations. Similarly, in her personal life, she’s faced unexpected obstacles and transitions that demanded flexibility and resilience. But she’s rolled with each challenge and learned some pretty amazing lessons along the way.

“The most important lesson I’ve learned throughout my career, both on and off the job, is the paramount importance of adaptability,” she said. “Whether navigating significant organizational changes as a contract specialist or handling unexpected personal life transitions, adaptability has been indispensable.”

In her role as a contract specialist at the U.S. Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), Benson manages the entire life cycle of various contracts for the Army—drafting, negotiating and administering contracts to ensure they meet the Army’s stringent requirements with efficiency and effectiveness.

“My work requires a keen attention to detail, a strong adherence to regulatory standards and the ability to manage contract modifications and amendments as needed,” Benson said. “The essence of my role supports our Soldiers directly by ensuring they have the necessary equipment, supplies and services to perform their duties safely and successfully.”

In addition to supporting Soldiers, Benson said the greatest satisfaction in her role within the Army Acquisition Workforce is the sense of purpose it provides.

“Knowing that my work contributes significantly to the broader mission of the Army and supports the men and women who protect our nation is both an honor and a powerful motivator,” she said. “This connection not only enhances my professional endeavors but also deepens my commitment to excellence and service in every contract I oversee.”

Benson said she frequently faces scenarios that require swift adaptation, such as new regulatory landscapes, evolving project requirements or unexpected negotiation outcomes. “Embracing adaptability allows me to remain effective and efficient in these situations, ensuring I can meet and often exceed the expectations set for my role.” She applies this lesson by staying open to new ideas and approaches, actively seeking continuous learning opportunities and being prepared to shift strategies as needed.

Benson noted that early in her career, her division chief encouraged her to explore the acquisition path, which she pursued and secured a position as a management and program assistant in the Program Executive Office for Command, Control and Communications – Tactical (PEO C3T) Readiness Management Division. The role presented an opportunity to build foundational knowledge and experience vital for advancing within the contracting sphere.

“My initial foray into the acquisition field was as a volunteer contracting officer representative within the same division. This role afforded me the chance to work closely with the ACC-APG contracting officer and specialist on a variety of PEO C3T contracts. It provided me with a profound understanding of contract administration and confirmed my interest in furthering a career in contracting. The dynamic nature of the work, coupled with the direct impact on supporting Soldiers by ensuring they received essential equipment and services, was particularly compelling,” she said. “This experience catalyzed my transition to a contract specialist, a role that fully embraced my skills in problem-solving and desire for a challenging, impactful career within the federal government.”

Another significant mentor, she said, was her former branch chief, who inspired her to approach the contracting field with innovation and creativity. “They challenged me to see regulations not as barriers but as opportunities to creatively meet mission needs within the legal framework,” she said. “This perspective shift has been transformative, enabling me to leverage creative problem-solving strategies and alternative approaches effectively.

In 2022, Benson completed the Emerging Leader Courses, which was a significant milestone in her professional development within the Army Acquisition Workforce. Throughout the year, these courses provided her with a series of invaluable lessons and experiences that, have profoundly impacted her professional growth, she said.

“The personalized one-on-one coaching sessions were particularly transformative and deepened my understanding of my own capabilities and contributions to the organization. This enhanced self-awareness instilled a robust confidence, encouraging me to pursue higher-level opportunities and embrace the role of mentor for my colleagues and junior specialists,” Benson said. “These courses not only sharpened my leadership skills but also prepared me for my next career goal—becoming a contracting officer.”

With newfound confidence, Benson took on a high-dollar value contract in 2023. The role involved the navigation of complex contracting activities and challenges, significantly preparing her for future responsibilities as a contracting officer.

“The Emerging Leader Courses have been instrumental in shaping my approach to career advancement and overcoming professional challenges,” she said. “The skills, confidence and insights I gained have made me a more effective leader and a proactive member of the Army Acquisition Workforce. The courses not only offer practical skills, but also provide strategic career insights that are crucial for long-term success.”

Benson said that after her division was disbanded and team members were reallocated across various divisions, she emphasized to junior colleagues the importance of resilience and adaptability. “This significant organizational change presented challenges in maintaining morale and productivity. I encouraged them to remain focused and steadfast in pursuing their career objectives, despite the uncertainties and disruptions they faced.”

Recognizing the challenges her team faced in navigating less-familiar areas, she made it a priority to support them by providing resources and facilitating brainstorming sessions. “These efforts were designed to help ease the learning curve and empower them to handle new responsibilities confidently,” she said.

“My advice to junior acquisition personnel has consistently centered on the necessity of perseverance through changes and challenges. I have aimed to provide them with the tools and strategies necessary to overcome obstacles, fostering an environment where they can grow and succeed in their roles within the acquisition field.”

Outside of work, Benson is an avid event planner and a dedicated mother of three. “Both roles enhance and reflect my capabilities as a contract specialist in various ways,” she said. “As an event planner, meticulous attention to detail, robust communication skills and adeptness at handling complex logistics are crucial. These skills are directly transferable to my professional role, where detailed attention and clear communication are essential for negotiating contract terms and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.”

“Being a mother has taught me the art of multitasking and nurtured my ability to empathize and understand diverse perspectives, which are critical in building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders,” she said. “These qualities are vital in my work environment, particularly when resolving disputes and negotiating contracts. In both parenting and my professional role, I strive to create supportive, productive environments that facilitate growth and success.”

By fostering adaptability, she said, she not only enhances her professional performance but also cultivates a resilient approach to both her personal and professional life challenges. “This has been key to navigating complexities with confidence and securing successful outcomes across all facets of my life.”