Next generation of DLA HR professionals recognized at PaCE graduation ceremony

FORT BELVOIR, Va. -

Defense Logistics Agency Human Resources held its Pathways to Career Excellence Program graduation ceremony March 21, recognizing more than 120 HR specialists during an event conducted simultaneously in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania; Columbus, Ohio; and via livestream.

The ceremony marked the culmination of a two-year professional development program that equips graduates with the knowledge and capabilities to provide world-class HR services to over 60,000 customers across the agency and Defense Department.

Participants typically enter the HR PaCE Program as a GS-7 and are targeted for advancement to GS-11 over the next two years as they engage in on-the-job training, rotational assignments and formal training.

"I stand before you today with immense pride and respect for the remarkable journey each of you has undertaken as part of the HR PaCE Program," DLA HR Director Sharyn Saunders said in her keynote address to the graduates.

"Your graduation is only the beginning of your journey at DLA," Saunders added. "This program truly is a starting point on your pathway to professional development and success."

The graduates learned fundamental human resources management methods and principles and how to apply them. Mentors also helped them evaluate when and how to apply relevant federal rules, regulations and procedures when providing HR services.

"What made the greatest impact on me as a PaCER was the outstanding support of my supervisor. She let me know she would guide me," said David Krings, a graduate in Columbus who processes employee accessions, benefits elections and retirements.

"I will not let you fail, trust me," Krings' mentor told him. That encouragement put him at ease and allowed him to focus on developmental learning through each step and topic in the program.

Graduates developed HR specializations to help them focus their strengths and expertise.

"It was a tough two years, but it was very rewarding at the same time because it really set me up for my success," said Joshua Stumbaugh, a graduate in New Cumberland who oversees the competitive hiring process.

A major benefit of the course for him was the on-the-job training.

"They teach you everything you need to know and where to find it," he said. "That part of the training really set me on the path to advance in my career."

Stumbaugh learned how to analyze position descriptions and identify underlying duties to determine what qualifications applicants need to be successful. The training will help him advise managers during the hiring process, he added.

Fellow New Cumberland graduate Michelle Louras, who classifies position descriptions and onboards new hires, reflected on the skills she picked up in the program.

"One benefit for me was gaining the confidence to do my job better," she said, adding that some of the classes were geared toward hands-on learning. For example, she was introduced to the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System and learned the ins and outs of the application in order to set appropriate pay levels when determining position descriptions.

Angela Harmon, a PaCE graduate in Columbus, said the program made her a more competitive candidate for professional growth because the knowledge, competencies, and soft skills like public speaking that she developed during her PaCE journey are in demand and transferable across HR organizations.

"I would encourage anyone thinking about applying for the PaCE Program to do so," she said.

As with many endeavors, Harmon said stepping outside of one's comfort zone is often required. In doing so, she can attest that what she gained upon completion far exceeds the sacrifices made along the way.

Graduates are:

HR Training
Allison Bustria

HR Enterprise Support
Christopher Brosius, Norman Crowder, David Krings, Lisa Lee, and Jannet Perez

HR Operations, DLA Customers
Van Adkins, Elise Baerwald, Kassidy Bateman, Christopher Blickley, Holly Bookwalter, Abigail Carl, Sarah Crowder, Jade Curry, Shannon Custer, Marlena Dent, Daniel Detty, Kyla Fleming, Shemille Golston, Nicole Gossard, Joshua Hambrick, Jessica Harris, Tyrone Hayes, Christopher Henry, Michele Hippensteel, Tessa Jennings, Natalia Johnston, Mathew Ladewig, Ian Lake, Joshua Leitzell, Michelle Louras, Halle Marion, Jeffrey McCannon, Darrius McReynolds, Robin Moore, Maliah Morgan, Kenneth Nieves, Rachelle O'Dea, Michele Parobek, Tiffany Plourd, Kenneth Reckart, Joey Reynolds, Jacob Roach, Kristine Roller, Charles Sanders, Brian Sharp, Erin Shonk, Michael Snyder, Alyssa Stafford, Joshua Stumbaugh, Matthew Sweigart, Kendra Thompson, Joseph Turner, Justin Walak, Nicole Wallace, Michelle Watson, Crystal Wilborn, Casandra Williams, and Agnieszka Wrobel

HR Operations, DoD Customers
Cameron Bishop, Jessica Blum, Samantha Bobb, Scott Boyer, Cassandra Breen, Eric Bullard, Micheal Clifton, Theodore Dennison, James Dreitzler, Marvis Engram III, Kristin Farrand, Matthew Flaig, Adrieana Flynn, Anthony Frederick, Jennifer Frederick, Kimya Gamble, Shantel Goodson, Evan Hall, Lauren Hall, Angela Harmon, Rashad Hicks, Faceta Johnson, Jens Johnson, Jodie Johnson, Dongju Lee, Kayla Lemons, Bernice Lenix, Megan Lipscomb, Tara Maring, Kristopher McCormick, Scott McRae, Charlise Meadows, Laronda Molton, Romique Motton, Bryan Oberting, Kayci Parsons, Abbey Perry, Valerie Pierson, Ferris Pleasant, Heather Prater, Fontayne Pride, Esmeralda Proskurenko, Motique Ramsey, Jaimeece Robinson, Jacob Ruhe, Paul Ruivivar, Rachel Smith, Quincy Sowell, Alexandria Staufer, Tarina Stevens, Chiquita Street, Cayla Weimar, Josetta Whitney, Shamiah Williams, Julius Willis II, Craig Wolfe, and Courtney Wolfe

To learn more about the DLA Human Resources Pathways to Career Excellence (PaCE) Program, view the 2024 PaCE brochure, which has details about eligibility, when to apply and benefits.

Alvin Williams, a public affairs specialist for DLA Distribution, and Diana Sponseller, a human resources specialist, contributed to this story.

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