Published on Sep 25, 2017
I started at HUD on October 30, 2005, so I have worked here for almost twelve years. I was a training officer before starting the ACM position on January 23, 2017. My previous agencies were Department of Transportation (2001-2005), National Institutes of Health (2000-2001), and National Science Foundation (1990-2000). I am thankful for over twenty-five years of federal service.
2. Tell us about one of your biggest successes achieved by your team.
One of the biggest successes achieved by my team is enacting and enhancing the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) 3-level certification program. I arrived at HUD when the certification programs were just beginning in 2006, and a lot has changed for the better. It has been an awesome journey watching the development of these programs, but especially the FAR-COR certification program which matches capabilities with appropriate workload assignments. It also has elevated the importance of the COR within the acquisition workforce.
3. What is the biggest challenge in your position?
The biggest challenge is disseminating important acquisition-related information to everyone who have a Federal Acquisition Certification at HUD. We receive an overwhelming amount of information daily, and it causes a challenge to reach everyone in a meaningful way. However, we have implemented a new customer service model to effectively communicate with the HUD acquisition workforce through weekly ACM communications via email.
4. What motivates you to put your best foot forward on a daily basis?
Being a part of HUD's mission to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all is what motivates me. Housing is one of the most important basic human needs, and HUD is a key component to making this happen, especially in low-income areas.
5. What skills do you think are most critical to successfully perform your job?
Organizational and time management skills are the most critical to perform my ACM duties successfully. I am a full-time ACM at HUD, so it is solely my responsibility to monitor all Federal Acquisition Certification programs in the agency.
6. What could the FAI team do to move the Federal acquisition workforce forward?
The FAI team is already doing a great job with moving the acquisition workforce forward by having the regular CAB, FAB and IACMC meetings to keep the ACMs informed.
7. What words of wisdom would you offer to your fellow Acquisition Career Managers?
The words of wisdom that I would like to offer are to continue networking with other ACMs and sharing best practices at the ACM meetings. There is always room for development in the way we implement and monitor the certification programs, and assisting each other is the way to a successful federal acquisition workforce across all agencies.
