DLA Oklahoma City launches committee to cultivate organization Published June 17, 2010 By Brian Johnson DLA Oklahoma City TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Activated here in 2008, Defense Logistics Agency Oklahoma City Depot-Level Reparable Procurement Operations is dedicated to supporting its customers and testing new initiatives. "With a workload that is 20 to 40 percent greater than was originally anticipated, the challenges of establishing a new organization have been many," explained DLA Oklahoma City Director of Procurement Operations Michael Yort. "However, the caliber of our people and their dedication to seeing the mission accomplished has made this an exciting organization." "One of the things that makes DLA Oklahoma City an exciting organization to work for is the implementation of a new Marketing and Morale Committee," said Brian Johnson, who spearheaded the committee's launch with fellow DLR Procurement Operations contract negotiators Rochelle Love and Rosalinda De Leon. De Leon recently began a new position as a contract specialist for the Air Force's 72nd Contracting Squadron. The Marketing and Moral Committee was created to develop a strong work force that values excellence in character by building employee morale and creating an environment that fosters team work and enhances productivity. It is comprised of five separate sub-committees: the Character Committee, Social Committee, Intern Committee, Ambassador Committee and Public Relations Committee. The Social Committee has served the Oklahoma City organization for the last two years and is being incorporated under the Marketing and Morale Committee. They are responsible for enhancing organizational morale by coordinating and hosting team events and activities. The Intern Committee is also responsible for enhancing morale, but their focus is on new employees and interns as they plan events and develop a mentorship program aimed at those new to the organization. The Character Committee will conduct monthly training emphasizing the importance of good character and strive to increase awareness of how character impacts the organization. Publicizing news and information about the organization will be the responsibility of the Public Relations Committee, while the Ambassador Committee will focus on branding by attending professional and civic events. "The expectation is that by focusing on morale and bringing an awareness of good character we can reduce some of the distractions that hinder productivity," Mr. Johnson said. Committee chairpersons meet monthly to discuss initiatives they want to implement for the organization. During these meetings, leadership and management topics are presented to help develop future leaders. "DLA has given us an opportunity that is not found in many government organizations. I am excited by the possibilities that exist in and for DLA," Mr. Johnson said. "I also believe DLA Oklahoma City DLR Procurement Operations will soon be one of the best procurement offices to work for not only at Tinker, but across all of DLA." The committee was established for DLR procurement employees, but Mr. Johnson said it would be great to see other organizations adopt this program or something similar. Those interested in joining the committee, can contact Mr. Johnson at 734-8096 or Ms. Love at 734-8108.