Fort Belvoir, Va. (July 3, 2014) - Project Manager Terrestrial Sensors welcomed its new leader during a change of charter ceremony, Tuesday at the Defense Acquisition University, Howell Auditorium.
Col. Anthony J. Sanchez assumed the program charter for PM Terrestrial Sensors from Col. Edward J. Stawowczyk during the ceremony.
Sanchez most recently served at the Joint Staff, J-8, and prior to that assignment served as the Product Manager, Defense Wide Transmission Systems. He said he is humbled by his selection as PM Terrestrial Sensors program charter.
"It's kind of the culmination of 24 years of service having the opportunity to take over a Project Manager shop of this size with the magnitude of the mission," said Sanchez. "It's very humbling, but exciting."
The program charter was officially handed to Sanchez by Stephen D. Kreider, Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors, program executive officer. Kreider is excited for the fresh perspective Sanchez brings.
"It's not that there's anything wrong, but it's a fresh opportunity to look and see if we are strategically focused. (We have to ask) are our priorities in the right place?" said Kreider. "So, he'll make those observations."
Sanchez served as the Director of Staff, Plans and Resources for the single Integrated Air Picture Joint Program Office in Crystal City, Arlington, Va. This experience and his time with DWTS have shaped his approach to managing Terrestrial Sensors which will consist of allowing people to do their jobs, according to Sanchez.
"The job (in Arlington) gave me the opportunity to deal with money and contracts, and putting the right person in the right place to do the job," said Sanchez. "DWTS has four separate products underneath it. So, when you have that much staff underneath you, you really can't get too deep in any one thing at any one time. You have to put the right folks in place, make sure they understand your guidance and allow them to do their job."
Stawowczyk leaves thankful for the relationships he built with members of the organization. He also appreciates their dedication to supporting servicemembers.
"This group is very special because they dedicate their lives to protecting our servicemembers," said Stawowczyk.
His understanding of the mission and straight forward leadership approach are why Stawowczyk was so successful these last three years, according to Kreider.
"He has the right priorities, and he's got the candor and leadership qualities that are necessary to lead his team to be able to do that," said Kreider. "He takes care of people first because the people are who makes the mission successful."
That Stawowczyk "bleeds green" according to Kreider is another reason he was so successful, said Kreider.
"It's infectious when you have an 'all in' leader," said Kreider. "You know he knows the mission and is dedicated to doing the mission. That enthusiasm spreads and motivates everyone else in the organization."
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