JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (Dec. 23, 2014) -- The Mission and Installation Contracting Command director of contracting at West Point, New York, is retiring from federal service after more than 32 years.
After serving as deputy director for almost five years, Annemarie Kopko assumed duties as director of MICC-West Point in August 2011. She is responsible for planning, managing and executing a comprehensive contracting and acquisition program with a staff of 36 employees to meet the needs of the U.S. Army Garrison West Point and the United States Military Academy.
"I am very proud to have worked for the Army, and specifically, to have been able to work at West Point, where excellence is the standard every day," said Kopko, whose final day in the office will be Dec. 31.
She began her career in October 1982 as a contract price and cost analyst for the Defense Contract Administration Services Management Area-New York. She went on to become a contract specialist at West Point where she was involved with multiple contracting teams and worked on all of the major and recurring procurements. In April 2000, she was selected to become a contracting division chief at West Point. Her success in leading a team of contract specialists executing primarily construction and service contracts in support of the directorate of public works allowed her to move into the leadership role as deputy director in October 2006.
Along the way, Kopko believes her fellow Army Acquisition Corps members have represented some of the most talented people in the service.
"This (contracting) field has always seemed to attract extremely intelligent and professional individuals," the 1978 University at Albany business graduate said. "Some of the smartest people I know have been or are contract specialists. Even though the educational requirements have become more stringent over the years, the abilities of the people in the field have always been, and remain, far above average.
"I will miss the wonderful MICC-West Point staff," she continued. "They are amazing people, and they do great work."
Kopko said her short-term plans for retirement revolve around taking a trip to London with her family. Following that, she looks forward to spending more time with friends, volunteering, planning the next vacation, and "maybe even taking another job."
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