Marriott reflects on accomplishments, takes on new role

By U.S. ArmyJune 26, 2015

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During some of the most challenging times for government employees, William P. Marriott has served as deputy chief of staff for personnel at Army Materiel Command headquarters.

AMC Commander Gen. Dennis L. Via acknowledged those trials at a June 25 ceremony recognizing Marriott's departure from the organization before his transition to a new role at the Army Aviation and Missile Command.

"Bill's tenure has been eventful to say the least," Via said. "We've experienced cross-country relocations, budget reductions, hiring freezes, furloughs, workforce reductions and sequestration."

Via highlighted some of Marriott's accomplishments, including the relocation of more than 10,000 positions because of Base Realignment and Closure, boosting the command's percentage of veteran employees and championing the organization's intern initiative program.

"He was a calming force and kept policies and plans people-focused, which is critical to any unit's success," Via said. "Issues involving personnel are the most difficult to solve and the most personally challenging to manage. But they're also the most important, because they're about our number one asset -- our people."

Marriott was awarded the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service Award, which he said he humbly accepted on behalf of all those who served the command.

"I wish it was possible for me to meet with each of the men and women who work for AMC across the globe, so I could look them in the eyes, shake their hands and express my heartfelt gratitude for their service, and give them some sense of what they've given me: Pride in our mission, the belief that anything is possible if you work hard enough, and an abiding confidence in our country and in those who volunteer to risk their lives to defend us all," Marriott said.

Before taking on the role at AMC, Marriott was a career naval officer, graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and serving in positions around the world before retiring after 26 years of service. He was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in July 2005 and also served as the executive secretary for the Department of Defense.

Marriott called the work he did at AMC rewarding and said the accomplishments over the past few years were not merely important, but historic.

"I've seen countless examples of resolve over the past six years as we've tackled two simultaneous conflicts, conducted the Army's largest ever BRAC, successfully overcome logistical and sustainment challenges, all the while dealing with fiscal constraints and the effects of sequestration," Marriott said. "In the end, if it can be done, AMC will find a way to do it."

As he takes on the position of deputy to the commanding general at AMCOM, a subordinate command of AMC, Marriott acknowledged that his work with the organization he has come respect so much, will not end -- but continue as he takes on his new journey.