Director of CHRA visits Red Cloud

By Pfc. Kim, Tae HoonApril 10, 2009

Director of the CHRA visits Red Cloud
Barbara Panther, Director of the Civilian Human Resources Agency (left), talks to Col. Larry 'Pepper' Jackson, USAG-RC garrison commander, (right) about
recruiting environment. She suggests publishing a story about working in Korea, stressing it was ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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RED CLOUD GARRISON - The director of the Civilian Human Resources Agency came to visit USAG-Red Cloud March 24 to introduce herself and listen to the voices of garrison members.

Barbara Panther, who manages operations in headquarters CHRA and the seven CHRA regions in both the continental U.S. and outside of the continental U.S. locations, is responsible for providing comprehensive civilian human resources services and advice to commanders, directors and employees at installations and oversees activities throughout the Department of the Army. She assumed the position of director October 2008.

"I have recently taken the job of human resources director," Panther said. "So I needed to come to Korea and introduce myself to your Civilian Personnel Advisory Center director, her employees, and your commander here to learn the mission, what concerns customers, and what I can do better in order to make sure we provide good service."

Welcome signboards were set up in front of USAG-RC headquarters and CPAC for her arrival.

Erin Freitag, CHRA-Korea regional director, and Geraldine Jones, Area I CPAC, gave Panther a windshield tour of Red Cloud and they visited the 2nd Infantry Division museum.

After the tour, they began talking about the organization's business processes. Panther mentioned how new business processes and automation will require an open mind to change and learn easier ways of doing business.

"I found more work here than I imagined," Panther said. "We discussed things we need to make sure we can accomplish our work in Korea."

During a luncheon at the Commanding General's mess, Panther introduced herself and gave a short brief about CHRA's vision for the future.

"It was beneficial," said Lawrence Keys Jr., CPAC supervisor and human resource specialist. "We learned about the plans she has, which are good plans, not to mention she is a friendly and talented lady."

Panther also visited Col. Larry 'Pepper' Jackson, USAG-RC commander; she suggested publishing a story about working in Korea, stressing it was key to attracting people to work in Iraq despite the threat of war.

Panther said she found the workforce very dedicated, committed, and capable during her visit.

"It is a privilege to lead this organization and meet everyone here. I am honored to have this opportunity," she said.