FORT CARSON, Colo. -- After working more than 30 years for the Directorate of Public Works, Dan Golden reached the pinnacle of recognition in his field when he was awarded the DPW Operations and Maintenance Executive of the Year Award.
The DPW Operations and Maintenance Division chief was recognized for accomplishments in 2010, which directly saved the garrison and IMCOM millions of dollars through contract negotiations and reductions, partnering on troop construction projects and utility initiatives. The announcement was made at the Installation Management Symposium in San Antonio April 21.
"Dan is a great leader and very deserving of this recognition," said Hal Alguire, DPW director. "His relentless focus on motivating his workforce to exceed customer expectations while making smart fiscal decisions is truly commendable. He is a real asset to the DPW and the garrison team."
In a time of shrinking funding, Golden cut his operations and maintenance budget by $3 million through reduced costs on the base operations contract while continuing to provide strong service support to customers. He was also instrumental in negotiating the contract to support increasing requirements, which will result in a $5 million savings during the life of the contract.
He re-established the Troop Construction Program by partnering with the reactivated 52nd Engineer Battalion. The unit has since successfully completed several construction projects, resulting in the execution of projects at a reduced cost and Soldiers gaining valuable training opportunities while stateside. To date, Fort Carson has saved more than $150,000 through the Troop Construction Program work, which would have otherwise required contracting out, Alguire said.
Under his management, utility infrastructure projects in the amount of $21 million were identified and funded. He provided the design, specs and oversight to upgrade two electrical substations at a cost of $6 million. Golden's natural gas buying strategy saved Fort Carson more than $1 million and hydropower purchases saved another $10,000, Alguire said.
Golden knows public works inside out. He began with the DPW in 1976 as a wastewater treatment plant operator under the former Directorate of Facilities and Engineering, which predated the DPW, and has not looked back since. Outside of a four-year stint with the DOL, Golden has spent his career at DPW serving in a number of positions in the areas of utilities, contract management and engineering.
Golden said he enjoys his ability to impact Fort Carson staff and residents in positive ways through his work in operating and maintaining the installation.
"With input on the installation energy and recycle policies, my sustainability pitch is to remind folks that we can make a difference by turning off lights, by recycling that plastic bottle or by not wasting water," said Golden. "I also remind my folks that we provide services and that customer service and the golden rule go a long way (in) providing that support."
His daily focus is simple and he relies heavily on his staff, to whom he attributes his successes
and for receiving the award.
"My priority is to challenge my folks to be innovative, to find the smart solution, provide great customer service, and then get out of their way," Golden said.
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