A dozen Army organizations that have exhibited superior Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) methodologies to transform business processes were recognized during the 12th Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Excellence Award Program (LEAP) ceremony. Held virtually on 29 July 2021 and hosted by Robin Swan, Director of the Army Office of Business Transformation. The Army acknowledged 12, 2020 LEAP Award winners in two categories: Process Improvement Deployment Excellence Award (PIDEA) and Process Improvement Project Team Excellence Award (PIPTEA).
PIDEA recognizes organizations that deliver outstanding results in the deployment of LSS methodologies and the achievement of exceptional organizational performance. This year, the PIDEA was awarded to:
U.S. Army National Guard – For the outstanding efforts in the execution of Lean Six Sigma methodologies, other continuous methodologies, and the achievement of exceptional results. Joined by MG Giselle M. Wilz (Director of Staff, National Guard Bureau). Accepted by Ms. Wanda Thurman-Winn (Chief of the ARNG business transformation and reform).
U.S. Army Reserve Command – For continued growth in the deployment of Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and the achievement of exceptional results. Joined by MG Gregory J. Mosser (Army Reserve Deputy Commanding General), BG Robert Cooley (Army Reserve, Chief of Staff), and COL John Gobrick (Army Reserve, Deputy Chief of Staff). Accepted by Madeline Bodoh (Director, Army Reserve Continuous Process Improvement).
PIPTEA recognizes outstanding contributions and results of Master Black Belt and Green Belt projects. This year, they were awarded to the following teams:
U.S Army Europe – For reducing process cycling time for closing acquisition and cross service agreements. Joined by Dr. James Moyer (Deputy Chief of Staff, G – 8, US Army Europe). Team Includes: Ms. Claretha Lane, Mr. Ronald Robinson, Ms. Donna Robert, CPT Jed Cooper, MAJ Nilson Orozco-Oviedo, Ms. Mayra Baird, Mr. Kevin Crowder, and Mr. Jeffrey Allen.
U.S Army Materiel Command (AMC), Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) – For reducing administrative lead time for parts and management. Joined by MG Darren Werner (TACOM Commander). Accepted by Ms. Mary Isrow (Director, Continuous Improvement). Team Includes Mr. Daniel Schmidlin, Mr. Edward Dean, Ms. Katherine MacFarland, Ms. Celeste Kozinski, and Ms. Julie Taylor.
Florida National Guard, Medical Detachment – For decreasing completion time of National Agency checks and inquiries for new state employee hires. Joined by COL Gray Johnson (Chief of Staff, Florida National Guard) and COL Roy Bassett (State Surgeon, Florida National Guard). Accepted by Mr. Robert Eads (Ready & Resilient (R2) Program Manager). Team includes 1LT Shyan Fleisher, Ms. Kathleen Schwartz, Ms. Sarah Layman, CW2 Jeremy Howard.
U.S. AMC, Communications, Electronics Command (CECOM) Ground Combat Systems – For reducing the overruns within Tobyhanna Army Depot’s (TYAD) cable fabrication process. Joined by MG Mitchell L. Kilgo (Commanding General, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command), Mr. Larry M. Muzzelo (Deputy to the Commanding General), AND COL Daniel L. Horn (Commander, Tobyhanna Army Depot). Accepted by Mr. Christopher Gogola (Lead Process Improvement Specialist). Team Includes Mr. Kelvin Spencer, Mr. Eugene Golembeski, Mr. Ryan Caprioli, Mr. Kevin Fick, Mr. Richard Chekan, Mr. David Olander, and Ms. Susan Hughes.
Fort McCoy, Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Under the 83rd U.S. Army Reserve Readiness Training Center, 80th Training Command – For improving the ability to systematically and effectively certify new facilitators. Joined by CSM Shane E. Larson (83rd U.S. Army Reserve Readiness Training Center). Accepted by SFC James Teague (Chief Trainer, Fort McCoy NCO Academy). Team Includes MSG Angelica Reese and SFC Matthew Northcutt.
U.S. AMC, TYAD – For reducing rework with TYAD’s Paint Branch Process Green Belt Project. Joined by MG Mitchell L. Kilgo (Commanding General, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command). Accepted by Mr. Gregory Babarsky (Project Team Leader). Team Includes Mr. Jonathan Gaydos, Mr. Michael Rosecrans, Mr. Jude McLaughlin, and Mr. Edward George.
U.S. Army Reserve Command, U.S. Army Reserve – For improving Officer talent management in the U.S. Army Reserve. Joined by MG Gregory J. Mosser (Army Reserve Deputy Commanding General), BG Robert Cooley (Army Reserve Chief of Staff), and COL John Gobrick (Army Reserve Deputy Chief of Staff). Accepted by Dr. Madeline Bodoh (Director, Army Reserve Continuous Process Improvement). Team includes MAJ Andrea Brooks, and MAJ Donnie Camarigg.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntington Engineer District, Great Lakes and Ohio River Division – For improving project delivery data analysis. Joined by Mr. Thomas C. Steffens (USACE BPI Capability Manager). Accepted by Mr. Keith Carroll (Chief Programs Controls and Analytics). Team Includes Ms. Amy Riffee, Mr. Paul Langdon, Mr. Chad Loft, Ms. Molly Gallagher, and Mr. Robert Fuqua.
Assistant Secretary of the Army Acquisition Logistics and Technology, Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems – For the reduction cost of the Abrams Engine 1068. Joined by Mr. Ed Lewis (Deputy Product Director). Accepted by Jonathan Taylor (Program Officer, Abrams Powertrain). Team includes Mr. Patrick Riley, Mr. David Headley, Mr. Michael, Cottle, Mr. Jared Wysocki, and Vierma Shivangi.
U.S. AMC, CECOM Ground Combat Systems – For satellite transportable terminal line replaceable testing. Joined by CECOM MG Mitchell L. Kilgo (Commanding General, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command), Mr. Larry M. Muzzelo (Deputy to the Commanding General), AND COL Daniel L. Horn (Commander, Tobyhanna Army Depot). Accepted by Mr. Paul Brundage (Project Team Leader). Team includes Mr. Anthony Brandi, Mr. Paul Sheftz, Mr. Stephen Froncek, Ms. Nisha Shrestha, Mr. James Wolbach, Mr. Matthew Beavers, Mr. William Butts, and Mr. Gary Halterman.
Developed by the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army, LEAP Awards recognize individuals and teams who demonstrate excellence in building, sustaining, and implementing results-driven process improvement projects. Award recipients were chosen by a selection board comprising 12 representatives from organizations across the Army.
Congratulations to this year’s winners!
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