Representing the DCMA workforce

Photo By Patrick Tremblay | Patcy Wesley is president of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 170, the elected body serving Defense Contract Management Agency personnel who fall under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Part of the 37-year federal employee’s role is to be a voice for the workforce on the DCMA Council.  

FORT LEE, VA, UNITED STATES

02.05.2013

Story by Patrick Tremblay 

Defense Contract Management Agency

FORT LEE, Va. - After 37 years of federal service, Patcy Wesley knows a few things – and a few people. She is now using her experience, insight and expertise as an advocate for Defense Contract Management Agency employees as the newly elected president of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 170.

AFGE Council 170 represents the interests of employees protected by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and comprises 33 elected groups, or “locals,” across the agency. In addition to meeting with the locals, Wesley and other AFGE Council 170 leaders also have quarterly meetings with agency General Counsel and Human Capital.

Her new position also puts her on the DCMA Council, which consists of 20 senior agency leaders and Director Charlie E. Williams, Jr. Here, Wesley will be a voice of workforce.

Wesley has been helping people since she can remember. “I’ve always been an advocate for people, even in my personal life,” she said. “Anytime I could help someone, I would.”

Her first brush with collective bargaining came early in her federal career, at her first assignment with the Department of Veterans Affairs (then the Veterans Administration) in Miami. “I was in need of assistance, and they (the local union) were there to help. I’ve been active in the union ever since.”

In addition to the VA, Wesley’s resume includes work as an Air Force civilian before she joined DCMA as an acquisition professional. Through it all she has been an active champion for employee concerns, serving in several elected union positions.

“I was a steward and later president of AFGE Local 3953 in Florida,” said Wesley, “and later was elected as the east vice president representing what was then the Defense Contract Management Command when it fell under the Defense Logistics Agency.” That position introduced her to many of the senior leaders who are still with DCMA.

Success in her role is about relationships. Though quiet in demeanor, Wesley is an effective voice for others, amplifying their concerns. She knows, however, that her broad experience in collective bargaining and knowledge of the DCMA workforce is only part of the equation.

Wesley said her personal and professional definition of leadership is based upon the principles of trust, truth, respect and continuous communication in a positive environment with management, employees and the union.

“Many of the people who I’ve helped early on in my career are still good friends,” Wesley said, “and I most definitely have a good working relationship with other senior leaders."

• Date Taken: 02.05.2013
• Date Posted: 02.12.2013 11:44
• Story ID: 101851
• Location: FORT LEE, VA, US