FORT LEE, Va. — Karron E. Small, Defense Contract Management Agency Engineering and Analysis executive director, was inducted into the Senior Executive Service in a July 16 ceremony at the agency’s headquarters here.
“We’re calling on Karron to step out of her particular technical discipline and take on a higher strategic outlook to provide support across DCMA and the entire Department of Defense enterprise,” Charlie E. Williams, Jr., DCMA director, said. “We’re asking her to deal with challenges in a collaborative fashion and bring those to the forefront so we can make the decisions that are important to the nation and the department.”
Following his remarks, Williams presented Small with an SES certificate signed by Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta in recognition of her induction.
“The DCMA mission is great and I am honored to have been selected to lead this great Engineering and Analysis Directorate,” said Small, who has more than 29 years of government service in the fields of engineering, quality assurance and policy -- including 15 years in naval aviation maintenance engineering.
After receiving her SES flag and pin, Small’s remarks centered on family, friends, colleagues and mentors.
To her former Defense Logistics Agency colleagues and mentors who attended the ceremony, Small said, “I have worked with many of you through the various stages of my career and your mentorship and support are appreciated. Thank you for sharing your insight into working with industry, HQ and the field in developing enterprise policy. I have learned much from you and your perspectives on leading teams and communicating sincere appreciation and respect for others are valued. You have all been my role models.”
Small concluded her remarks by sharing her family’s service and commitment to the nation.
“Protecting the freedom we share in this great country is near and dear to my heart,” Small said. “My father served in Korea, my husband in Vietnam, my brother in the Persian Gulf and my youngest sister in Iraq. My sister, Ellie, who is here today, works for the Department of the Navy. And to all who have served both past and present, I salute you.”
As DCMA’s newest SES, Small joins an elite corps of executives selected for their leadership qualifications and charged with guiding the continuing transformation of the federal government.