St. Louis celebrates women with ‘secret’ visit

Courtesy Photo | Kristina Schmidt (second from right), a special agent in charge with the Secret Service St. Louis field office, served as Defense Contract Management Agency Boeing St. Louis’ guest speaker during an event celebrating women in public service and government April 5. DCMA Boeing St. Louis’ team members Lucretia Lape, Integrated Cost Analysis Team director, Jo Anne Hamilton Parks, Contracts Operations director, and Navy Capt. Matthew McLaurin, commander.  

ST. LOUIS, MO, UNITED STATES

04.28.2016

Story by Thomas Perry 

Defense Contract Management Agency

Defense Contract Management Agency Boeing St. Louis’ celebration of women in public service and government was accentuated by a visit from the Secret Service here April 5.

As the event’s guest speaker, Kristina Schmidt, the special agent in charge of the Secret Service St. Louis field office, addressed more than 60 acquisition professionals that included local agency team members, area divisional administrative and corporate contracting officers, and Defense Contract Audit Agency employees.

Schmidt shared her experiences with audience members about having passion for public service, partnering with local law enforcement to investigate crimes, and being ready at a moment's notice to travel and work with other agents in support of a protective detail. She also provided insight into why she joined the Secret Service and how she handled the responsibilities of working in a dynamic career field that included her five-year term on the Presidential Protective Division.

“I began my profession in 1995 as a special agent assigned to the Kansas City field office working financial crimes investigations and protection,” Schmidt said. “After assignments in Kansas City and Springfield, Missouri, I was transferred to the Presidential Protective Division in Washington, D.C. I served five years protecting President Bill Clinton and his family, and President George W. Bush and his family. Although this was the most challenging and demanding part of my career, it was by far the most rewarding.”

Navy Capt. Matthew McLaurin, DCMA Boeing St. Louis commander, said his team did an outstanding job developing the event and was thoroughly impressed upon discovering the office would be hosting a member of the Secret Service.

“Special Agent Schmidt’s unique perspective and experience greatly enhanced the day,” McLaurin said. “Her insight transformed our celebration of women in public service into a learning experience. I believe every attendee took something from her words that will benefit them professionally.”

After her presentation, Schmidt answered questions and received a framed command photo of a fighter aircraft flyover of the St. Louis Arch courtesy of the DCMA Boeing St. Louis command and contracts team. She ended her visit with an on-site production tour where she observed the F/A-18, E/A-18G and F-15SA final assembly floor.
McLaurin, who thanked Schmidt prior to her departure, has remained an enthusiastic proponent of Women’s History Month since taking command here. “This event was a great opportunity to gather and celebrate the contributions women make to our country and nation. This culture is prevalent in our office daily. We are blessed to work alongside many highly-talented women.”

• Date Taken: 04.28.2016
• Date Posted: 04.28.2016 06:54
• Story ID: 196737
• Location: ST. LOUIS, MO, US