Photo By Elizabeth Phillips | Tracy Lawton poses for an official photograph in front of the United States flag in...... read more read more
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From Combat Boots to Boardroom
Tracy Lawton, California Military Department's United States Property and Fiscal Office chief of contracting, exemplifies the strength and adaptability of women in the military and civilian world. After serving her country with distinction for five years, specializing in military contracting, Lawton seamlessly transitioned from the Air Force to the dynamic world of finance and acquisitions, where she now leads an award-winning all-female team.
Lawton said her key to success is constant communication and trying to understand where people need help and support. Her team is a National Guard Bureau Excellence award winner and has the largest contracts in the CMD to date.
Lawton's team serendipitously is an all-woman-led team and has been recruited by both the Army and the National Guard Bureau.
“Mrs. Lawton brought extensive high-caliber knowledge to Team USPFO,” said Air Force Col. Jonathan Cartwright, Director of United States Property and Fiscal Office for the CMD. “With over two decades of Government Acquisitions experience, including contracting responsibility for a $7.8 billion classified portfolio, she added a valuable strategic mindset and network to our already award-winning team," he said.
"I have found my team is strong and successful," said Lawton. "We work well together; we pick each other up; we are supportive; and most importantly, we empathize with each other," she explained.
Lawton said it's important to never let money or power dampen your dreams and to always go into things with an eye for seeing what you can learn and how you can challenge yourself.
"Diversity in thought is the strongest asset of all," she said.
Women like Lawton bring unique skills that add immense value to the military.
"I have done big acquisitions for satellites to go to space that support the warfighters," said Lawton. "Those were in the billions of dollars. I was the contracting officer for launch vehicles, which are rockets that take those satellites to space. That was about $15 billion dollars in acquisitions that I led."
The ability to navigate complexity, solve problems under stress, and lead diverse teams are qualities that transcend gender.
In today's military landscape, where adaptability is critical, including women brings a wealth of perspectives, enriching the overall effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
"After the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Guard hired me on and again granted me an unlimited warrant," said Lawton.
Unlimited warrants are hard to acquire and highly sought after, according to Lawton. This means that one can handle as much money in purchasing as conceivable. Hers is the first unlimited warrant in CMD history.
"It's pretty grueling to get into this world," said Lawton. "I did the panel interviews with the National Reconnaissance Office and the Air Force.”
Her experience echoes a broader truth: the skills acquired in the military, such as discipline, teamwork, and adaptability, are relevant and highly sought after in civilian professions.
Never back down, and always fight for what you believe in, Lawton advised.
"I guess I traded in my combat boots for heels," laughed Lawton.
| Date Taken: | 02.13.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 02.15.2024 16:41 |
| Story ID: | 463883 |
| Location: | SACRAMENTO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 61 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Females in the fight: Breaking barriers and thriving beyond the battlefield, by Elizabeth Phillips, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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