If you know me, you know I thrive on structure – in planning, organization, and timely execution. Being the daughter of an Army veteran, I came by these traits honestly. Although my father had left the service by the time I was born, the principles he learned in the military – competence, integrity, adaptability, and resilience – were crucial in how he raised his children. We observed his work ethic, discipline, and problem-solving skills both by watching him work and by working alongside him. Fast forward to 2004, I found myself interviewing for a Federal Marketing Coordinator position at LS3P and all I could think was – I have been preparing for this job my entire life!

With twenty years of experience, I currently serve as LS3P’s Federal Marketing Manager. Throughout my career, I have learned adaptability while further strengthening my sense of discipline and duty. I derive immense fulfillment from fostering positive team dynamics by establishing well-structured plans, ensuring adherence to project deadlines, maintaining consistent workflows, and setting clear expectations and objectives for myself and those I work with. This reliability has cultivated strong relationships with both internal and external project teams, thereby maximizing productivity and fostering collaboration.   

When presented with the opportunity to attend the 2025 Joint Engineer Training Conference & Expo (JETC) in Louisville, KY, I was eager to participate. The event is a prestigious gathering of military and industry professionals focused on advancing engineering services and enhancing national security. Leaders from the military engineering community convened to share insights, promote collaboration, and bolster support for troop readiness and critical infrastructure.

The conference opened with a powerful keynote conversation between chef, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Robert Irvine and Jo Bass, the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Their discussion centered on the importance of empathetic and effective leadership in today’s complex environment. Irvine emphasized that understanding what motivates people—and truly listening—is key to building loyalty and trust. Bass echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for leaders to also be self-aware and intentional in how they show up for their teams.

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the growing importance of innovation and collaboration between government and industry. As threats to national security evolve across domains like space, cyber, and information, engineering services must become more agile, efficient, and forward-thinking. The General Session on Day Two emphasized this shift, spotlighting efforts to streamline processes and embrace new technologies.

Service-specific updates underscored the scale and urgency of modernization:

• • The Army is undergoing its most significant transformation in over 40 years, prioritizing homeland defense and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
  • The Navy is focused on the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program and expanding capabilities in the Pacific.
  • The Air Force is investing in infrastructure while aggressively reducing excess facilities.
  • The Coast Guard’s Force Design 2028 is modernizing operations with a focus on agility, innovation, and shore infrastructure investment.

I also attended two “mega sessions” that offered deep dives into construction and architecture. The Construction session featured insights from the FBI, NAVFAC, and USACE on the benefits of design-build methods, including improved efficiency, stronger partnerships, and better project outcomes. The Architecture session explored how facility design is evolving to enhance readiness, reduce costs, and improve quality of life for service members. Notably, there was a focus on incorporating suicide prevention measures into barracks design—an important step toward supporting the mental health and well-being of our soldiers.

JETC 2025 was a valuable experience that reinforced the critical role of leadership, innovation, and collaboration in shaping the future of military engineering. I’m excited to bring these insights back to our work and continue supporting efforts that make a meaningful impact.

Lastly, I wanted to share a photo of my father when he was in the Army as well as driving in our town’s annual Veteran’s Day parade – a tradition I greatly miss since his passing.