Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. --
As the Marine Corps continues to drive forward the transformative modernization outlined in Force Design, professionals from across MARCORSYSCOM and PEO Land Systems gathered to recognize the tireless dedication of the Corps’ acquisition workforce aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., for the 20th Acquisition Excellence Awards on May 8, 2024.
Brig. Gen. David C. Walsh, Marine Corps Systems Command commander, emphasized the importance of the work done by the prize winners—and the entire acquisition community-- as our nation prepares to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the 21st-century battlefield.
“Today we recognize the best and brightest. It's really hard work for the team to choose these winners, but they truly represent the innovation, leadership, and technical knowledge that ensures our Marines get what they need every day,” said Walsh.
Addressing what he called the Corps’ “unsung heroes,” retired Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Shrader, former commanding general of Marine Corps Logistics Command, took the stage to deliver the keynote address—highlighting the importance of execution in acquisition.
“We always have to prioritize execution. Experts are crucial here. At our level, we want to shake things up and move things around, but we tend to overlook execution. Remember, it's all about execution.” he said.
Celebrating 20 years of acquisition excellence, the award ceremony highlighted the Corps' relentless pursuit of rapid modernization to meet the challenges of the modern battlefield, ensuring the warfighter is prepared to fight and win in any clime and place. This milestone occasion honored acquisition professionals and teams who demonstrated exceptional leadership and expedited the achievement of project objectives. Those honored include:
HIGGINS/STONER/ROEBLING/KREITZER/BATES AWARDS
- HIGGINS (OFFICER): Maj. Casey Durst, PEO Digital
- STONER (NCO): GySgt Justin Hanush, PEO LS
- ROEBLING (CIVILIAN): Noelle Shott, MITSM
- LAWRENCE P. KREITZER LEADERSHIP (MARINE OR CIVILIAN): Col. Timothy Hough, PEO LS
- COLONEL RICHARD "DICK" BATES (MARINE OR CIVILIAN): Leslie Ferguson, Deputy to the Commander, Resource Management, & Acting MCSC Executive Director
EXCELLENCE IN ACQUISITION SUPPORT AWARD
- Individual: Maj. Jason Dempsey, CD&I
EXCELLENCE IN COMMAND SUPPORT
- Individual: Ronnie Cross, TCE
- Team: Secure Communication Integrated Product Team, CoS/Security
EXCELLENCE IN CONTRACT MANAGEMENT
- Individual: Morgan Brady, PEO Digital
- Team: PM ExR Contracts Team, PEO LS
EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
- Individual: Penny Whetzler, RM
- Team: MAO Obligations and Unmatched Transactions Team, RM
EXCELLENCE IN LOGISTICS & PRODUCT SUPPORT
- Individual: Jamie Tracy, CSS
- Team: PdM Long Range Unmanned Surface Vessel, GWS
EXCELLENCE IN MAGTF ENGINEERING
- Individual: Jon Feeney, GWS
- Team: Marine Air Defense Integrated System Test Team, PEO LS
EXCELLENCE IN MAGTF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
- Individual: Malissa Burns, CSS
- Team: Tactical Entry Point, PEO Digital
EXCELLENCE IN OPS RESEARCH/SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
- Individual: Jennifer Kernich, PEO LS
- Team: PfM CES Cost Estimating and Analysis Team, TCE
EXCELLENCE IN PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
- Individual: Maj. Paul Moreau, TCE
- Team: NMESIS Team, GWS
INNOVATION
- Individual: Efren Morales, PEO Digital
- Team: PM AAA ACV RCB Team, PEO LS
Congratulations to all the winners for their exceptional contributions and achievements, and thank you to all of those who have contributed to equipping our Marines over 20 years of Acquisition Excellence. Semper Fi!