DLA - Defense Logistics Agency
11/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/05/2024 14:35
Leadership Spotlight: Dean Newsome
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -
From humble beginnings mowing yards and shoveling snow in Pittsburgh to his recent appointment as director of DLA Disposition Services -Document Services, Dean Newsome continually seeks opportunities to improve himself and others.
Tell us about a little about yourself.
Image of Dean Newsome when he served with the US Air Force.
Bird
I grew up in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh, Penn., graduating from Duquesne University, then entered the Air Force through the ROTC program. My last assignment was as security director for then-Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service here in Battle Creek. I loved the area and decided to make it my home upon retirement from the Air Force. I've been with DLA ever since, working in DLA Disposition Services, Defense Logistics Information Service, and DLA Installation Support.
Image of Dean Newsome when he served with the US Air Force.
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Describe your job in a sentence or two.
As director of DLA Document Services, my charge is to provide hard-copy printing, scanning, and multi-function (print/scan/fax) devices to the Defense Department worldwide.
How long have you worked for the federal government, including military service?
I have 42 years of federal service. I entered the Air Force in October 1982 in the Security Police career field. I served as a SWAT commander, Chief of Police, Resource Advisor, Assistant Professor, and Chief of Force Protection. I retired from the Air Force in March of 2004, then entered the DLA workforce.
How long have you worked for DLA?
On and off since 1998. My most current tour began in 2015.
What is your favorite thing about your line of work?
The variety of the work itself and the challenge of improving our service delivery to the warfighter.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?
Focus on the mission, but do not forget to take care of your family.
What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?
Vision. It will help you through times of uncertainty and doubt and help others to do the same.
How would you describe your leadership style and why has it worked so well for you?
Dean Newsome was recently named director of DLA Disposition Services -Document Services.
Bike
I am a strategic planner and systems thinker by nature. This requires playing the "long game" in terms of developing relationships, taking care of people, and getting the mission done. Having a "begin with the end in mind" perspective helps keep me focused and resilient.
Dean Newsome was recently named director of DLA Disposition Services -Document Services.
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Tell us how you approach change.
I approach change from the perspective of the Chinese symbol for "crisis," which consists of two characters representing "danger" and "opportunity." Simply put; by having an attitude of resiliency, I tend to visualize how to avoid the pitfalls often associated with change and look for opportunities the change presents.
What keeps you motivated?
Opportunities to improve. Either myself, as a result of helping another, or by improving work processes.
What do you believe is your biggest accomplishment and why?
Aside from my kids, I'd say it was the work I did with the Secret Service and White House staff years ago. It represented the ultimate in mutual respect, cooperation, and collaboration across government agencies.
What are your best practices for achieving goals or accomplishing tasks?
Rigorous use of integrated process teams, data-driven decisions, and a plan of objectives and milestones.
What do you see as your biggest challenge right now?
Completing the integration of DLA Document Services into DLA Disposition Services and lowering DOD customers' cost of hard copy print products and multi-function devices.
Why is networking to build professional relationships so important in achieving success?
Because whether in our personal or professional lives, no person is an island. We get things done through other people. I believe there is a direct correlation between the strength of a bond between people and the ease with which things get done.
What would you have done differently in your career if given the opportunity?
I would have had better work/life balance years ago.
Tell us something that most people might not know about you or your directorate?
I'm a licensed skydiver, certified SCUBA diver, and an avid snowboarder.
What was your first job?
Cutting grass in the summer and shoveling sidewalks in the winter.
What is your best memory of working here?
Working for Paul Peters. He was a tough guy to work for, but directly and indirectly taught me many invaluable lessons about leadership, resiliency, and program/project management.
What is your favorite quote?
"You have to improvise, adapt, and overcome!" - Gunny Highway in the movie Heartbreak Ridge.
Anything you'd like to add?
I am both humbled and honored to lead the DLA Document Services workforce. We are some 400-plus individuals committed to working as a team to bring best-value products and services to the warfighter specifically and DOD overall.