PaCE Spotlight: Neil MacVicar

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -

Neil MacVicar (Alex) is a current member of Pathways to Career Excellence Program Group 46, which began in 2023. For his second year in the PaCE Program, he will fill a position at the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services site in Colorado Springs, CO.

What was your position before coming to the PaCE Program, and why did you apply?

I have worked with Defense Logistics Agency for almost a year, and my first position was as a scheduling assistant in the Transportation branch. I applied to the PaCE Program because I wanted to know how I can be more effective to the warfighter.

What has been your favorite part of the PaCE Program?

My favorite part of the PaCE Program is getting the opportunity to brief Mr. Cannon about my progress in the program. It has been a challenge for me because public speaking is intimidating, but it will also give me the confidence to speak to anyone! One of our instructors in the PaCE Program mentioned that public speaking is a muscle and the more you use it, the easier it gets.

In your own words, how would you describe the PaCE Program, and what can you gain from it?

The PaCE program is a 2-year long training program split up into one year of educational setting and learning about all the directorates in DLA. The second year is a hands-on environment, where you learn at your assigned site.
I can gain valuable experience about DLA and leadership insights from shadowing the directors during our year in Battle Creek.

Do you have a favorite memory or experience from the PACE Program so far?

My favorite memory is shadowing the Disposition Services Director of Mid-America, Jessie Parisano, in San Antonio, Texas, and learning all about what she and Deputy Director of Mid-America, Heath Buswell, do in their region.

What would you say is the most important quality to succeed in the PaCE Program?

The most important quality is personality. I think knowing all about DLA is important, but at the end of the day, how you interact with your customers and co-workers is what will set you apart from everyone else.

Where are you assigned to next year?

I am assigned to Colorado Springs. It was my first choice and at the top of my list.

What are your plans for your future in the agency?

My plans include being in a leadership role in some capacity. I don't know what that looks like now because I would like to be in the field for a certain amount of time before I can feel confident in myself as a leader in DLA. As my fellow PaCER, Philip Shands told me, "Start with something small and become proficient at that and then expand to something else."

Editorial Note: The Pathways to Career Excellence Program for DLA Disposition Services is a two-year program that takes PaCErs through all of Disposition Services and its processes to learn as much as possible about the directorate. The first year takes place at DLA Disposition Services Headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan, and the second year either takes place in Battle Creek for Contracting PaCErs or at an assigned field site for Property Disposal PaCErs. PaCErs begin as general schedule 7s, move to GS-9s at the end of their first year, and graduate the program as GS-11s. There are multiple pathways to becoming a PaCEr, including being hired internally, as a recent graduate, or from military service.

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