by Ronald E. Richards
Regional Logistics Manager
Southwestern Division
DALLAS--Tamara R. Mahaffey, Logistics Manager for the Southwestern Division’s Fort Worth District, is the recipient of the USACE Meritorious Logistician Award for 2014. Mahaffey beat out more than 500 eligible logisticians from across the Corps to win the prestigious award.
“I am blessed with a team of analytical, forthright, and dedicated professionals who willingly go ‘out of the box’ in order to achieve greatness,” said Mahaffey. “I accept this award on their behalf.”
As the Fort Worth District Logistics Manager for SWD, Mahaffey is charged with maintaining 100 percent annual property accountability throughout the District, managing the District’s vehicle fleet and keeping the District’s operating costs and environmental footprint low. She manages a team of five logisticians who assist with effective and efficient support in the areas of Facility, Supply, Fleet and OCONUS (overseas) and emergency operations.
“Tami Mahaffey is an exceptional logistician and superb leader that sets the example for others to follow,” said Robert L Gosciewski, Directorate of USACE Logistics Activity Center. “Her tenacity and perseverance in intricately planning and optimally executing logistics solutions for SWF's geographically dispersed and complex mission set is second to none.”
During Fiscal Year 2013, Mahaffey and her team saved the federal government an estimated $1.3 million—and 108 trees!— by recycling metal frames, motors, scrap metal and shredded paper, and by accounting for more than $20.5 million in property accountability.
Additionally, under Mahaffey’s leadership, SWF logisticians supported overseas contingency operations as well as provided support to USACE and the Nation during Hurricane Sandy and the Oklahoma tornadoes. Mahaffey, team leader for the Logistics Planning and Response Team #5 (SWF), deployed several times recently in support of Hurricane Isaac, the Joplin Tornado and Hurricane Sandy.
Mahaffey has instituted a management tool that provides the commander with logistics visibility, focusing on all logistics functional areas; asset visibility of emergency operations equipment and supplies; and Executive Orders compliance, including sustainment requirements. This management tool helps provide analysis, such as the ratio of vehicles to personnel, aiding in the decision –making process in reducing the commander’s fleet. In fact, her SWF logistics team has led USACE in GSA government reduction.
“Tami is a dedicated and valuable asset to the Southwestern Division family,” said Brig. Gen. David C. Hill, SWD commander. “She and her team have prevented waste and saved us millions of dollars. At a time when USACE is looking for ways to cut costs, her efforts have proved invaluable.”