Tobyhanna Army Depot, PA –
It didn't take long for depot leaders to realize Jessica Carter is a force to be reckoned with.
Tobyhanna Army Depot's newest supervisor of the quarter introduced her brand of leadership to depot personnel less than five years ago. As chief of the Production Management (PM) Directorate's Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Program Management Division, she is responsible for one of the largest system portfolios on the Army installation. Carter accepted a temporary assignment as chief of the directorate's Sustainment Planning Division prior to receiving the third quarter award.
The award recognizes her ability to manage the cost, schedule and scope for a multi-million dollar portfolio that includes inter-service air traffic control and landing, counter fire, air defense, and range threat systems. She speaks highly of the members of the project team for their ability to resolve challenges in order to deliver these systems to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines that use them.
"Jessica drives our operations forward, providing clear direction to her team, ensuring deadlines and schedules are met," said Nicholas Caprioli, PM deputy director. "She steps up to take on additional duties, going above and beyond whenever needed, often without being asked."
The 19-year federal service veteran has spent a majority of her career in uniform serving in the United States Navy. She still wears the uniform in a reserve capacity.
"I am both surprised and honored to be selected as Tobyhanna's supervisor of the quarter," Carter said. "This selection is indicative of the fantastic team that I am blessed to work with each and every day."
Coworkers and peers say she remains calm, cool and collected even during times of stress.
According to former PM Deputy Director Sharon Smith, Carter has made her mark working behind
the scenes to improve processes and actively encourage other supervisors and employees to do the
same.
"Carter is the first to volunteer to pilot new processes and develop plans for improvements,"
Smith said. "She epitomizes Army core values, in particular, selfless service."
While leading the Toby 2020 Invest in Our People line of effort, Carter supported the initiation
of the Voices Investing in People campaign. Depot employees meet quarterly to discuss topics such
as equal employment opportunity, diversity and inclusion. The strategic initiative called Toby 2020,
which has evolved into Toby 2028, was introduced two years ago as a roadmap that enables
Tobyhanna to take a critical and honest look at the organization, mission and operations.
She's also an active member of the Association of the United States Army and depot veteran's
council.
Carter is an advocate of mentoring, having been advised by senior leaders throughout her career.
It's important to her to pay it forward and she believes it's an inherent responsibility of all leaders to
deliberately coach and mentor.
"I've been incredibly fortunate to have had a number of mentors support me throughout the
stages of my own career and life transitions," she said. "If I can help the members of my team
achieve their individual professional and personal goals that success tends to translate into shared
successes for the team."
On the advice of a mentor, the award-winning supervisor has learned to get comfortable with
being uncomfortable.
"My experiences here continue to challenge me," Carter said. "I've learned to become more
comfortable operating outside my comfort zone, or to at least embrace it because that is where the
real learning and growth occurs."