HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A contracting officer with the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville took one of two Contracting Professional of the Year awards in the 2018 Secretary of the Army Awards for Excellence in Contracting.
LaShonda Smith, Center Contracting Pre-Award Division team lead, said she is honored by the award. Smith, a Brooklyn, New York native, said one of the things she likes most about her position is interacting with people working in various programs and learning how those programs have an effect on projects around the world.
She said she would not be receiving the award if it wasn’t for professionals she works daily.
“Especially the pre-award division,” she said. “This team has definitely helped me strengthen my contracting skills and broadened me professionally.”
Although this award spotlights Smith as the best-of-the-best in the contracting and acquisitions field, Smith said she still has a long list of professional goals she hopes to meet. She said her immediate focus is on expanding her contracting knowledge through training, seeking new experiences in acquisitions and gaining more responsibility to enable her to fill more senior positions throughout her career.
Col. John Hurley, Huntsville Center commander, said Smith’s dedication and commitment to the Center’s mission is evident in all she does.
“The list of accomplishments that are behind this award are simply amazing,” Hurley said. “From serving as the only team lead for all three pre-award branches, to managing and assisting in the procurement of 24 highly visible pre-award acquisitions, to volunteering and seeking opportunities above and beyond the call of duty, Smith has established herself as a leader among her peers.”
Smith and the other winners will be honored at ceremony hosted by Dr. Bruce Jette, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology on April 4 in Arlington, Virginia.