ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA. Institute for Water Resources (IWR) team member Kelly Barnes has received a civilian service achievement medal for her service and commitment while assigned as Assistant Executive Officer to the Commanding General, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) from September 2013 through December 2013.
While on assignment, Ms. Barnes supported Lieutenant General Thomas Bostick, Commanding General and Chief of Engineers, with planning and organizing his interactions and participation within USACE, Army, and other forums. She planned and coordinated LT GEN Bostick’s events and activities, reviewed activities and events for consistency with the Commanding General’s priorities and USACE strategic goals, and assisted in overall strategic communications improvement.
“Ms. Barnes has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, flexibility and resourcefulness in anticipating the information requirements of the Commander, identifying key strategic opportunities, and coordinating the execution of high-level engagements throughout USACE, the Army, Department of Defense, Congressional venues, and multiple other forums,” said LT GEN Bostick in the award’s citation. “Ms. Barnes’ tireless efforts and dedication reflect great credit on her, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of the Army,” he continued. LT GEN Bostick thanked Ms. Barnes personally for her support and the impact she made on the overall success of the Commander General’s events and interactions while serving with the team.
“LT GEN Bostick’s leadership was such a good learning experience for me,” said Ms. Barnes, when asked about the assignment. “I accompanied him on a field trip to the Washington Aqueduct. He spent a few minutes with each person who worked there and walked away with an understanding of how the system works, both technically and from a process standpoint.”
Ms. Barnes is the Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Section PIANC (PIANC USA). She supports the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) and the Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations in their participation in international PIANC meetings and large technical conferences in their roles as ex-officio officers of PIANC USA’s U.S. National Commission. In 2012 she was selected for the USACE Emerging Leaders Program and participated in the New Orleans Senior Leader Conference. Ms. Barnes plays a key role on IWR’s communications team.