At Amentum, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In May, we’ll focus on Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month while shining a light on one employee at a time. Today’s Q&A is with Shiela Concepcion, DZSP 21 Vice President – Finance Guam BOS Contract Business Director.
How did you come to join Amentum?
I transitioned from PAE/DZSP 21 in 2022. I was originally hired to support Guam Base Operation Services (BOS) contract in July 2005 as an entry-level Computer Programmer.
What is your professional and personal background?
I earned my college degree in Computer Science and minor in Mathematics. I have 20 years of experience in quality control (QC) and experience in professional occupational/scientific fields performed on Guam multifunction BOS contract. For over 10 years, I have led both quality management programs (supervised >100 personnel) and IT system administration and application development.
I was born in the Philippines (Bicol) and raised on the island of Guam since 1986, An Army spouse of 15 years, we have two daughters — one a rising Junior at the University of Southern California and the other a vibrant rising 3rd grader. Both have a passion for hip hop dancing and compete at the national level.
I enjoy serving the community as the President for The Talent Box Travel Dance Group, non-profit, and Lector at the Talofofo Catholic Church. I also spend time supporting the Lions Guam Chapter – Galaide group and Army Family Readiness Group activities. Additionally, I’m an active supporter of the Guam Chamber of Commerce and Guam Contractor’s Association.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.
I currently serve as the DZSP 21’s Business Director for Guam Base Operations Services Contract, after serving the company as the Quality Manager since 2011.
I’m accountable for all business operations that include contract administration and management, finance and accounting, human resources, management information systems, and property.
I partner with the leadership teams to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, DoD, and Navy regulations and policy.
Ultimately, my role is to lead alongside my Project Director to support the Warfighter and to provide safe, clean, and functional working and living environments for our valued customers.
We lead a team to serve our customers and uphold our client’s commitment to provide U.S. and coalition forces the most effective logistics, operations and training support in the Western Pacific; and provide the highest quality of life for our service members and their families.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?
Years of experience in supporting the BOSC through project management, lead many process improvement and development of business software applications that has allowed DZSP 21 to excel in different aspects of process automation and continual improvement.
- University of Guam Distinguished Alumni 2012
- Proudest career moment includes the architecture and launch of Guam Network, a one-stop system for the Government to track contract performance and deliverables. This system was successful enough to be incorporated in future proposals.
- Another accomplishment was the enhancement of the Quality Management System (QMS) within the Guam BOSC that received many accolades from our customers and pushed “Exceptional” Contract Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARs) ratings from 2011- 2021. This QMS has also been incorporated in future proposals.
What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?
The most enjoyable part of my job is working with the hardworking men and women of our company to support the Warfighter. As an Army spouse, I take advantage of the opportunity to support my country alongside my husband.
Secondly, the opportunity for personal and career growth through multiple trainings and learning experiences are valuable. Networking with some of the
most experienced team members around the world is an honor.
What are you passionate about?
Family. While it starts with my husband and two daughters, I am passionate about supporting my DZSP 21 family as well as my customers and my Guam community. Every day I put in my whole heart into doing what is right to create a better tomorrow.
What’s your career advice?
A former supervisor once instilled in my mind, “What interests my customers, fascinates me.” If you keep this positive thought in mind, nothing will stop you from going the extra mile to perform your role exceptionally. Also, your “job” not only becomes something you “have to do”, but something you “want to and enjoy doing”.
What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?
Pay attention. That’s the best thing you can do to stay safe. That not only means to be attentive to your surroundings but understand the hazards of each task you are about to perform.
What’s the best invention in the world and why?
Mathematics. It is the basics of everything scientifical that fed the technology of yesterday and will still be feeding the technology of tomorrow.
Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?
I am honored to be a part of this Amentum team that shapes and “modernizes the most critical missions anywhere in the world, today and in the future.” Being from a small island, we are limited in career growth and support to our country. Amentum opens the door to expand that opportunity both from a personal and professional perspective, but also to play my part as an American citizen.
What does Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?
I am honored to share the spotlight among the “Greats” of all Asian American Pacific Islanders, especially the Filipinos who have paved the way for our culture throughout the world. This month, we memorialize our Filipino history and share our values and traditions. We join the proud kababayans around the world who contribute to the missions we support to create a “better future.”
