At Amentum, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we’ll focus on Women’s History Month while shining a light on one employee at a time. Today’s Q&A is with D-Anne Lynch, Maintenance Planner, ES&T, Missions, Forensics and Analytics, Chemical Demilitarization – BGCAPP Program, Work Control Department.
How did you come to join Amentum?
I began working at Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (BGCAPP) for a different joint venture company and switched to Amentum for work planning experience.
What is your professional and personal background?
I worked in the residential building industry for 27 years before landing my first job at the BGCAPP mall location in Document Control. After job shadowing Quality Control at the site, I knew I no longer wanted to be at the mall, I wanted to be where the construction was taking place. Being fully determined and extremely persistent, I became a Quality Control Specialist, performing inspections and surveillances. I provided oversight at the end of the construction phase, Systemization and Operations through the VX campaign. Then Amentum hired me as a Maintenance Planner. I wanted the experience in planning the work and helping to ensure that the plant was able to keep processing.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.
When equipment breaks or adjustments need to be made in the field, I plan the work so maintenance can make repairs or replace parts or components. Planning the work efficiently and accurately lessens the amount of time processing is paused and helps to keep the project on schedule.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?
My proudest moment was being hired as a QC Specialist because I feel like most people did not think I could do it. I proved them to be wrong, worked hard and performed very well in that position.
What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?
I have only worked for Amentum a little over a year, and while I have not served in the military, I appreciate Amentum being a military-friendly employer. I love the country I live in, and I am grateful to the men and women who have served and to those who are currently serving in the military that help keep my country, my state and my family safe every day.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about the country I live in, the United States of America, the land of the free, the home of the brave, where I have liberty to be what, where and how I choose to live and worship.
What’s your career advice?
Do not take no for an answer, build relationships at work and personally, work hard then harder and NEVER give up.
What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?
See Something, Do Something!
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you see something that is unsafe, don’t just say something, if at all possible, do something and be a part of the solution.
What’s the best invention in the world and why?
Oh my, there are so many! It would be easier for me to answer the question, what’s the worst invention in the world and why? Cell phones. People are addicted to them. Most people feel they can’t function without one. They hinder relationships, and it’s basically a tracking device. They make it difficult to have in- person conversations, like how many times have you heard, “huh?” because the person was looking at their phone and didn’t hear a word you said? I could go on and on! They aren’t allowed at my dinner table.
The best practical invention I use regularly and wouldn’t want to live without is a leaf blower!
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
It is nice to recognize, honor and celebrate women and their accomplishments. I get it, but personally I am not really into history months. If someone does something good, something remarkable, something extraordinary, no matter their gender, race or ethnicity, don’t wait to recognize them. Recognize that person on the spot, no matter how big or how small the accomplishment is. Recognize all persons who deserve to be recognized.
I also understand the word “history.” There are so many things women and men have accomplished throughout history that it’s all too easy for deserving people to be overlooked, and that creates entirely new problems.
