Soundings News Articles

Employee Spotlight: Kelly Schroter

By Lynn Rose, public affairs chief, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District

Published Dec. 10, 2019
Kelly Schroter

Kelly Schroter

After participating in a developmental assignment at the USACE headquarters office for four months, Kelly Schroter reflects on her experiences.

“[I] really enjoyed learning how aspects of my job, such as Congressional inquiries and taskers, are generated and processed at headquarters level,” according to Schroter, the Detroit District Strategic Planner.

Serving as the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division Regional Integration Team (RIT) Endowed Chair, at headquarters USACE in Washington, D.C., Schroter describes the assignment this way, “RITs serve as liaison and advocate for the Divisions.  Primary areas of expertise of LRD RIT staff are planning, policy, and programs management.  The Endowed Chairs serve for four months and duties include serving as the action officer on regional correspondence and taskers, and assisting the team as needed with planning and programs actions.” 

“Due to many staff transitions in the RIT this summer, I emphasized building in continuity to transfer projects with minimal friction. The Planner departed, leaving a void for over six weeks.  Much effort went into keeping LRD projects moving.  Bringing the district perspective to the headquarters environment is good for the organization,” said Schroter.

Working in a high pressure job can present challenges to success, so developing goals to keep things on track is important.

“Remaining flexible and pursuing actions with a proactive sense of urgency contributed a valuable learning experience and productive rotation.  [I] really enjoyed learning how aspects of my job, such as Congressional inquiries and taskers, are generated and processed at headquarter level,” said Schroter.

There are various ways to incorporate your work life into making the long-term travel a pleasant experience.

“I brought my bike and often spent weekend mornings exploring the many bike paths in DC, Virginia, and Maryland,” said Schroter, speaking about her interests while off-duty.