NOVEMBER MEMBER HIGHLIGHT: Lance Haycock
Can you briefly describe your career path?
I began my DoD career in the Maintenance Human Resources area (MAWH) at McClellan AFB as a GS-0301-05 Palace Acquire in 1990. Shortly after my induction into human resources, we re-aligned AF Logistics Command (AFLC) and AF Systems Command (AFSC) into AFMC and an overage of human resource analysts drove my conversion to financial resources (MAWB). Best career move of my life! Spent 4 years in MXW/FM and 4 more on the Contract DMAG side, getting to a temporary GS-12 there before moving to the Academy as the Cadet Wing budget analyst due to base closure at McClellan. What a great duty location, working for the 1 Star Commandant of Cadets at USAFA, where we were a direct report unit to Air Staff and just needed to hold out a hand to get more funding. In 2000, I was selected as the Munitions Budget lead at Hill AFB, returning to my northern Utah roots. I got there just in time to deal with the Sep 11 2001 concerns, where our munitions buy budget nearly tripled overnight. I got my GS-13 in Mature and Proven Aircraft, taking on a supervisory role with the budget team and other resource management there. From 2005-2007 I was the Combat Sustainment Wing Chief Financial Advisor GS-14, working budget, cost and finance issues for 4-5 major programs, with functional responsibility for 65 FMers and more than $4.2B in Procurement, R&D, O&M and WCF dollars. In Oct 2007, I left the FM career field and went into the Logistics career field, working in OM and PM positions. But I have stayed actively involved with the FM community, retaining my ASMC membership thru 2022, and helping host PDIs in SLC, San Diego, Orlando, Seattle, Orlando again and finally in Denver 2018. I have also been ASMC chapter president of the Utah chapter from 05-07 and 15-17. My FM roots run deep and have given me a broad base on which to work in my logistics career.
What are your future career goals?
With 29 years Federal Civil Service, my 3-5 year plan is to get one last fulfilling assignment, work to age 60 and retire with more than 34 years federal service… I have thoroughly enjoyed working in the federal sector and retaining my FM ties through the past 10-11 years. I plan to remain involved in the Utah chapter thru the end of my time here and with nine grandkids here local, I look forward to spending many rewarding retirement years playing with them.
How has your involvement in ASMC helped to develop your career?
Being involved in ASMC helped me develop an extensive network of friends and peers at many locations, specifically my time at the AF Academy. Since the Pikes Peak chapter includes Army and AF personnel from several locations around Colorado Springs, I was able to network with many fellow FM’ers not immediately located with me at the Academy. That really broadened my network base and allowed me to come back as an endeared ASMC member to help support the Denver PDI runs in 2013 and 2018, having known many from that region. ASMC membership also allowed me access to great training opportunities at regional and national PDIs, along with the satisfaction of working with local and national leaders in chapter leadership and PDI committee leadership. Running the program and hospitality committees really helped refine my coordination and management skills, having to remain flexible in the face of very demanding personnel scheduling challenges.
Which ASMC programs/offerings have you found to be the most beneficial?
The National PDIs are a true training treasure not fully appreciated by all FM and DoD leadership. Taking advantage of the actual conference event or the follow on CBT training opportunities can truly help broaden your understanding and enhance your FM capabilities. The Networking aspect of the PDIs is just a great side benefit, not to be taken lightly. Getting involved in your regional areas and chapters is also a key to a fulfilling ASMC membership.
If you could pass along one piece of advice to ASMC Early Careerists, what would it be?
Get involved early, build your network at every event and meeting, learn all you can about all types of funds and the rules that govern them. Understanding the federal funding issues and working within the systems to make things happen is what truly adds value to the warfighter from the FM functional community. Also, getting some breadth outside the FM career field will enhance your understanding and capabilities greatly. Be mobile and open to all opportunities. Know your place in the process and do it well. “What ere thou are, act well thy part!” Shakespeare
