OO-ALC welcomes new executive director

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clay Murray
  • 75th Air Base Wing public affairs
Mr. Don Cazel, previous Ogden Air Logistics Center executive director, has since retired and moved on to new things.

The center's new executive director, Mark Johnson, has reported to Hill Air Force Base and is ready to get down to business.

"I was once told, 'it's amazing what we can accomplish if nobody is concerned with who receives the credit,' and that's the best advice I've taken to heart," Mr. Johnson said.

Running a large operation like the center can be a large job to do, and that's why Maj. Gen. Kathleen Close, OO-ALC commander, has Mr. Johnson as her civilian counterpart.
"My most primary concern is to help General Close run the logistics center," Mr. Johnson said. "In the past the commander, vice commander and director split it all, but now the civilian population is my main concern. Their development, training, education and career are all my concern."

Mr. Johnson's new position here is not a first for him. He has spent time in the Air Force Materiel Command on more than one occasion.

"I've been exposed to AFMC from a young age, and it's given me an opportunity to do several interesting jobs," Mr. Johnson said. "It's great especially while growing up from a competitive perspective."

In a leadership position it's always important to make plans for the unit and think about the direction the organization will be taking. Mr. Johnson explains that this is a long-term priority for both General Close and himself.

"Not only do we want to think about the direction of the center, but also of the direction the Air Force will be moving," he said. "All the changes in the works are part of a strategic move by the Air Force. We are in the process of replacing aging systems with modern ones. Considering the nature of the business we will be going from high amounts to lower. With significant cuts behind us, it is possible that some career fields will feel tight, but many are at comfortable levels.

"In the civilian work place we want to take a more analytical angle rather than purely mechanical," said Mr. Johnson. "We believe it will benefit employees across the board. Organizationally we will also be seeing some transformations."

Making decisions is a big part of a leadership position, and it's one of those qualities that Mr. Johnson has.

"I like to call my leadership style one of participation," he said, "and I certainly don't object to being the one who makes decisions. It's obviously part of this job, and it's best with the subject matter expert around."

Spending time in AFMC and logistics centers provided Mr. Johnson with some important experience to compete for his new job.

"(AFMC and logistics centers) have always provided healthy challenges for me," said Mr. Johnson. "We have provided some critical support for the Air Force personnel who are down range. I think this job's honorable and I enjoy the challenges it presents."