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The Defense Logistics Agency has recognized two operations directors for leading the merger that created its new DLA Weapons Support command, presenting them with the agency’s top leadership honor in late July.
Chrissy Schall, director of operations for DLA Weapons Support (Columbus), and Chris Collins, director of operations for DLA Weapons Support (Richmond), received the Lt. Gen. Andrew T. McNamara Award for Distinguished Logistics Leadership on July 23–24, ahead of transition ceremonies in Richmond, Virginia, and Columbus, Ohio, according to the agency. The award, named for the first director of the Defense Supply organization that preceded DLA, honors civilian or military employees whose work has had a strategic impact on DLA operations.
Schall and Collins were cited for steering the integration of DLA Aviation and DLA Land and Maritime into a single major subordinate command. Agency leaders say the consolidation is intended to streamline support for weapon systems by creating a single point of contact, cutting redundancies, standardizing processes and improving overall readiness for the military services. Award materials also credit the pair with maintaining mission continuity and fostering collaboration throughout the transition.
“It took the whole village for this to happen,” Collins said.
A former Marine Corps logistician, Collins brought a warfighter perspective to DLA Aviation, where he served as director of operations under 10 commanders. He often points to a line from Marine Corps Gen. Robert H. Barrow: “Amateurs talk about tactics, but professionals study logistics.” Another maxim guides his approach to leadership: “If you can’t handle criticism, you’re not fit to lead.”
Schall joined DLA in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001, entering the agency’s internship program while studying for actuarial exams. She advanced through DLA Land and Maritime, building institutional expertise that proved crucial to the merger. A quote she keeps in mind comes from Albert Einstein: “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”
The two leaders were credited with navigating one of DLA’s most significant reorganizations, aligning complementary strengths after the integration effort began last summer. Collins praised Schall as a “common sense leader” who drives “process excellence,” while Schall noted Collins’ dedication as a problem solver.
While the McNamara Award recognizes individual leadership, DLA officials cast the broader outcome as a more agile, resilient organization designed to support the Joint Force for years to come.
