Photo By Chief Petty Officer America Wingo | Lt Col Natasha Miller, Executive Assistant to the F-35 Program Executive Officer,...... read more read more
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CRYSTAL CITY, VA (Nov. 08, 2021) -- Lt. Col. Natasha Miller is a change agent at the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and the Executive Assistant (EA) to F-35 JPO Program Executive Officer (PEO) Lt. Gen. Eric Fick. Like others at the JPO, she came to the program office for the organization's challenges and opportunities. It is the perfect place to develop skills in defense acquisition, personnel management, and best support the program's transformation.
As the PEO's EA, Miller (also known as T) now uses her leadership savvy in a more defined support role to the Executive Leadership Team. In addition to the expected duties of managing correspondence, preparing research, and scheduling while also acting as the gatekeeper, she understands the PEO's requirements. She applies her expertise and experience to decide which engagements are essential to support the PEO's agenda and priorities.
"Often, the EA is the first line of defense for the PEO. Think of it as a lineman blocking in front so the quarterback can stay focused and remain clear to make completed passes," Miller said.
Miller believes that working at the JPO means "what we do is so much bigger" than one person and it requires a passion for the people, program, country, and warfighter. As a well-rounded person who gives an honest effort when called upon, her positive attitude allows her to provide the best support to the PEO.
"The EA must also make sure that the PEO is equipped and ready for each day's engagements. That means being familiar with the internal and external stakeholders while also understanding program material to relay critical information to the PEO and other senior leaders. Most importantly, the EA must have good people skills and must be able to relate to people. It allows for better appreciation and understanding, less organizational confusion, and enables the PEO to make timely decisions," Miller said.
Before working as the EA, Miller spent two years as the F-35 Avionics Materiell Leader with the Mission Systems Directorate of the Air Vehicle Program Management Office (AV PMO). As the F-35 Avionics ML, she oversaw teams that developed, modernized, produced, and sustained the F-35 Mission Systems. In addition, she managed the Technology Refresh 3 team focused on acquiring an upgraded mission computer and cockpit display. The program provides critical technology enabling the F-35 warfighter the capability to respond to evolving threats quickly.
"The Avionics team manages critical F-35 capabilities from electronic warfare suites and countermeasures, communication, navigation and identification capabilities to electro-optical sensors. The products we provide are instrumental in ensuring that the warfighter has the advantage of battlespace awareness," explained Miller. "In addition, the Air System is interconnected and requires the Program Managers to cross-talk with other product managers to ensure that we are meeting Warfighter requirements. So, in my opinion, the most important duty of the AV PMO is to work across the organization as an integrated team." This integration experience will benefit her when advising and preparing the PEO for upcoming briefings.
Miller leads by empowering people, identifying their strengths, supporting growth, and sponsoring increased access to resources, tools, and training so people can perform better. She then asks that they "pay it forward." According to her, true success at the JPO starts with our most valuable resource: the people.
"My advice to the up-and-comers, as well as my peers and superiors, is to remember to pay it forward. None of us would be where we are if someone had not 'poured into us.' If you are not training those below you to be where you are today, you are missing an opportunity. If you are not reaching across the aisle to ask for help or exchange ideas with those across from you, then you are missing an opportunity," said Miller. "If you are not reaching down, to pull someone junior to you up, then you are missing an opportunity. Take care of the people, and the people will take care of the program, the mission, and the warfighter."
During 2020, Miller managed the JPO's Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Group (DIAG) standup during a time of critical reflection in the country. The DIAG explores ways to leverage the power of diversity within the JPO and elevates a renewed, inclusive way of engagement among staff members. In addition, featuring guest speakers from different backgrounds and career paths in the military and defense world allows the JPO community to participate in open conversations to increase awareness and understanding.
"Diversity and inclusion are more than race. Of course, race is important, but the DIAG wants to be sure that the JPO views diversity in all the ways it presents itself," said Miller. As she leaves the group's management with a new set of leaders, Miller reminds us that the JPO is a technologically advanced organization that requires a nuanced management approach.
"If we need to do things differently to meet our goals, then we need to talk differently and see different perspectives," Miller advised.
Miller is a strong presence in the Front Office. She ensures the PEO has what he needs to meet the daily challenges of the job. Miller added, "If you are looking for a challenge, you can find it here. However, to succeed, you must be innovative, adaptive to change, able to network, be dedicated, and courageous in your approach to the workload."
| Date Taken: | 11.08.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.08.2021 16:24 |
| Story ID: | 408912 |
| Location: | CRYSTAL CITY, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 663 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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