Far West Coordinator Comments

Brenda-Lee Karasik
Naval Command, Control Ocean Surveillance Center

There are two items I would like to discuss with you. The first item is an outline of the work the FLC Chairman initiated at an off-site in February. The results of this meeting should positively influence the FLC, its support to you at the lab level, and the direction the organization will take as it enters the next century. We focused on what the FLC has already accomplished and what its mission and strategic plans outline. We then conducted a “start-from-the-bottom-up” assessment that resulted in six “focus areas” where the FLC needs to devote time and effort. They are: Influencing Technology Policy, Optimizing Diverse Resources, Creating Innovative Partnerships, Strengthening the FLC Structure, Leading the Vision, and Projecting a Positive and Consistent Image.

Each region is responsible for working one of the focus areas. Our area for the Far West is, “Leading the Vision.” This will involve looking at the organization from a top level view and determining the tasks and directions the FLC needs to move toward to inculcate its vision throughout its user communities. We all have an opportunity to influence the direction of the FLC. If you have been wanting to input your ideas, thoughts, and comments to change or adapt the organization -- now is your chance! You should have received an outline of the proposed topics that I see as key to us working this area. It is certainly not complete. That is where you come in. Please participate. You are key to the success of this organization. As all of our agencies’ missions change, the FLC must adapt to remain an important resource for the movement of technologies from the federal labs into the commercial sector.

The second item I mentioned is the regional meeting. It will be held in San Diego on Sept. 30 - Oct. 2. You will also be able to see where the region’s support office is located and meet the staff who work hard to assist us. In support of our focus area, we will have working roundtable sessions to produce a product that will form the basis for our recommendations to the Executive Board and agency heads. Hopefully, many of you will be able to attend. If not, your input will be requested via e-mail or telephonically. Dan Brand, FLC Chairman confirmed that he will be attending our meeting to outline his vision for the FLC. This is an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback directly to the Chair. The meeting is shaping up to be a productive, interesting and hopefully, fun meeting.

Have a wonderful summer, and I look forward to working with you on our focus area. See you in September!

Regards, Brenda