Mary Pakenham-Walsh, a senior project manager and member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District regulatory team, has garnered a front-row seat to observe Corps processes in action in Washington, D.C. from February through June 2017.
Only six regulators from across the Corps are chosen each year to take part in these Washington developmental detail assignments – two are assigned to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) and four with USACE Headquarters.
The goal of these temporary assignments is to provide field-level regulators an opportunity for professional growth and to broaden their understanding of the Corps regulatory program, the Corps’ role in the Army and the function of government at its highest level.
While serving in Washington, Pakenham-Walsh will serve as an action officer responsible for follow-up, staffing and completion of work products in coordination with her mentor, Charles "Chip" Smith, assistant for environment, tribal and regulatory affairs, Office of the ASA (CW).
Pakenham-Walsh has been onboard with the Sacramento regulatory team for nearly nine years.
"The Sacramento District regulatory team is honored to have one of its own detailed to the ASA (CW) office to gain more insight into legislative and administrative priorities and processes,” said Mike Jewell, chief of the Sacramento District Regulatory Division. “I know Mary can share her experiences working at the tactical level where regulations, directives, and guidance get implemented."