JJR Announces 2023 DIND Award Winners

Dayton, Ohio—JJR Solutions has named employees Renee Hess, Liz Howard, and Erin Thibault as recipients of its annual DIND Award, recognizing them as extreme team players who excel in their roles, take on tasks above and beyond their duties, and live out JJR purpose, mission, and values.

The DIND Award is presented each year in honor and memory of the late U.S. Air Force Maj Gen Carlos Perez, who served 32 years defending the country that gave freedom to his Cuban immigrant family. Maj Gen Perez lived the motto of “Do It Now, Dummy,” or “DIND” for short, which to him meant taking action, making decisions and adjustments, and simply doing what is right. 

DIND Award winners are extreme team players who perform well and engage in JJR’s purpose, mission, and values while embodying the DIND mentality. Employees are nominated by JJR supervisors for excelling within their respective roles while doing tasks that are above and beyond their normal job descriptions.

The supervisors for each awardee shared why they nominated them for the award.

Renee Hess, Project Manager

Portfolio Director Dave Cope expressed how Hess lives by the DIND mentality:

Renee Hess
Project Manager

“Renee is my utility infielder: ready, willing, and able at a minute’s notice to jump in and assist with whatever we need, whenever we need it across the Customer Mission Success (CMS) [division]. Her outstanding performance this past year warranted her promotion from JJR Business Analyst to Program Manager (PM) on [one Air Force contract] as well as her being elevated to PM on [a different Air Force] effort. …

“Her selfless, can-do attitude is infectious, and she sets the example for all in her orbit on how to be both a formal and an informal leader. Renee did not accomplish one huge task well, rather she gladly jumped into the fray and accomplished countless smaller tasks outside her swim lane quickly and well – directly contributing to flawless execution on multiple projects. Renee is certainly deserving of this meaningful award!”

Liz Howard, Program Manager

Portfolio Director Jared Young shared how Howard went above and beyond in her work:

Liz Howard
Program Manager

“In 2023, Liz made significant contributions to how CMS operates. While she was tasked to create a program manager playbook and associated documents, she went above and beyond to include using [a new software platform] to track all our processes and treat it like a program which, in turn, provided valuable training in the use of [the platform to her fellow teammates].

“She completely transformed the enterprise risk review process by focusing on the matrix of types of risk and refining the risk values. All these changes last year completely optimized how CMS operated, giving time back to project managers and CMS leaders and making operations more efficient and repeatable.

“She is always willing to dive into any gap she sees or gap she is asked to fill and does it with grace and no need for praise.”

Erin Thibault, Director of Change Strategy Design

Vice President of Total Experience Design Scott Reed shared the following about Thibault’s contributions:

Erin Thibault
Director of Change Strategy Design

“In just three short months at JJR Solutions, Erin Thibault has exemplified the spirit of our DIND Award through her exceptional contributions that align seamlessly with our company’s purpose and mission. Her willingness to step into an interim program leadership role for a Human-Centered Design (HCD) contract showcases her dedication and adaptability. Her efforts in this capacity … are poised to set new best practices.

“She has gone above and beyond, playing a pivotal role in co-designing and facilitating a one-day horizontal alignment workshop during JJR’s Leadership Engagement Summit. This initiative sparked significant conversations, leading to three pilot projects. These projects are set to enhance our operational efficiency and project delivery, directly contributing to bettering our communities’ and nation’s health, well-being, and security.”

JJR appreciates the winners’ commitment to solving problems and supporting JJR’s company purpose and values.

ABOUT JJR SOLUTIONS

Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, JJR Solutions is a Veteran-owned business working to improve the health, well-being, and security of our communities and nation through management consulting and technology solutions. To learn more, visit www.jjrsolutions.com.