I am Mission Success: Amanda Morgan
Take 5 minutes and learn about CNS's Amanda Morgan, Pantex High Explosive Manufacturing senior manager. All views and opinions are the employees own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.
Congratulations to Pantexan Amanda Morgan who was recognized by the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce as a member of the 2022 Top 20 Under 40.
This award is given annually to area early career professionals who demonstrate professional excellence and bring value to the Amarillo business community.
Morgan got her start at Pantex as an intern while working on her undergraduate degree.
An Amarillo native, she graduated from Caprock High School and went on to receive a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Texas and a master of business administration from West Texas A&M University.
After completing a second internship with Frito Lay, Morgan started full time with Pantex.
She has worked in High Explosives Manufacturing for 16 years — the last 10 as senior manager.
Why are you mission success?
I strive every day to give my best and accomplish the job safely, securely, and with a high level of quality. I always tell everyone that works for me that product delivery on-time doesn’t count if we didn’t present our best effort or compromised safety, security, and quality. It is always worth the extra check to make sure you are giving your best work to the next level.
What daily task (specific meeting, report, etc.) lets you know you’re helping achieve the CNS mission? How/why does that task let you know you’re working toward the mission?
We have a daily production meeting which helps to see how groups before/after your process are progressing and helps to understand the impact your product has on their work. It is very evident in that meeting when we are meeting our mission or when we are falling short in areas. It also helps us to have input on priorities in case they have shifted.
Are you doing what you envisioned as a young adult? If so, describe how you got here.
Not at all. My original goals were to be an accountant or a lawyer. I quickly learned during a high school accounting class that I did not want to do that job long term. It was during that time I learned about chemical engineering from my physics teacher. Definitely never thought I would be working with explosives but always knew I wanted to be more on the specialty, research side of things than full chemical plant production.
As an employee, what do you want to be remembered for?
Always helping. Whether it be helping to get the right POC, teaching someone about a process, etc., just having people know that they can come to me or ask me and get some assistance.
What work advice would you offer someone who is new to Pantex or Y-12?
Listen and take it all in. Learn from as many people as you can and be genuine with your questions and willingness to learn the mission.
What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
I still have small kids at home, so I typically don’t have a lot of time outside of their activities. When I get the chance, I enjoy reading and going to the movies.