Pantex Proud: Tyra DeLeon
Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Tyra DeLeon work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who she is, what she does, and why she is proud to be a Pantexan.
The theatre sits ready, as it does every morning. Performers take the stage, each with a unique task, yet one that weaves into a collective, intricate dance. For such a beautiful ballet on the surface, this arrangement takes daily dirty work and flash communication. Add some fancy footwork, a little elbow grease, and dedicated staff for the performance to truly ebb and flow.
Welcome to Occupational Health Services (OHS). The lead? That would be Acting Occupational Health Manager Tyra DeLeon.
DeLeon oversees all aspects of OHS including administrative support staff, case management, nurses, lab, Breath Alcohol Testing, and LiveWise. Each team member has a distinctive role, yet they must all be flexible and adaptable given the action-filled and evolving nature of the healthcare industry including patient scheduling, new medications, and technologically advancing equipment.
“Every single morning the lobby is full,” DeLeon said. “The admin checks in all the patients and sends them to where they’re going to next. If a room is occupied or a case manager is running behind and can’t see a patient at a scheduled time, we all have to communicate what is happening and pivot to adjust to the situation.”
DeLeon’s personal work day is also bustling, as her role requires a blend of elaborate choreography and impromptu shuffling.
“I typically have 15 things happening at a time,” DeLeon said. “Multiple Teams chats and email threads as well as following the daily clinic schedule. I check on my staff at least 20 times a day to ensure they have the tools to succeed.”
DeLeon always wanted to be a nurse, and while she did achieve that goal, she fell in love with leadership. She pledged to be the one to take people under her wing and always be there for that person. That spark shifted her career for the better, including her move out to Pantex. DeLeon has only been at the plant six months, but she’s happier than ever and proud of the mission she contributes to.
“I’m from the Amarillo area, and before I worked at Pantex, I’d never met someone who didn’t like working here,” DeLeon said. “When I took the job, I quickly realized those people weren’t just talking, but telling the truth. Everyone is a family out here. I love my team, and I love seeing how OHS and the rest of the plant collaborate.”
What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
I love traveling with my husband. Being out on the open road and not having anything on the agenda is liberating.
Why are communications important for all Pantex employees?
Communicating clearly, constantly, and effectively breaks down barriers. Be an active listener and avoid “through the grapevine” communication. By improving your communication skills, everyone stays connected and on task, issues get resolved, and processes run smoother which all make for a positive work environment.
What is the top communications tool you rely on in your daily work?
We use email and Teams, but verbal is our primary means of communication. You need that face-to-face as facial expressions and other gestures add to the conversation; however, when communicating to my staff, upper leadership, and our patients, delivery is key.