News

Clean Break from Texas Tech University won first place. Photo by Michael Schumacher.

AMARILLO, Texas — Student teams from Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University, West Texas A&M University, Amarillo College, and AmTech Career Academy presented innovative solutions to national security challenges during the Pantex Innovation Challenge Finals on Nov. 6 at the Pantex Plant.

Now in its fourth year, the Pantex Innovation Challenge encourages academic collaboration while providing students with opportunities to explore careers in national security and advanced technologies.

“At Pantex, we believe the next great innovation may come from a student sitting in a classroom right here in our community,” said Brenda Dillard, Pantex Innovation Challenge facilitator. “We want to inspire young minds to think boldly, apply emerging technologies, create the solutions of tomorrow and help protect our nation’s future. Participants also have a unique opportunity to interact with Pantex employees, gain valuable insights into the world of national security and discover exciting career opportunities.”

Pantex engineer and Innovation Challenge mentor Matt Reyes said Pantex recognizes the immense talent and creativity of students throughout Texas schools and universities.

“Each school brings forward innovators that Pantex and the Nuclear Security Enterprise need to ensure a successful future,” he said. “Where better to build the next generation of Pantex talent than these outstanding Texas schools?”

During regional competitions earlier this year, student teams were paired with mentors and given a challenge scenario. Teams developed innovative solutions, presented them to a panel of judges, and were selected as finalists to represent their schools in this final competition at Pantex.

Three teams were selected as winners of the final competition, and received cash prizes of $10,000 for first place, $6,000 for second place and $4,000 for third place.

• First Place: Clean Break, Texas Tech University
• Second Place: Diamond Deterrence, Texas Tech University
• Third Place: Sixth Sense, Texas A&M University

The Pantex Innovation Challenge is sponsored by PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD), the management and operating contractor for the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas.

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PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) is the management and operating contractor for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Pantex Plant located in Carson County near Amarillo, Texas. Pantex maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. PXD is a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary – it also includes Fluor; SOC, A Day & Zimmermann Company; and The Texas A&M University System.

For more information on Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Ashlee Estlack
Communications
(C) 806-662-4687
ashlee.estlack@pantex.doe.gov

The Pantex Citizen feature shines a light on the remarkable employees of Pantex who go beyond the job. Pantexans manage dual roles as dedicated professionals at the plant and as active, engaged citizens in their communities. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC.

Thomas Hunt has been a steady force at Pantex for the past 15 years. He currently serves as a procurement engineer, and his impact stretches far beyond the gates of the plant.

In the Amarillo community, he is the Pantex team lead for the Texas Ramp Project. The organization provides ADA-compliant ramps for homeowners who are unable to afford them.

Hunt’s motivation for volunteering is deeply personal and rooted in purpose.

“I’ve always felt a strong calling to serve in any manner I’m able,” he said. “I have been shown several examples of sacrifice in my life and if I need to spend a couple of hours to make someone’s life better, then I’m doing what I’ve been put on this Earth to do.”

Texas Ramp Project builds roughly 300 ramps each year. Every ramp transforms a client's mobility and independence. The Pantex team typically builds two ramps per month and is happy to take on any extra calls for ramps in the community.

“Every ramp we build is memorable. Each one is special because it changes the lives of those homebound clients that gain a little more freedom,” Hunt detailed. “Many wouldn’t be able to leave their homes otherwise. Some weren’t able to leave the front porch of their house for more than 7 years.”

Hunt believes strongly in being a Pantex Citizen.

“I can’t do it alone. Thank you to so many others that are so willing to jump in and help with the Texas Ramp Project,” he said. “Pantex has given me so many opportunities to be able to go out and make a lasting impact for others. I haven’t always been able to do that.”

His message to anyone thinking about volunteering is simple: start small, but start.

“I think being a good neighbor and taking care of those around you is important because you never know how important you can be in someone else’s life until you get involved. People need people,” he said. “It doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s day or life. Find a way to get involved. Anything helps whether you think it does or not. Even the smallest gesture can make a huge impact.”

Federal and local representatives mark project halfway point with ceremonial beam signing

AMARILLO, TX– Modernization across the Pantex Plant took another major leap forward as teams celebrated the halfway completion mark in the construction of the new Analytical Gas Laboratory. Just one year after breaking ground, crews celebrated with a topping out ceremony by successfully placing all structural steel framing and insulated metal panels, keeping the state-of-the-art facility squarely on track for completion next September.

“Our collective commitment to investing in Pantex’s future is evident through construction of the Analytical Gas Laboratory,” said Pantex Field Office Assistant Manager for Programs & Projects Christopher Taylor. “When completed, the lab will integrate new technologies, enhance reliability, and optimize processes, all in support of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.”

Spanning 12,750 square feet, the $36 million facility will deliver advanced diagnostic equipment and enhanced testing capabilities designed to support all ongoing national security weapons programs and vital components.

To commemorate the achievement, National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Deputy Associate Administrator John Jones and representatives from the NNSA Office of Infrastructure joined site representatives for the topping out ceremony in September, signing the final structural beam before it was hoisted and locked into position—a time-honored construction tradition, celebrating the teamwork powering the project across the finish line.

“Hitting the 50% milestone on the Analytical Gas Laboratory is a major achievement, and the timing could not have been better,” said Melanie Holcomb, Pantex General Plant Project and Excess Facilities Disposition Program Manager. “Having our federal counterparts sign the final beam before placement brought immense pride to the entire team and underscores the powerhouse partnership driving this mission to completion.”

Built under a streamlined commercial-standards framework adopted for non-nuclear projects, the Analytical Gas Lab exemplifies modern, cost-effective project execution through tailored oversight and multi-organizational agility.

“This milestone is a true testament to the dedication of our people,” said Pantex Project Manager Jared Davis. “Our Pantex teams have worked seamlessly together to move this critical capability from concept to reality.”

As a pilot line-item project for the NNSA, the Analytical Gas Lab is one of four high-impact commercial-approach projects currently reshaping Pantex infrastructure. Parallel investments include the Environmental Sampling Facility—currently advancing ahead of schedule—a second Flexible Support Facility tracking on target, and a new Maintenance Facility, slated to break ground later this fiscal year.

This latest accomplishment reinforces President Trump’s commitment to strengthening the nuclear security enterprise through modernized infrastructure. The new Analytical Gas Lab reflects a forward-looking investment in advanced capabilities, resilient facilities, and innovative technologies that ensure Pantex can continue delivering precise, reliable gas analysis in support of long-term stockpile stewardship.

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PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) is the management and operating contractor for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Pantex Plant located in Carson County near Amarillo, Texas. Pantex maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. PXD is a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary – it also includes Fluor; SOC, A Day & Zimmermann Company; and The Texas A&M University System.

For more information on Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
(C) 806-236-2826
stephen.myers@pantex.doe.gov

Pantex Fire Department Captain Chad Zarbock taught hundreds of Pantexans the correct way to perform CPR using a mannequin. Photo by Adam Baker.

More than 1,000 Pantexans attended the recent Health, Safety, and Benefits Fair, a two-day event with a wide array of vendors, providing our workforce with valuable resources and information. By all accounts, the event was a resounding success marked by strong employee turnout and exceptional engagement throughout both days.

“The work performed here demands absolute precision, vigilance, and reliability, which can only be achieved when our workforce is healthy, supported, and operating in a culture that prioritizes safety above all else,” Wellness Manager Cody McClary, the event organizer, said. “Events like this reinforce that safety and wellness extend beyond compliance — they are fundamental to maintaining operational excellence and protecting the critical deterrence capabilities our nation relies on every single day.”

Thirty-one booths lined the Building 12-70 Cafeteria and the John C. Drummond Center to educate our workforce through memorable, hands-on presentations and displays.

“All of the booths were informative,” Environmental Scientist Emmy Schniederjan said. “My favorite booth was the Fire Departments’ because they had the coolest hands-on simulator, and I was able to learn how to use a fire extinguisher. It was great information to be reminded of in the case of an emergency!”

The Emergency Response Organization displayed exercise simulation photos and educated Pantexans on how drones can be used in emergency response. Occupational Health Services administered 120 influenza vaccines to safeguard our workforce against seasonal illness. Finally, representatives from the new insurance providers, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and Sun Life, spoke with employees about their benefits, and Northwest Texas Hospital Healthcare System came to introduce themselves to the Pantex population.

“I gained so much knowledge about all of the awesome partnerships we have that emphasize our safety and health,” Schniederjan said. “I was also able to get some questions answered about our insurance and was reminded of some benefits I sometimes forget are an option!”

Facility Engineering Specialist Douglas Atwood said he has attended the fair every year since becoming a Pantexan nine years ago. The event allows him to see changes in equipment and how technology has developed over the last year. In learning about new technology, it sparks ideas of how it may help in our processes and procedures.

“The HSB fair gives me the latest in safety, and I am able to evaluate my facilities to see where there are areas where improvements can be made,” Atwood said. “Industrial Hygiene had a display that showed the purpose of a task exhaust and displayed visually how it operates. Reading about it is one thing but seeing it in action is totally different. I believe it was a great idea in displaying why we need to push safety in all we do.”

The event went off without a hitch, but the planning, execution, and behind the scenes arrangements started nearly half a year in advance. Preparation was a comprehensive, site-wide effort that began in May. Cross-functional collaboration was vital to the fair’s success — nearly every department across Pantex contributed resources, expertise, and support to ensure seamless execution from start to finish.

“We are immensely grateful to be part of an organization and leadership team that truly prioritizes the well-being of its workforce,” McClary said. “Having dedicated time, resources, and leadership backing for an event of this scale demonstrates that employee health and safety represent genuine, core commitments rather than mere talking points. It makes us proud to come to work every day knowing that our site actively invests in its people.”

Congratulations to Ben Stallwitz, Bella Schilling, and Christian Romo for being named Top 20 Under 40 award recipients by the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce. Photos by Shaun Scott-Jones and Adam Baker. Graphic by Ashley Hildebrandt.

Across the Texas Panhandle, millennials are making a name for themselves at work, home, and in the community. Nowhere is that more evident than at Pantex, where the mission touches national security.

This year’s Amarillo Chamber of Commerce “Top 20 Under 40” features three honorees whose paths are distinct yet deeply aligned: Christian Romo, Ben Stallwitz, and Bella Schilling. Their leadership illuminates a shared belief in disciplined execution, service to others, and the power of opportunity. Together, they embody a culture where character, craft, and community are inseparable and where young professionals are reshaping what’s possible.

Christian Romo, Pantex Field Office Performance Assurance manager
For Christian Romo, being named “Top 20 Under 40” is a reflection of the people who poured into her and a reminder of the standards attached to her role.
“Serving as the performance assurance manager carries a profound responsibility to national security,” Romo said. “This honor reinforces my commitment to bringing excellence, accountability, and disciplined leadership to our mission every day.”

Romo’s path might surprise those who assume technical leadership requires a technical degree. She graduated from West Texas A&M University with dual majors in advertising/public relations and mass media, broadcasting and journalism. She started as an administrative assistant at Pantex and was later selected for a position at the Pantex Field Office serving as the Performance Assurance Manager.

“Credibility isn’t built overnight; it is forged through consistent, disciplined execution,” she noted. “Distinguish yourself by bringing actionable solutions, not just pointing out obstacles.”

Grounded by Amarillo roots, Romo serves the community through Make‑A‑Wish of the Texas Panhandle and other volunteer organizations.

To her younger self, she’d say, “Trust the process, embrace your unique perspective, and never let perceived limitations define your ceiling.”

Ben Stallwitz, Pantex Quality Assurance acting division director
Ben Stallwitz traces his recognition back to where it began: a farm in Dumas, where his dad, uncle, and grandad modeled work ethic and service. He’s quick to credit his mentors and his wife for the support that made his career possible.

“I don’t think the award says a lot about me,” Stallwitz reflected, “but it sure says a lot about the people who have influenced me. It becomes a responsibility for me to do the same for others.”

Stallwitz sees Pantex at an inflection point with a younger workforce, accelerating retirements, and a mandate to streamline and become more agile to support a growing mission. The result is a generation being asked to deliver in ways unseen.

“I think the opportunity that we have at Pantex has always been unique, but when you combine all those factors and you watch how this generation is making it happen, we’re at an elite point in Pantex history and we all should have immense pride in that,” Stallwitz stated.

Community is integral for Stallwitz, who measures involvement through the lens of raising five kids and being involved through church and community.

“People in the panhandle are salt of the earth, and they create a backdrop that we want to raise our family in,” Stallwitz emphasized. “I am usually looking through the lens of ’how can I help maintain a place that I want to raise my kids and help them thrive?’”

To his younger self, he’d offer a different kind of optimization: “I’d try to worry less about things I can’t control and embrace change as an opportunity.”

Bella Schilling, Pantex Process Engineering section manager
Bella Schilling doesn’t see herself as someone who naturally stands out but as someone who has been taught, supported, and pushed by people around her.

“The people here truly make the difference. I’ve had coworkers and leaders who took the time to teach me, support me, and push me when I needed it,” Schilling said. “You’re trusted with meaningful work early on, and you’re surrounded by folks who genuinely want you to succeed. That kind of environment changes your confidence and your trajectory.”

Before she felt completely ready to take on manager roles, Schilling accepted the challenge early on in her career. She learned by doing, making mistakes, asking for help, and growing through experience.

“Those early leadership moments shaped me far more than any formal plan ever could,” she reflected. “I’m grateful for the people who trusted me before I fully trusted myself.”

Her commitment to Amarillo is rooted in belonging to a place where people know you, care about you, and show up. Giving back is how she honors what the community gave her.

“I’ve been shaped by this community, and giving back feels like the natural way to honor what it’s given me,” she said. “I want others to feel the same sense of belonging and opportunity that I did.”

Schilling’s advice to rising professionals is simple.

“Give yourself more grace. You don’t have to rush, and you don’t have to have all the answers,” Schilling explained. “Trust your instincts a little more and your fears a little less. Eventually, everything connects in ways you never expect.”

PXD President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt (center) receiving the 2026 WT Distinguished Alumni Award with WT Interim President Neil Terry (left) and WT Alumni Association Board President Trevor Barnes (right). Photo provided by West Texas A&M University.

When West Texas A&M University (WT) honored its 2026 Distinguished Alumni at recent Homecoming events in October, one standout name resonated strongly at Pantex: Kelly Beierschmitt, whose leadership and vision have shaped national security operations for decades.

Beierschmitt, who serves as PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC president and general manager, earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering mathematics from WT in 1987 before completing a Ph.D. in industrial engineering at Texas Tech University.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed by the WT Alumni Association. Established in 1970, the recognition celebrates graduates who have achieved exceptional distinction through professional accomplishments, leadership, service, and continued commitment to the university. With this year’s inductees, only 132 alumni have received the award.

WT Interim President Neil Terry highlighted the significance of Beierschmitt’s contributions, stating “Dr. Beierschmitt’s achievements reminds us that the value of a WT education extends far beyond the boundaries of our campus. Through work and service, he has strengthened his profession, supported his communities, and brought great distinction to his alma mater.”

Fellow WT alumnus and Pantexan Amberly Winningham nominated Beierschmitt for this honor. In the nomination letter, she wrote “From the very first time I met Kelly, we bonded over both being alumni of this great university. It is that very passion and commitment to WT that made me want to recommend him for this honor. His accomplishments shine a light on WT graduates and Texas Panhandle residents.”

Beierschmitt’s nomination was supported by Mission Assurance Officer and Business Services Division Director Colby Yeary and The Texas A&M University System Vice Chancellor for Nuclear Security Initiatives Dianne Hurtado.

Yeary said, “As someone who works alongside Kelly daily, I can attest to his unwavering dedication to mission success, his strategic foresight, and his commitment to fostering future leaders — including strengthening ties to WT through meaningful opportunities for students and faculty alike.”

Hurtado echoed the sentiments.

She stated, “Kelly’s experience and expertise place him among a small number of people in the United States, but this is only the beginning of what makes him special. Many qualities, which were seeded and nurtured at WT, have earned him the trust of stakeholders across government entities, industry leaders, and the local community.”

Beierschmitt said he is humbled by the recognition.

“There are so many great people who have graduated from WT. I can go through a list of people I know who deserve this honor, so I’m very grateful for it,” he said. “It’ll be an interesting legacy for my grandkids. Maybe I can talk them into coming to WT. It will be great to see them follow in these footsteps.”

Congratulations to Pantex leader Kelly Beierschmitt on this prestigious honor.

Image Provided by West Texas A&M University

Newly created role developed to accelerate modernization, expand R&D, and deepen regional academic partnerships

AMARILLO, TX–PanTeXas Deterrence LLC (PXD), the management and operating contractor of the Pantex Plant, has named distinguished educator and materials researcher Dr. Emily Hunt as its inaugural Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

The newly created executive post marks a forward-thinking investment in Pantex’s future, designed to advance its technical posture, accelerate site-wide modernization, and expand research and development capabilities central to the nuclear security enterprise, as prioritized by President Donald Trump in modernizing America’s nuclear production capacity. As CTO, Dr. Hunt will serve as the plant's lead scientist, steering the long-term innovation strategy and cultivating next-generation scientific capabilities.

"Dr. Hunt brings a unique blend of nationally recognized scientific acumen, executive leadership, and deep regional roots to Pantex," said Dr. Kelly Beierschmitt, President and General Manager of PXD. "Her proven track record in applied science, energetic materials research, and workforce development directly aligns with our mission to modernize and innovate. Appointing an executive who understands both our mission requirements and the strength of the Texas Panhandle's higher education ecosystem position us to lead the enterprise forward from day one."

A Proven Innovator with Deep Regional Ties

A mechanical engineer by training, Dr. Hunt earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. Her relationship with Pantex spans more than two decades, beginning as an engineering intern on-site before establishing an international reputation in energetic materials, explosive processing, and nanocomposites.

Dr. Hunt joins Pantex from West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), where she has served since 2005. As the founding dean of WTAMU's College of Engineering in 2020, she transformed engineering education across the region, building public-private research alliances and graduating top-tier engineering talent who now serve critical roles throughout the national security enterprise. Most recently, she served as WTAMU’s Associate Vice President for Research Development and Innovation.

Across her academic tenure, Dr. Hunt secured more than $11 million in competitive research funding, founded the Energetic Materials Laboratory, and established the Panhandle Institute for Engineering Research. An inventor and prolific scholar, she holds multiple U.S. patents, has authored nine books and more than 90 publications, and remains a national champion for STEM workforce pipelines.

Returning Full Circle to Advance National Security

Dr. Hunt’s appointment bridges academia, regional talent development, and vital national deterrence missions.

"Returning to Pantex to build this new office is both an honor and a meaningful homecoming," said Dr. Hunt. "My career has been dedicated to solving complex technical challenges while cultivating the next generation of engineers and scientists in the Panhandle. I am thrilled to partner with Pantex’s exceptional team to expand our cutting-edge R&D, drive scientific excellence, and ensure our national security posture remains stronger than ever."

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PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) is the management and operating contractor for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Pantex Plant located in Carson County near Amarillo, Texas. Pantex maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. PXD is a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary – it also includes Fluor; SOC, A Day & Zimmermann Company; and The Texas A&M University System.

For more information on Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
(C) 806-236-2826
stephen.myers@pantex.doe.gov

Members of the Procurement Engineering Group (left to right) James Hyde, Carissa Goulbourne, Thomas Hunt, K.J. Trosper, Wes Townsend, Chris Jamison, Antonio Jimenez, Andrew Zielinski, Sam Nazworth, David Kraman, and Kevin Henry recently volunteered to clean up a two-mile stretch of highway, where they collected nearly 40 large bags of trash. Also volunteering but not pictured were Alex Tow, Cynthia Tivis, and Johan Gonzales.

A two-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 60 is a little cleaner today thanks to the Procurement Engineering Group. The tight-knit organization’s recent volunteer activity put Pantexans on a pollution-prevention mission.

“We had been brainstorming for a volunteer effort that we could do as a group since we enjoy hanging out outside of work,” said Procurement Engineering Group Manager K.J. Trosper. “This was something my entire team came up with as a teambuilding and volunteer opportunity.”

Procurement Engineer Wes Townsend said the team split into groups of three or four and sectioned off responsibility for their designated two miles of Highway 60, east of Farm-to-Market 2373 near the grain elevators.

“We collected nearly 40 large trash bags as well as larger items like tires and lumber,” Townsend said.

Of course, the day was not without its share of surprises.

“We also came across several rattlesnakes while we were cleaning up,” Trosper said. “We pulled together and decided to steer clear of thick brush for safety’s sake.”

Texas Department of Transportation Maintenance Support Technician Christy Plagge shared her appreciation for the Pantexans’ efforts.

“Driving by and seeing the results was amazing,” she said. “We are so grateful for the effort and dedication that went into making this happen.”

Procurement Engineer Antonio Jimenez noted the day’s impact.

“We all have something to contribute, and sometimes even a small effort can mean a lot to someone else,” he said.

Trosper echoed the sentiment.

“We have fostered a culture within the group that I am extremely proud of,” he said. The fact that we had the opportunity to go out and have some fun together and provide a service that was impactful to others was a win-win in my book. I can’t wait until next time!”

Robert Spence has worked at Pantex for 34 years. His son, daughter, and son-in-law are continuing his legacy. Photo by Adam Baker.

The Spence family operates on a simple philosophy: True strength is built from the inside out. They understand that while physical endurance keeps them moving, it is their shared values and emotional resilience that anchor their commitment to one another — and to their work.

“We are very close and do just about anything together,” Robert Spence said. “My kids are hardworking, dependable, loyal, and great people all around. We all like to stay fit through exercise and eating right, so we can bump into each other at the gym, cook out at each other’s homes, or I go to watch the grandkids’ sporting activities.”

Strength and endurance go hand in hand. Robert has been at Pantex since 1992, paving the way for his family’s legacy with resilience and fortitude as the senior manager over production stores. His son Jared is a manager for Safety Analysis Engineering and his daughter Kasie Thomas is a health physics supervisor.

“Our family spans three generations of supporting national security initiatives,” Jared Spence said. “My dad and grandparents worked for the Kansas City plant many years ago and now having most of my family working at Pantex has a special meaning.”

Kasie’s husband, Devin Thomas, is an issues and records manager for the Project Performance Analytics group. While Devin married into this nuclear family, he has resilient roots of his own.

“What brought me out to Pantex was my mother, uncle, and grandfather,” Devin said. “Brenda Thomas, my mother, worked out here 40 years and has already retired. Robert Digby, my grandfather, retired from Pantex and was a pipe fitter supervisor. Dale Stapp is my uncle. All encouraged me to seek out a career at Pantex due to the opportunities and the chance to make a difference with the work we do out at the plant.”

Devin says it’s been great to actively see his biological and chosen family flourish at Pantex.

“It is always a joy to see each other succeed in various ways, whether it is a promotion, a raise, a successful project, or by seeing each other’s faces on TheZone.”

Some know Jared is his father’s son because of physical resemblance and shared last name; however, people may not know Kasie’s relation since she carries her married name — but she’s still proud to claim them as family.

“I have always been very proud of my father and brother for the career paths that they had chosen,” Kasie said. “After being in healthcare for five years, I decided to make a career change in 2020. I knew the work that my father, brother, and husband did out here was important. Coming to Pantex was the best decision I could have made.”

While Kasie celebrates her dad, brother, and husband, they all recognize that she is a powerhouse.

“Kasie hands down outworks all of us!” Devin said. “She is a very hard worker and a quick learner.”

In the end, strength is just the decision to keep going, even when it’s hard. The Spence and Thomas families continue by lifting each other up, figuratively, through the ups and downs.

“I always like to see my family succeed and ultimately be happy,” Jared said. “Working at Pantex provides the opportunity to have both happiness and success.”

Sapphire Pantex Leadership Academy traveled to Texas A&M University to participate in leadership development.

Just like Rome, leadership isn’t built in a day. But at Pantex, you can feel it building — in the classrooms, in cohort conversations, and in the stories shared across TheZone — there’s a quiet but unmistakable momentum. People are growing, teams are strengthening, and the Pantex Leadership Academy (PLA) is becoming one of the most energizing parts of that journey.

Having just passed the one-year anniversary of the first PLA cohort, what began as a single successful leadership program has grown into a multi tier academy designed to shape leaders at every stage of their career. The PLA helps employees step forward with confidence, curiosity, and a clearer understanding of what leadership looks like, feels like, and demands across the Pantex mission.

The strength of the PLA is in the design. Instead of a single unit, the academy offers three paths, each crafted for a different stage of responsibility, readiness, and aspiration. The Emerald, Sapphire, and Diamond tiers form a progressive continuum of leadership excellence, with each tier building on the last to cultivate a unified, mission ready leadership ecosystem.

"Building the PLA has been a collaborative effort that reflects the commitment of senior leadership, the dedication of our facilitators, and the enthusiasm of participants across each cohort,” Leadership Training Director Amy Moran said. “By coordinating with external partners and stakeholders across the site, we’re able to create an experience that strengthens each participant’s leadership skills and elevates the success, alignment, and confidence of the teams around them."

This fall marks a major milestone as the first Sapphire cohort wraps up and PLA gears up to push out the first Diamond cohort. This turning point is a reason to pause and appreciate a homegrown leadership pipeline built for Pantexans by Pantexans.

“Watching these programs grow and seeing Pantexans step boldly into their leadership potential has been incredibly rewarding,” Moran said. “We’re excited to continue expanding the PLA and investing in the people who make our mission possible.”

Emerald is the spark where leadership begins. This tier is built for individual contributors and aspiring leaders who want to grow their influence and confidence. The primary focus is on foundational skills, team dynamics, and practical management.

Sapphire is where things deepen. Built for first-line leaders and managers stepping into broader leadership responsibilities, the program expands their capabilities in coaching and mentoring, developing team autonomy, managing through influence, and applying adaptive leadership. It also strengthens operational oversight through project management fundamentals, talent management, and resource prioritization, while advancing cross functional collaboration and strategic thinking across departments. As the first Sapphire cohort crosses the finish line this fall, their experiences mark the beginning of a new chapter for mid level development at Pantex.

Environmental Compliance Manager Alicia Barley reflected on what a top-tier experience the Sapphire Leadership Academy was for her. She was afforded the opportunity to connect and learn alongside fellow managers and engage directly with division directors.

“Those connections have broadened my understanding of our organization and strengthened my ability to lead effectively,” Barley said. “The relationships built, insights gained, and experiences shared throughout this journey have made the program both inspiring and transformative.”

Soon to launch its first cohort, Diamond will prepare leaders for future senior-level/c-suite/executive responsibilities. The core focus will be on enterprise strategy, complex decision making, long range vision, and the executive presence needed to guide the site’s future. Diamond completes the PLA structure, offering a pathway from emerging leader to executive candidate.

As Emerald thrives, Sapphire celebrates its first graduates, and Diamond prepares for launch, one thing is clear: PLA is more than a training program. PLA is a promise to invest in our people, to grow our future, and to make sure Pantex leadership is as strong as the mission it supports.