Pantex Proud: Kela Boyett
Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Kela Boyett 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.
When Kela Boyett was young, she told herself she’d never work at Pantex. With a father who worked at Pantex for more than 39 years, plus aunts, uncles, and cousins who were Pantexans, Kela Boyett considers herself a Pantex “legacy kid.”
While the temptation to rebel against the Pantex family heritage was real, ultimately, 15 years ago the opportunity came to apply for a job at Pantex, and she decided to take it.
“I thought I was going to go to law school and work in a law firm in Amarillo, but I began to think that Pantex could be a stepping stone to bigger and better opportunities,” Boyett said.
Boyett started out as an executive assistant, then moved to being a production planner before landing in Legal as an export compliance lead analyst.
“I quickly found that Pantex is more than what I thought — it is about protecting America,” she said.
“I’m proud to support the biggest mission there is. I also realized that Pantex is a little community where everyone knows each other and is proud to say, ‘I am a Pantexan.’”
As a production planner, Boyett learned the ins and outs of the plant and the importance of the nuclear security mission. When she joined Legal, she desired to play her own part in protecting America through safeguarding sensitive information from would-be adversaries.
As the export compliance office lead analyst, Boyett ensures both information or items leaving the site do not include anything that should not be shared externally or across borders.
“My job ties to Operations Security, Classification, Counter Intelligence and many other divisions when making decisions on export and Information Release Office determinations,” Boyett said. “This job has given me the opportunity to bring awareness to the plant population on what can and can’t be shared with others, how we have to dispose of materials and information, and what the implications are if we don’t follow laws and regulations.”
You could say Boyett is now converted to the Pantex cause.
“It’s truly a ‘family affair’ and I’m proud to say that carrying on my family’s legacy here at Pantex means the world to me,” she said. “I’ve always been known as Dennis Arney’s daughter, and that makes me very proud.”
What work advice would you offer someone who is new to Pantex?
Smile, make eye contact, say hello, and good morning. The people you interact with at work sometimes see you more than your family. Form good solid relationships with your co-workers and make sure that you are approachable. I think it’s always good to start with a smile in the hallways and say “good morning.”
What advice would you offer a newer employee about the importance of solving problems and asking questions?
Pantex as a whole is very overwhelming. There are so many acronyms, and some are used for multiple things which can get confusing. It takes time to learn and distinguish the difference. Ask questions when you’re unsure. Unfortunately, ignorance is not bliss at Pantex and can land you in a bit of trouble, so never ever feel afraid to ask for help. Most of the time you are met with a smile and a willing heart.
What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity?
My favorite activities are watching my son race his go-kart, seeing my daughter playing volleyball, and watching my husband drive his race car. Racing is in my blood. My dad raced stock cars and late models for years. I knew that when I had a son, I wanted him to carry on that legacy and he has not disappointed. I’m excited to spend my weekends watching them race.