PORTLAND, Ore. – Considering the massive size of the territory within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Northwestern Division footprint (14 states and 2,000 miles wide), it’s understandable that the organization faces considerable adversity when it comes to implementing its programs. The challenges can come in many forms: budget shortfalls, lawsuits, international treaty negotiations and staffing shortages.
The division has 5,300 employees peppered throughout its headquarters and five individual districts to help manage the ponderous workload. Beth Coffey, Director of Programs, is one of two Senior Executive Service (SES) staff members assigned to lead the division, in addition to the division commander and deputy leadership....
08.09.2024 | PORTLAND, OREGON, US |
Story by Tom Conning
Beth Coffey (center), Director of Programs for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Northwestern Division, receives a Meritorious Executive, Presidential Rank Award, from Christine Wormuth (left), Secretary of the Army, June 22, 2024 during a ceremony at the Pentagon. Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon (right), 55th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), attended the ceremony, which recognized extraordinary achievements by career executives in Federal service.
Brig. Gen. William C. “Bill” Hannan, Jr. assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division in a ceremony at Bonneville Lock and Dam on the Columbia River, June 28, 2024. Brig. Gen. Geoff Van Epps, who led the division since 2021, relinquished command to Maj. Gen. William Graham, deputy Chief of Engineers and deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Graham immediately turned command over to Hannan during the traditional military change of command ceremony.
