Katlin Edmunds
What’s your current position? How long have you been in this position? Can you give me a brief overview of what it is you do in your work?
Currently I am the Chief of the Strategic Initiatives Office at Tobyhanna Army Depot. I started my federal career with Tobyhanna Army Depot 15 years ago. When I was in college, I studied Marketing and was assigned to work in the Tobyhanna Business Development Office. Since holding that job, I’ve had a lucrative career within the federal government with many developmental assignments throughout the Defense Department, but ultimately, I landed my dream job of managing the Business Development operations for Tobyhanna Army Depot. As the Defense Department leader for communications electronics logistics support, Tobyhanna plays a vital role in ensuring our all-volunteer forces are outfitted with the operational equipment needed to keep them safe in all environments.
What would you say most motivates you to do the work you do? What are you most passionate about?
What motivates me the most about my job is the sense of duty, commitment and honor I feel with being able to provide support to our Armed Forces. It truly is an inspiration to know that we have brave citizens willing to put their lives on the line to defend and uphold the freedoms and values we hold so dear in this county, and I feel like if there is any way I can ensure they stay safe, it is my duty to do so. In studying marketing, I never felt passionate about using the tools I gained to market commercial items to the general public, but when I started working at Tobyhanna, I immediately felt an intense connection to the work we do here for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. I am humbled each day by not only the commitment of our Armed Forces but our federal civilian workforce who stands ready to support the Defense Department for ensuring the safety of all United States citizens.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are? Tell a bit about them and what they did that influenced you.
I am so fortunate to have many mentors in my life, and I could spend so much time thanking each of them for shaping me into the person I am today. For now, I’ll focus on the (3) most impactful to me, in no particular order.
First would be my current boss, Ms. Kristyn Smith, Chief of Staff at Tobyhanna Army Depot and a former Leadership Lackawanna alum. Kristyn and I have worked together for many years and throughout that time we have watched each other grow into leadership positions here at Tobyhanna, and now I am fortunate enough to be working for her. She truly is an inspiration for the type of leadership styles I try to emulate in my role as she showcases full trust and confidence in my abilities and always works with me to understand the value and reasoning behind decisions being made. She also has a strong sense of commitment to the community, formerly serving as the Tobyhanna Public Affairs Officer and at the Chamber in Scranton, she understands how critical it is to maintain viable relationships within the Northeastern Pennsylvania region because without this community, Tobyhanna would not thrive in the way it does today. I value those things about her because they showcase dedication to her mission and her true self and I admire those attributes immensely.
Second would be a former boss of mine and former Deputy Commander, Mr. Frank Zardecki. He spent years teaching, coaching and mentoring me, despite his constant declaration of my impervious nature to being coached, because he saw a value and potential within me that I did not know was there. He was the first person in both my professional and personal life that helped me see how much I could accomplish with some determination. He provided opportunities for me to grow in ways I never dreamed possible. Without him, I would not be where I am today. He showed me that I could change the world if I applied myself and ultimately through the coaching and mentoring of others. The most important thing he taught me was that I am only as good as the knowledge, skills and abilities I share with others.
Finally, and certainly with the warmest intent, is my mother, my rock, my idol and my absolute favorite person on earth. She was the first person who demonstrated selfless service in my life, raising me and (3) other children with the grace of a saint. She truly emulated every positive and altruistic trait any one person can demonstrate, and she always was humbled and gracious in every situation. She is the person who I first revered in my life and she is the woman I truly aspire to be each and every day. She truly is the most admirable person in my life and I owe all my successes to her and the values she bestowed upon me.
How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna? In what class year and program did you participate? Describe your experience. How did the program affect you post-graduation? What has your involvement with leadership Lackawanna been post-graduation?
I learned about Leadership Lackawanna in 2015 when my former mentor, Mr. Frank Zardecki, approached me about applying for the program. I was accepted that year and graduated in 2016 after completing the “Planting a Promise” healing garden at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Scranton, PA. What astounded me the most about the program was the rich history we were exposed to in the county, as well as the improvements being made to the quality of life in the Lackawanna County area. It truly inspired me to enhance my support to the local community, and because of the dedication of people like Nikki Morristell, the program benefits so many local current and future leaders to help enrich and enhance our local community. Since graduation I have offered support to both the alumni and events committees as well as attend as many Leadership Lackawanna events as possible. In addition, I endorsed one of my employees to enroll in Leadership Lackawanna and for the 2022 graduation year, she was accepted!! I am thrilled to continue to promote this wonderful program to my employees such that they can gain a broader network of community leaders that will help us grow professionally and personally.