Meet Our: Charlenne Figgins

Published Oct. 9, 2019
Charlenne Figgins

Charlenne Figgins was recently named the Contracting Chief for the Charleston District

Explain your job in three sentences.
As chief of the contracting office, I am responsible for planning, managing, and executing all aspects of the Charleston District’s acquisition program. Mission execution includes planning, managing, and executing contracts in the pre- and post-award stages in support of military, civil, environmental, and IIS programs. I accomplish these duties by leading a staff of extremely dedicated contracting professionals comprised of contract officers, contract specialists, procurement analysts and procurement technicians.

What is the most unique thing you bring to the District?
I’m not sure that it’s unique, but I am one of the few people that can honestly say that I started my career as a GS-1, step 1! I began my career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an office automation clerk part time when I was 16 years old.  

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is the knowledge that what we do in some way touches every person in our country. There have been so many times in my life that I’ve been having a casual conversation and I’ve been able to educate the person I was talking with about how the Corps is involved in a project in one way or another. This has ranged from a simple camping trip at a lake in North Carolina to sitting down on the riverfront watching the vessels come into port.

Highlight a notable milestone or memory in your career. 
To date, the most notable milestone in my career, other than coming to this amazing district, was when I received the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal at my going away ceremony in Wilmington. I was the first non-retiring recipient of the medal in the Wilmington District in more than 10 years. Knowing how much my work within the Wilmington District was appreciated was something that I will take with me and strive for wherever I am.

What goals do you have for your career at the Charleston District?
My primary goal is to ensure that I do everything I can to facilitate the execution of our missions.  

What is something that most people don’t know about you?
Prior to having some knee problems, I was an avid tennis player.  I grew up playing junior tournaments, was ranked in the top 10 in the state and even played in college before I decided I loved work so much that I wanted more hours than I could handle and still be on the team.