MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Darlene Bennett, a native of Washington, D.C., was recently named the Association for Federal Enterprise Risk Management’s (AFERM) Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Professional of the Year in recognition of her work while supporting the U.S. Navy as a civilian in the Chief of Naval Personnel’s Office.
Bennett, who serves as the Transformation Risk Management Lead, was recognized at the 10th Annual AFERM Award Ceremony in November after being nominated for the award earlier in the year. Bennett was the only Department of Defense employee selected for this award. AFERM is a professional association dedicated to the advancement of Enterprise Risk Management in the government through thought leadership, education and collaboration.
“Being named Enterprise Risk Management Professional of the Year indicates that leadership notices and appreciates the value of ERM in achieving the organization’s goals,” said Bennett.
The nomination highlighted Bennett’s initiative, achievement and leadership potential. Bennett’s nomination pointed to her enhancement of the Navy’s human resources transformation risk program by implementing the Risk, Issue, Opportunity Tool and her initiative in seeking to broaden her risk expertise and train others.
“Due to her exceptional performance as Transformation Risk Management Lead over the past six years, she was also recently appointed as acting Program Controls Lead showing outstanding leadership by advancing ERM culture,” according to the nomination. “Under her guidance, the transformation risk team has identified and implemented ERM approaches to strategic risks in alignment with the Chief of Naval Personnel’s Strategic Design goals. Her proactive engagement has been pivotal in mitigating impacts to Transformation goals and objectives to deliver modern IT solutions.”
A graduate of Elizabeth Seton High School in Bladensburg, Maryland, and Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, Bennett has worked as a government civilian for 18 years.
“This is a big deal, and this recognition is a testament to her hard work and dedication,” said Capt. Kertreck Brooks, Transformation Integration Branch Head.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Bennett supports a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Bennett is among the 26,000 dedicated professionals serving under the command of the Chief of Naval Personnel to support the recruiting, talent management, training and development of more than 400,000 Navy personnel. The Chief of Naval Personnel is responsible for the planning and programming of all manpower, personnel, training and education resources for the Navy. These responsibilities include overseeing Navy Personnel Command, Navy Recruiting Command, and Naval Education and Training Command.