YPG welcomes new DPW director
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) has welcomed a new Director of Public Works, and she is no stranger to the installation.
Donnett Brown began her career at YPG in 2008 as an Environmental Protection Specialist. Now, after years of leadership and environmental work, the Marine Corps Veteran has achieved what she says was always her longterm goal.
"It's always been my end goal to be Director of Public Works," Brown said. "When I started here, I said, 'I want to be DPW director.' The DPW is the workforce of YPG."
As Director of Public Works, Brown oversees the installation's infrastructure and facilities to help ensure the post operates safely and efficiently.
Her department is responsible for maintaining utilities, buildings, roads, and other essential services across the massive proving ground.
"I didn't realize how much we do until you're in the seat," Brown said. "Until your AC is broken, until your utilities go down. It's essentially running a small city within the City of Yuma. It's a vast installation of over 830,000 acres, slightly bigger than Rhode Island. It's a lot."
Brown said one of her top priorities is supporting her staff and making sure they have the resources needed to support YPG's mission.
She also hopes to encourage young professionals interested in higher education and leadership roles. Brown said education helped shape her own career and advises students to be strategic when pursuing their goals.
"Pick a program area when you go into college because it's expensive," Brown said. "Start off with community college, find where you want to go, but pick an area where you can take care of yourself financially and then use that as a stepping stone to pursue your passion."
Brown also credits mentorship as a major factor in her success and encourages others to seek guidance from experienced professionals.
"It's critical to seek out people where you want to go that are already there and ask them, 'How do I get there?'" Brown said.
Brown says she is excited for the challenge ahead and looks forward to continuing to learn while working alongside her team at YPG.
