Inside the Castle

In this edition we talk with US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Florence Kessel with the Caribbean District. Florence has been with USACE for 10 years and has spent the last two years helping stand up the newly formed Caribbean District. In this episode we will discuss her path into USACE, he passion for the work she does, and what she has learned about USACE over the past year.

In this special episode of the "Build Strong with Us" series, the hosts become the guests. Get to know the voices behind the microphone, Amanda Ray Marino and Warner Buckman, as they share their own unique journeys into and through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This episode offers an inside look at the diverse career paths and opportunities for growth within one of the nation's most impactful organizations.

In the third installment of the "Stone by Stone" series for the "Inside the Castle" podcast, we celebrate the achievements of some of the 2025 USACE National Award winners. In this episode, we interview two winners: Norfolk District's Matthew S. Karlinchak and Sacramento District's Roxanne B. Carlson. Mr. Karlinchak is one the USACE Program Managers of the Year for his work on expansion for Arlington National Cemetery. Ms. Carlson is the 2025 recipient Hard Hat of the Year, which embodies dedication to quality assurance and safety enforcement in construction projects. This episode highlights the diverse talents and contributions within the organization that these award winners embody.

From floodplains to the front lines, geospatial intelligence makes the map the mission. Inside the Castle sits down with Army Geospatial Center leaders George Ohanion and Randy Reynolds to show how the AGC delivers the data, tools, and training that keep communities safe and warfighters ready.

Partnership in action: Inside the Castle explores the Silver Jackets program with USACE’s Brandon Brummett and PA’s Tom Hughes—sharing how federal, state, and local teams unite to reduce flood risk, deliver better data, and turn good ideas into on-the-ground results.

In this edition we talk with US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Dylan Edwards the Chief Ranger at Norfolk and Bull Shoals Lake within the Little Rock District of Arkansas

In this second episode of “Stone by Stone,” a new “Inside the Castle” podcast series, we talk with Frannie Bui, the National Hurricane Program Manager for the National Planning Center of Expertise for Coastal Storm Risk Management, which is located in the Corps’ Baltimore District. Listen as Bui discusses hurricanes preparedness, the National Hurricane Program and the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The National Hurricane Program is a federal interagency partnership between the Corps, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The program provides tools and resources to plan, prepare for and manage risk against hurricanes, delivers comprehensive hurricane evacuation training and technical support to partners and provides real-time information and guidance to state and local emergency managers in support of their hurricane evacuation decisions during hurricane approach. The “Stone by Stone” series is bite size in scope, providing listeners with a shorter, focused update on critical U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-related issues impacting our nation. The “Inside the Castle” podcast goes behind castle doors to have real conversations with real people about solving the nation’s toughest challenges.

Welcome to the first installment of “Stone by Stone,” a new "Inside the Castle" podcast series that is bite size in scope, providing listeners with a shorter, focused update on critical U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-related issues impacting our nation. Today, we delve into the critical issues facing the Mississippi River with Dr. Robert L. Miller, following the conclusion of the Mississippi River Commission’s annual low-water inspection trip. The MRC, a vital part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, works to maintain and improve the Mississippi River system for navigation, commerce, and environmental stewardship. Dr. Miller, a distinguished member of the MRC with a background in civil engineering and extensive experience in water resource management, recently completed the journey down the river, assessing conditions and engaging with stakeholders as historically low water levels continue to impact navigation, commerce, and communities along the river system. This annual inspection trip is a cornerstone of the MRC’s mission to gather firsthand information and address concerns from local communities. In this insightful interview, Dr. Miller discusses the MRC’s observations and ongoing efforts to maintain a navigable river for vital economic activity. He shares insights gleaned from his decades of experience, including his previous roles with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the Louisiana State Legislature. We’ll explore the impacts on barge traffic, the national supply chain, and the long-term strategies being considered to ensure the Mississippi River remains a crucial artery for the nation.

Welcome to the first installment of “Stone by Stone,” a new "Inside the Castle" podcast series that is bite size in scope, providing listeners with a shorter, focused update on critical U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-related issues impacting our nation. Listen as we delve into the critical issues facing the Mississippi River with Dr. Robert L. Miller, following the conclusion of the Mississippi River Commission’s annual low-water inspection trip. The MRC, a vital part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, works to maintain and improve the Mississippi River system for navigation, commerce, and environmental stewardship. Dr. Miller, a distinguished member of the MRC with a background in civil engineering and extensive experience in water resource management, recently completed the journey down the river, assessing conditions and engaging with stakeholders as historically low water levels continue to impact navigation, commerce, and communities along the river system. This annual inspection trip is a cornerstone of the MRC’s mission to gather firsthand information and address concerns from local communities. In this insightful interview, Dr. Miller discusses the MRC’s observations and ongoing efforts to maintain a navigable river for vital economic activity. He shares insights gleaned from his decades of experience, including his previous roles with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the Louisiana State Legislature. We’ll explore the impacts on barge traffic, the national supply chain, and the long-term strategies being considered to ensure the Mississippi River remains a crucial artery for the nation.

Welcome to the Build Strong With Us series where we give our listeners an opportunity to learn more about the diverse people, mission impact, and career opportunities our personnel experience within the US Army Corps of Engineers. In this edition we talk with US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Anthony Watters, a Maintenance Supervisor for Wolf Creek and Laurel Power Plants working on the front lines of hydropower.

In this episode of Inside the Castle, we spotlight the critical and often lesser-known role of tribal liaisons within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Join us as we sit down with Melissa Leslie (Seattle District) and Sean O'Donnell (Alaska District) to explore how these dedicated professionals build government-to-government relationships with Tribal Nations and Alaska Native communities. From honoring treaty rights and navigating complex land challenges to advocating for infrastructure needs and cultural preservation, our guests share personal stories and professional insights about what it means to serve as a bridge between the Corps and sovereign tribal partners. Tune in for an honest, thoughtful conversation on trust, responsibility, and the power of listening ... and discover how these liaisons are shaping a trusted and collaborative future for the Corps.

In this special episode, we sit down with Mr. Edward Belk, Director of Civil Works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as he prepares to retire after 38 years of extraordinary service. From humble beginnings as a temporary GS-9 on a Mississippi River survey crew to leading the entire Civil Works Directorate, Mr. Belk shares the stories, challenges, and human connections that defined his career. Listen in as he reflects on: • The power of people in public service • Lessons learned from flood response and war zones • The future of water infrastructure in America • Why the Corps' mission matters more than ever • Encouragement for the next generation of leaders Whether you're a Corps insider, a federal employee, or simply curious about what goes on "inside the castle," this episode is a masterclass in leadership, humility, and service to country. Listen now and be inspired by one man’s journey through decades of dedication, challenges, and unforgettable river stories.

In this edition we talk with US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Brittany Bruder a Coastal Research Engineer with the US Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory – Field Research Facility.

In this edition we talk with US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Brian Ellis with the US Army Corps of Engineers Aviation Program Office based in Huntsville, Alabama. Brian spent a career in uniform in the aviation field, and is now applying that expertise and knowledge to drive innovation within the Corps of Engineers.

Welcome to the Build Strong With Us podcast series where we give our listeners an opportunity to learn more about the people, mission impact, and career opportunities our personnel experience within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In this edition, we talk with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) Eric Daniels with the Talent Acquisition Center of Excellence. Eric began working in the field of talent acquisition while in uniform as an Army recruiter. After retiring, he explored other career opportunities, but the call to help the Army attract and retain top talent called him back. To suggest a topic for a future episode, email [email protected].

In this episode, we are joined by COL Pabis, Commander of the New England District. We’ll hear about the District’s role in shaping USACE, and the valuable work being done today and in the future.

Episode title: People First series – Portland District’s Public Affairs Office on Being Responsibility Unhinged Episode description: Today’s episode is part of our “People First” series where we celebrate unity, empowerment and the Corps great asset, our people! In this episode, the Inside the Castle team is joined by Chris Gaylord and Kerry Solan with the Portland District - the team behind one of the Corps’ most creative public affairs offices. Known for their humorous and engaging social media – including their famous cat and dog calendars – they’re redefining how the Corps connects with the public. We’ll dive into their creative process, the impact of humor in public communications, the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Download your 2025 pet calendars here: 2025 Cat Calendar: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll11/id/7214 2025 Dog Calendar: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll11/id/7215

Welcome to the Build Strong With Us podcast series where we give our listeners an opportunity to learn more about the people, mission impact, and career opportunities our personnel experience within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In this edition, we talk with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) Crystal Torgerson with the Logistics Activity. Crystal started her career as a federal employee working at a military grocery store. Through college she participated in the Pathways internship program, ultimately earning a full-time position upon her graduation. With a love of logistics, she has worked her way through the ranks and now serves as a senior civilian program manager, illustrating the opportunities to build a career within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. To suggest a topic for a future episode, email [email protected].

This past fall the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers welcomed Major General Jason E. Kelly as the Deputy Commanding General for Civil Works and Emergency Operations. In this episode, we have a candid conversation with Major General Kelly about his career, the Corps focus areas, and how he is helping the Corps deliver the mission for the Nation.

Welcome to the Build Strong With Us podcast series where we give our listeners an opportunity to learn more about the diverse people, mission impact, and career opportunities our personnel experience within the US Army Corps of Engineers. In this edition we talk with US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Nikki Edelenbos with the Jacksonville District. Nikki has been with USACE just about one year. In this episode we will discuss her path into USACE, her passion for the work she does, and what she has learned about USACE over the past year. To suggest a topic for a future episode, email [email protected].

This is part one of a three-part series focused on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's (USACE) Critical Incident Stress Management Program (CISM). The mission of the CISM program is to provide education, support, and assistance to USACE employees for incidental or cumulative critical incident stress experienced in the performance of their jobs and/or in the event of major civil emergencies, natural disasters or military contingencies. 24/7 CISM helpline 314-925-5250 Email: [email protected] FOR USACE STAFF ONLY: Join the CISM Team: Visit the CISM SharePoint portal under "how can I help?"

In this episode, we sit down with USACE Engineering & Construction (E&C) leadership to discuss some of the recent strategic initiatives and future of E&C in the Corps. Listen in as we talk about what it means to deliver quality consistently, develop and enable the workforce, and leverage collaboration and innovation across E&C as we all work together to safely deliver quality projects on time and within budget.

This is the final episode of our three-part series commemorating the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program. In this episode, Mr. Jonah Bea-Taylor from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Office of History joins us to talk about how the Corps' civil works mission evolved after the Civil War. Listen in to hear how the Corps' civil works program expanded to multiple missions across the Nation. To learn more about the Corps history, visit https://www.usace.army.mil/About/History/

In this episode we take a closer look at the latest innovation revolutionizing the way the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) does business. Listen in as Jennifer Moyer, Chief of the USACE Regulatory Program, introduces the new Regulatory Request System. The Regulatory Request System is a web-based tool that helps a person find general permitting information, submit an individual and general permit application, submit pre-application meeting requests, and jurisdictional determination requests using online forms. You can find this tool at https://rrs.usace.army.mil/rrs Have your tried RSS? Let us know what you think at [email protected]

This is the second episode of our three-part series commemorating the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program. In this episode, Mr. John Lonnquest, PhD., Chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Office of History joins us to talk about how the General Survey Act contributed to the establishment of the Corps of Topographical Engineers in 1838. He also talks about the Corps' first civil works projects and why they were so important to the Corps and the Nation. To learn more about the Corps history, visit https://www.usace.army.mil/About/History/

This episode marks the beginning of our special three-part series commemorating the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program. We kick the series off with Matthew Pearcy, from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Office of History, for an in-depth look at the legislative milestones that shaped the Corps into the world-class organization it is today. To learn more about the Corps history, visit https://www.usace.army.mil/About/History/

In this candid conversation, Lieutenant General Scott A. Spellmon, the 55th Chief of Engineers for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, sits down with Inside the Castle to discuss the immense responsibility that comes with leading a world-class organization. Lieutenant General Spellmon offers a glimpse into this leadership philosophy, revealing how he stays motivated and resilient in the face of immense challenges – from natural disasters to the ever-present need to balance work and personal life. Reflecting on this time as the Chief of Engineers, he gives us an update on his key priorities and how the Corps has been working hard to safely deliver the mission on time and within budget. You will also hear about his most memorable day as Chief of Engineers, his plans after his tenure, and the invaluable advice he has for the Corps staff at all levels of the organization. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the inner workings of the Corps, leadership in challenging times, and leaving a lasting legacy.

In this episode we discuss the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) with Jerry Dorsey and Abigail Maher. FEVS is an annual government-wide survey that measures federal employees' perceptions of critical work-life areas that drive employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention across the workforce. Listen and learn why this survey is important and how it is helping the Corps improve the workplace now and into the future.

Ever wonder who keeps the gears turning on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects? On this episode of Inside the Castle, we take a deep dive into the world of the Corps' Business Line Managers. Join us as we chat with a few of the business line managers and uncover the diverse roles they play, the challenges they tackle, and the decisions they make.

Step inside castle walls for a captivating discussion on the basics of artificial intelligence with Evan Smits, from Microsoft. In this episode, we delve into the basics of artificial intelligence, unraveling its mysteries and exploring its vast potential for assisting the Corps with accomplishing its mission more efficiently and effectively than ever before. Tune in to gain invaluable insight into the transformative power of artificial intelligence.

Ever wondered how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gets the go-ahead and green light to fund all those vital infrastructure projects across the nation? On this episode of Inside the Castle, we dive into the sometimes-murky world of authorizations and appropriations. We'll break down the key differences between the two terms and explain what it takes for a USACE project to go from the drawing board to reality. So, whether you are a civil engineer, an advocate for your local waterway, or simply curious about how it all works, tune in!

In this episode, we are wrapping up our Construction Innovation Management series with Jason Gobin, Darrick Godfrey and Alexandra Henderson Connors. This final part of the series showcases the research and development aspects of Construction Management Innovation. Listen in as the Corps team talks about how they are using research and USACE lab resources to meet the everyday needs of the construction management workforce.

Listen in as Inside the Castle continues their 5-part series on Construction Management Innovation. In this episode, Inside the Castle hosts are joined by USACE Construction Managers Jacky Henderson, John Travis and Alexandra Henderson Connors to talk about the Construction Management Administration Application and how this new tool will help USACE construction personnel more efficiently manage policy, documentation, training, and share lessons learned across the enterprise.

In this episode, we are continuing our Construction Innovation Management series with Niki Porter, Darrick Godfrey and Alexandra Henderson Connors. Part 3 of this 5 part series showcases the new Construction Management Platform (CMP). Listen in as the Corps team talks about why they are working to modernize the construction management tools and why it is critical to have a new construction management platform to help construction managers better manage their projects.

In this episode, we continue our series on Construction Management Innovation with Darrick Godfrey, Alexandra Henderson Connors, and Renee Mullinax. Listen in to learn more about the tools the Corps' Construction Managers currently use to track construction projects and what the Construction Management Innovation team is doing to improve the tools in the future.

In this episode we sit down with Darrick Godfrey and Alexandra Henderson Connors to learn more about Construction Management Innovation and the four lines of efforts that will be discussed in more detail in future episodes. Listen in to hear the current state of Construction Management within the Corps and what Darrick, Alexandra and the rest of the Construction Management Innovation team is doing to improve the way we do business. Any questions about the Construction Management Innovation can be sent to the team at [email protected] If you are a Corps staff member, you can learn more about Construction Management Innovation by visiting the Construction Management Team site at https://usace.dps.mil/sites/TDL-CECW-EC-TestTeam1/SitePages/CMP.aspx

In this episode, we showcase another 2022 USACE Innovation Award Winner! Listen to learn how the Huntsville Engineering and Support Center deployed the Welcome2lt digital in-processing tool and dashboard to reduce the time an employee spends on-boarding by more than 60%.

In this episode, we sit down with Terry Williams, the Program Manager for the Fargo-Moorhead Metro Program, and Kevin Denn, the project manager for the Fargo-Moorhead Metro Program, to talk about the National Academy of Construction recognition, what it took to receive this recognition and what is currently going on with the Fargo-Moorhead Metro Program.

In this episode, we continue to highlight our Business Process Improvement Award winners with Ozzy Orwick, USACE Headquarters Human Resources Data Director. Mr. Orwick expanded on the success of the Mississippi Valley Division's improvements to the DoD Performance Management and Appraisal Program (DPMAP) dashboard. His efforts resulted in an enterprise-wide solution that is 100% automated and provides supervisors as well as senior leaders with a more expedited way to view status of required DPMAP tasks. Congratulations Ozzy! We appreciate your commitment to improving the way USACE does business!

In this episode, we celebrate the 2020-2021 Process Improvement Team Excellence Award Winner for their efforts to improve how the agency works through the DoD Performance Management and Appraisal Program commonly known by DoD workforce as DPMAP. Sabine Faltenbacher, New Orleans District Quality Management Representative, joins us to talk about the innovative improvements the way the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers executes the DPMAP and the lessons they learned along the way.

Did you know Congress has a team of researchers for daily legislative support? In this episode, we are joined by Anna Normand and Nicole Carter who are Specialists in Natural Resources Policy at the Congressional Research Service. Tune in and learn the mission of the Congressional Research Service and how they serve Congress with the highest quality of research, analysis, and information. Whether you are a policy wonk, an infrastructure enthusiast, or simply curious about the inner workings of the U.S. government, this episode is for you!

Join us as we take a closer look at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Remote Lock Operations. In this episode, we are joined by Tiffany Burroughs and Michael Tarpey from USACE Headquarters who will provide us with a deeper understanding of remote lock operations and its transformative role in the navigation industry. For more information about the Remote Lock Operations visit: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Navigation/Lock-Dam-Remote-Operation/

In this episode of Inside the Castle, we delve into a day in the life of a local government liaison. This vital aspect of disaster recovery operations often goes unnoticed; however, it is a critical link between local government, local citizens, and the federal recovery efforts. After a natural disaster or a significant event, local citizens find themselves facing a myriad of questions and uncertainties about the recovery process. They are often left wondering who to turn to for assistance and guidance. That is where the local governmental liaisons come into play. Join us for an enlightening conversation that highlights the unsung heroes who work diligently to ensure that local communities receive the support they need when it matters most.

In this episode we learn more about the USACE Lean Six Sigma Excellence Award Program winners with Kevin Fuqua, Deputy Business Process Improvement (BPI) Capability Manager at USACE Headquarters. The intent of the Lean Six Sigma Excellence Award Program (LEAP) is to recognize Army organizations and practitioners who demonstrate excellence in development, sustainment, and employment of Business Process Improvement (BPI) capabilities in support of the enterprise approach to institutional adoption.

In this episode we talk with Dr. Will Veatch and Brantley Thames about the suite of publicly available web tools that allow users to analyze historical and climate-projected data for climate preparedness and resilience planning. Listen in and learn how these tools support risk-informed decisions and help make the nation more resilient to climate-related changes through adaptation.

As the nation’s environmental engineer, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages one of the largest federal environmental missions: restoring degraded ecosystems; constructing sustainable facilities; regulating waterways; managing natural resources; and, cleaning up contaminated sites from past military activities. Our environmental programs support the warfighter and military installations worldwide as well as USACE public recreation facilities throughout the country. In this episode, we sit down with Ms. Lara Beasley, USACE Environmental Division Chief; Chris Evans, DOD Environmental Programs Branch Chief; and Mr. Busse, Environmental Support Branch Chief, to talk about the Environmental mission and what the USACE workforce is doing to foster sustainability in all programs and projects. Listen in and learn more about this mission!

The U.S. Army Corps Engineers is an innovative, transformative organization providing engineering solutions to customers worldwide. Our 36,0000 civilian employees are delivering positive impacts for today and tomorrow. In this episode, we are exploring a day in the life of a USACE Archeologist with Nancy Brighton, Susan Malin-Boyce, and Mark Smith. Listen in and learn more about this exciting career field.

In this episode, we sit down with MAJ Jared Demello, Frank Cook and Matthew Karlinchak to talk about the Arlington National Cemetery Expansion Project which is a project under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Interagency and International Services Program. The Corps is one of many partners who work with the Arlington National Cemetery. The main role is to provide construction support for larger construction projects, like the cemetery expansion project. Listen in to learn more about this project, the Corps’ history with the cemetery and the exciting work Corps’ construction team is accomplishing!

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has established a goal to advance the practice of beneficial use of dredged material to 70% by the year 2030. Dredged material is a valued resource that is not to be wasted, but instead used for benefits to the ecosystem, economy, and to deliver the USACE mission more effectively and efficiently across the Navigation, Flood Risk Management and Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration projects. Listen in as we learn more about this program and the benefits it provides to the environment and the nation.

In this episode we talk with Aaron Snyder and Kevin McDonald about the Corps Water Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP). CWIFP is a newly launched loan program that will provide low cost, long-term loans with flexible repayment options to creditworthy borrowers. Listen in and learn how this program enables local investment in infrastructure projects that address community water resource needs, promote economic prosperity, and improve environmental quality. For more information about CWIFP visit: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Infrastructure/revolutionize/CWIFP/