Tobyhanna’s Stevens, McGlynn Selected as Employees of the Quarter

Of the more than 3,000 patriotic Americans who comprise Tobyhanna Army Depot’s dynamic civilian workforce, Team Tobyhanna is proud to announce the selections of Sheet Metal Mechanic Leader Travis Stevens and Directorate Secretary Ellen McGlynn as Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Employees of the Quarter for the 4th quarter of FY25 in the senior and junior category, respectively.

Both of these hard-working and skilled individuals have embraced the Army core values, going above and beyond to ensure Tobyhanna meets its mission of providing readiness to a ready, modern, and prepared generation of warfighters as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Tobyhanna Army Depot prides itself on being a workplace where each member of its talented workforce can reach their full potentials and make a meaningful contribution to its mission. Stevens is proof positive of that.

When it comes to a mission as critical as providing readiness to the warfighters defending our freedom, both cost and time savings are essential to delivering the best value to our heroes.

Recently, an issue was discovered, through a capstone project Stevens was a part of, in which rusted conveyor rollers were staining assets and shipping containers. In order to uphold the lofty Tobyhanna standard, a solution was presented to correct the issue, which included masking, sandblasting, painting/spraying coating, baking, & unmasking. In a move emblematic of Stevens’ personal drive and commitment to mission, he successfully researched and prototyped a faster, more efficient, and more durable solution using heat shrink tubing.

Stevens’ solution takes 15 minutes per roller as opposed to 1.5 hours per roller and reduces the repair cost from $158.54 to $37.94 per roller. Across 960 rollers, Stevens’ solution saves 1,200 hours and $115,771.20, ensuring Tobyhanna continues to deliver our nation’s warfighters the assets they need when they need them at the best quality and value.

In nominating Stevens for the award, Sheet Metal Mechanic Supervisor Russell Wren, commended Stevens’ selfless efforts.

“Travis’ actions were driven by a desire to improve operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility, which align with the larger mission of the cost center and its support of the warfighter,” said Wren. “His dedication and talent suggest a focus on the team’s success and mission accomplishment rather than personal gain. Proactively seeking and implementing a superior solution, even when a different approach had been suggested, shows a commitment to finding the best outcome for the overall project and the organization.”

Wren said Stevens’ team-oriented and mission-focused outlook demonstrates the power for good each member of Team Tobyhanna possesses and elevates the entire cost center in the process.

“Mr. Stevens’ commitment to pushing for a better way forward showcases the immense value of individual contributions and the impact that one person can have on the entire team’s success. By taking ownership of the problem and leading the implementation of the new, improved solution, Mr. Stevens effectively demonstrated how courage, skill, and resourcefulness can seize an opportunity to change things for the better. His proactive leadership sets a clear benchmark, motivating everyone to embrace accountability and strive for higher standards in their own work.”

Stevens said he was honored and surprised to receive the recognition. He emphasized the team’s pride and commitment to delivering our warfighters only the best quality products, adding that the individual honor is a reflection of the collective excellent work being accomplished by the team.

“I am honored to be selected as one of this quarter’s employees of the quarter. It was very unexpected to say the least, and I am very happy to have been selected to receive it. We see many different workloads pass through our cost center daily and we as a team try to do our absolute best to provide the finest product that we can,” said Stevens. “We are one of the last cost centers to see these materials before they are shipped to the field, so we do our utmost to make sure the end product is the absolute finest it can be. We are always trying to find new ways to innovate and improve our processes, and it’s a great feeling being able to continuously help team Tobyhanna deliver the highest quality product to the warfighter.”

McGlynn’s recognition comes just three years after joining Team Tobyhanna, and her impact has already been felt across the organization. She is being honored for launching proactive training efforts for division secretaries that have strengthened administrative processes throughout the Mission Execution Directorate. By skillfully managing her leadership’s schedules and navigating frequent changes that stem from higher-level commitments, she helps maximize their time and keeps the mission moving forward.

Mission Execution Director Nathan Thomas shared that McGlynn consistently goes above and beyond in her role as Directorate Secretary. Her daily responsibilities range from maintaining the calendars of the Director and Deputy Director to reviewing incoming correspondence with care and accuracy. Colleagues say her ability to anticipate needs before they arise has become a key part of the Directorate’s smooth operation.

McGlynn’s attention to detail and her calm, clear communication style proved invaluable during the recent Mission Execution Directorate reorganization. Her positive attitude, adaptability, and steady support of her teammates reflect exceptional interpersonal skills and a strong sense of unity. She regularly sets aside her own priorities to support the broader needs of the Directorate and never hesitates to assist colleagues when help is needed.

Reflecting on her time at Tobyhanna, McGlynn shared deep appreciation for the people who have shaped her experience so far.

“It’s been such a privilege to work at Tobyhanna Army Depot and the Mission Execution Directorate, formerly the C4ISR Directorate, for the past three years,” said McGlynn. “I’m honored to be recognized among my peers and mentors as a strong member of the team and wish to extend my appreciation to all for the camaraderie and support both on a personal and professional level.”

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