Meet Mohave’s Veterans
by Administrative Team
At Mohave, we honor the sacrifices and achievements of our veteran employees. Their diverse experiences enrich our workplace and inspire us all to strive for excellence.
We proudly present our veteran employees:
- Erin Gordon
- Branch: US Army
- Final Rank: Specialist (E-4)
- Years of Service: 9 years total service, 4 years active duty, 5 years National Guard
- Active Duty: Basic training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina in 1996 – AIT (Advanced Individual Training) at Ft. Lee, Virginia in 1996 – 97 – stationed at Suwon Air Base, South Korea from 1997 – 1998, and stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington from 1998 – 1999.
- National Guard: 1999 – 2005, activated for two wildfire duties, one in Oregon state, one in Washington state. Also activated for Hurricane Katrina cleanup.
How did your military career contribute to the skills that you bring to Mohave?
My time in the military was invaluable in shaping me into a better civilian worker. The skills I developed during my service in the Army have been essential to my career in procurement. I gained a strong sense of discipline and time management, which helps me prioritize tasks and meet deadlines effectively. The emphasis on teamwork and collaboration taught me to work seamlessly with others, while the need to adapt and solve problems under pressure sharpened my ability to navigate challenges with composure and creativity. Additionally, the focus on leadership and accountability instilled in me the importance of taking responsibility and stepping up when needed. These experiences, combined with a steadfast work ethic, have been the foundation of my professional growth and success.
- Mike Nentwig
- Branch: US Air Force
- Final Rank: Technical Sargeant (E-6)
- Years of Service: 20 years
How did your military career contribute to the skills that you bring to Mohave?
The Air Force Core Values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do is what provides me with the guidance and the professional behaviors that I internalize and strive to demonstrate everyday working at Mohave. I use these core values to help me provide the support that my fellow employees and the membership expect, as I continue my life of service.
- Kristy Hamm
- Branch: US Air Force
- Final Rank: Airman First Class (A1C)
- Years of Service: 6 months
How did your military career contribute to the skills that you bring to Mohave? Having integrity in your work. That factors into the evaluation of our solicitations, holding each response to the same level of review.
- Melissa Jimenez
- Branch: US Army and Army Reserves
- Final Rank: Sergeant (E-5)
- Years of Service: 8 years
How did your military career contribute to the skills that you bring to Mohave? Army Values are essential in public procurement: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.
- Loyalty: Supporting leadership and your fellow team members.
- Duty: Fulfilling your obligations as part of a team.
- Respect: Treating others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same.
- Selfless Service: Doing your duty without thought of recognition or gain.
- Honor: Acting in accordance with your values.
- Integrity: Doing what is right legally and morally even when no one is watching.
- Personal Courage: Facing fear or adversity. Making the “right” decisions even if they are unpopular ones.
Mohave’s Updated Internal Past Performance Indicators (PPI) System
by Contracts Team
Our contract vendors know of our internal PPI System and the annual scoring they receive in their Annual Performance Report. Mohave sends out the Annual Performance Report to our contract vendors 60-days prior to the contract renewal date. The Annual Performance Report is a great snapshot for our contract vendors to know how they have performed during the contract term.
The previous version of the Annual Performance Report included scoring for interaction with Mohave staff, processing of member purchase orders, timely reports and documents, and other contractual matters. We learned through feedback from our contract vendors that our scoring for timely reports and some contract processes appeared unduly weighted against other areas of contract management. Additionally, they were sometimes scored in areas that they had no control over. So, we took a look and agreed.
Our updated PPI System will feature a newly formatted and easier to read Annual Performance Report. We kept the scoring and scoring matrixes for interactions with Mohave staff. We removed automatic scoring for processes that are sometimes beyond the contract vendor’s control. We added a section for Weighted Scores for each criterion of scoring. Lastly, but very importantly, we readjusted our weighted scoring to be more reflective of contract performance and contract management.
Contract vendors will begin receiving the updated Annual Performance Report during the next scheduled contract renewal process. We appreciate the past feedback we received from our contract vendors about our internal PPI System and their Annual Performance Report. Feel free to email us at contracts@mesc.org with any questions or feedback about the updated version.
Impact of Hurricanes and Avian Flu on Food Production
by ASPIN Team
Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused significant damage to food production. These storms devastated crops including corn, carrots, and tree nuts, while also damaging critical infrastructure like irrigation and storage facilities. Supply chain disruptions also impact the distribution of food products leading to possible shortages and increased prices.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) aka “bird flu” is a disease also affecting food systems. The USDA, FDA, and CDC continue to investigate the most recent outbreak impacting dairy cows in multiple states. These investigations resulted in the FDA and USDA confirming commercial milk supplies are safe because of the pasteurization process and the destruction of milk from sick cows. Shell eggs have been under pressure due to smaller flock sizes caused by HPAI. However, lower feed costs and encouraged flock expansion have left the market stable.
Mohave ASPIN is consistently monitoring the food markets on behalf of members. Weekly fresh crop and egg reports are reviewed, and discrepancies are challenged on the weekly pricing lists. Ongoing evaluation ensures pricing aligns with the price indexes and markets.
Sources for more information:
SNAAZ Recap and Best Booth Award
by ASPIN Team
Mohave ASPIN was privileged to experience the 2024 School Nutrition Association of Arizona State (SNAAZ) Conference and Expo at the end of September. The event was full of energy from the Friday night celebration to the Exhibit floor on Saturday. It was clear the attendees were committed to making Arizona Child Nutrition Programs succeed. Mohave ASPIN was inspired to see so many professionals working together to make a difference in the well-being of students across the state.
The conference provided valuable learning opportunities and time for engaging conversations. The “Alice in Wonderland” theme allowed vendors and participants to add a whimsical touch. Chelseya Molner, Mohave Outreach Specialist, shined at booth design this year, winning Mohave ASPIN the title of Best Booth.
Thanks to all who organized and participated to make this a memorable event.
For more information visit https://snaaz.org/
