Mr. Dale Kinney

Mr. Dale Kinney was born on February 3, 1930 in Bloomfield, Nebraska. He served in the public and private sectors of the American Defense Industry before retiring in 1987 to become the Executive Vice President of Day and Zimmerman, Inc, Government Systems Group. In 1995, he was promoted to President of this group and is still serving in this capacity. Prior to joining DZI, he served as the Director for Industrial Preparedness and Installations, U.S. Army Armament Munitions and Chemical Command, and Deputy of Command Operations, U. S. Army Depot System Command.

In 1984, Mr. Kinney was presented the civil service's highest accolade, the "Distinguished Civilian Executive" award by President Ronald Reagan for his significant leadership contributions. He started three prominent management initiatives: the Quality Circle Program, the Center of Technical Excellence, and Productivity Gain Sharing. The Army credited his Quality Circle Program for saving an estimated $3.3 million through efficiency improvements fostered by the program. The Productivity Gain Sharing concept allowed installations to keep a share of the money they saved on innovative ideas that improved their productivity.

Mr. Kinney initiated the Centers of Technical Excellence Program in 1982. Under this program, qualified depots were designated as the specialist for a particular weapon system, eliminating duplication and improving readiness. He directed that the Maintenance Shop Floor System be implemented at the Corpus Christi Army Depot in 1983 which provided paperless, yet full tracking of major components and parts saving an estimated $5.5 million in annual costs.

Mr. Kinney's influence on today's philosophy of the Army depot management, the development of key innovative programs to improve productivity, and the depot reorganization strategy have truly allowed the Ordnance Corps and the U.S. Army to carry the flame proudly into the 21st Century.