USACE Manager of the Year: Jisun Kang leads Far East District contracting

CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea —Jisun Kang, chief of contracting at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Far East District, has been named Manager of the Year through the USACE Excellence in Contracting Awards Program. The award recognizes her exceptional leadership in managing a nearly $265 million contracting portfolio, advancing innovative acquisition practices, and strengthening workforce readiness across the Korean theater.

“I was genuinely surprised and humbled when I learned about the award,” Kang said. “I never imagined receiving this kind of recognition, especially knowing how many deserving leaders there are across USACE.”

Despite significant personnel turnover and evolving executive order requirements, Kang successfully executed 15 complex contract actions valued at $265 million during the 2025–2026 rating period. Among her most significant achievements was serving as the procuring contracting officer for a $200 million Construction Security Monitoring (CSM) Services multiple-award task order contract, as well as a critical $44.2 million CSM task order supporting the Korea Air Operations and Intelligence Center. Both acquisitions support the protection of critical national security infrastructure.

Beyond managing high-stakes actions, Kang actively expanded the district's acquisition toolset. She advanced alternative project delivery methods—including Progressive Design-Build, Integrated Design and Construction, and Design-Build to Budget—and became the division’s first district-level chief to complete Other Transaction Authority training. She has also championed artificial intelligence as a key tool for streamlining workflows and enhancing operational efficiency.

“I believe innovation is no longer optional in government contracting,” Kang said. “The expectations placed on USACE continue to evolve, and we have to find ways to deliver projects more efficiently, adapt to emerging technologies, and remain responsive to our customers' needs.”

Putting that philosophy into practice, Kang launched a pilot project in 2026 to integrate generative AI into the acquisition process. The effort culminated in a successful contract award in September 2026, proving the technology's ability to accelerate document preparation and shorten review cycles. Building on that success, she is now developing a reusable AI acquisition playbook for the Pacific Ocean Division, aiming to share lessons learned and support broader adoption of effective practices across the region.

However, Kang emphasizes that technology must complement—not replace—human expertise.

“AI can generate information and recommendations, but it cannot replace the critical thinking, professional judgment, and accountability required of a contracting officer,” Kang said. “Ultimately, AI should enhance our expertise, not diminish it.”

While technical innovation drives her operations, workforce development remains the cornerstone of Kang’s leadership. Under her mentorship, all three military members of FED's contracting team—one officer and two noncommissioned officers—earned $100 million contracting officer warrants, significantly boosting the team's capacity for complex, mission-critical acquisitions.

To further enhance adaptability across the theater, Kang authored and implemented a landmark memorandum of understanding between FED and the 411th Contracting Support Brigade. The agreement established a joint personnel exchange program for military contracting professionals, creating cross-organizational opportunities to share expertise and build capabilities.

Having grown up in South Korea and served as a U.S. Air Force Airman, Kang brings a unique perspective shaped by diverse cultural and professional experiences. She thoughtfully bridges gaps between U.S. civilian employees, Korean national staff, and military personnel, creating a unified sense of purpose across the workforce. Her division affectionately refers to itself as the “Mighty Contracting Team”—a testament to the pride, camaraderie, and mutual support Kang actively cultivates.

“I believe one of my strengths as a leader is being able to bridge those differences and bring people together around a common purpose,” Kang said. “I make a conscious effort to create opportunities for our employees to connect beyond their day-to-day responsibilities, whether through monthly town halls, celebrating personal milestones, or organizing annual team-building events. These may seem like small gestures, but they help build the trust, understanding, and camaraderie that carry over into how we work together.”

Recognizing that effective communication is essential to both negotiation and leadership, Kang founded the Speech Engineers Toastmasters club in August 2025. As founding president, she built a supportive environment for employees to sharpen public speaking skills and gain confidence. In its very first year, the club achieved Distinguished Club status.

This initiative holds personal significance for Kang. When she started her career as a 19-year-old Airman, she was exceptionally shy and found public speaking intimidating. She fondly recalls admiring a team leader who commanded meetings with ease, never dreaming she would one day lead an entire contracting division. Over a 24-year career, the encouragement of dedicated mentors helped her build confidence—an experience that now inspires her to empower others.

“Effective communication builds confidence, strengthens relationships, and ultimately makes us better acquisition professionals and leaders,” she said.

Looking ahead, Kang remains focused on strengthening technical capabilities, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and preserving institutional knowledge. While the award honors her individual leadership, she views the recognition as a collective triumph.

“I've had the privilege of working on some significant acquisitions throughout my career, but contracts eventually close out and projects come to an end,” Kang said. “Building a team that trusts one another, takes pride in its work, and continues to grow together is something I find far more meaningful.”

Through mission execution, forward-thinking innovation, and people-centered leadership, Kang continues to strengthen the Far East District's contracting capabilities while ensuring the operational readiness of U.S. forces in Korea.

“This recognition may have my name on it,” she said, “but I consider it a reflection of the people I've had the privilege of working with throughout my journey.”

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