Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst recognized Brian Barr, Program Executive Officer Peculiar Support Equipment lead, for his dedication to developing the next generation of program managers during a Jan. 28 ceremony.

Barr received the site’s Mentor of the Year award, which is part of an annual recognition event by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Mentoring Program. There were 18 NAWCAD Lakehurst nominees out of 76 across NAVAIR, with one winner picked at each of the eight NAVAIR sites.

“Brian has been a valuable and sought after mentor of NAWCAD Lakehurst employees for many years due to his broad experience and approachable nature,” said Kathleen Donnelly, NAWCAD Lakehurst executive director. “He makes mentoring a priority, whether it be through the formal mentorship program or informally with his team members and peers. This recognition is truly well deserved.”

Barr currently mentors four employees through NAVAIR’s formal mentoring program, and has informally mentored countless employees through his roles in program management. He participates in speed-mentoring sessions, professional development events for new employees, and as a guest panelist for program management training classes.

“Brian takes a genuine interest in helping others and is a very approachable person that is willing to make time to help anyone who asks,” said Gerry Mollo, Mission Operations and Integration department head who nominated Barr.

Barr created a rotational assignment program for NAWCAD Lakehurst’s program management workforce. Assignments included assistant program management positions where candidates had the opportunity to support programs for several months, as well as short term shadowing assignments. 

“These rotational assignments not only helped with employee development but also gave some additional support to programs in need,” Mollo said.

Barr says it’s important to push people outside of their comfort zone and encourage them towards opportunities that benefit both them and the organization.

“All supervisors and team leaders need to have that mentoring philosophy in what we do,” Barr said.
“Whether it’s working with folks who are just starting out in our departments or on our teams, or if it’s folks that we’ve known for a long time.”

Barr finds that mentoring provides benefits for not just the mentee, but mentors as well.

“Mentoring goes both ways – you learn a lot from the people you work with and mentor,” Barr said. “I know I’ve learned a lot about how different people think and the different perspectives from different generations that I’ve mentored.”