News From USJFCOM: Command names senior civilian of the quarter


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Command names senior civilian of the quarter

The division chief of Military Strategic Partnerships (J57) has earned top honors as USJFCOM's Senior Civilian of the 4th Quarter.

By Army Sgt. Josh LeCappelain
USJFCOM Public Affairs

(NORFOLK, Va. - Dec. 14, 2009) –- U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) named the division chief of Military Strategic Partnerships (J57) as the command's Senior Civilian of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2009.

Kevin F. Butler, who has worked for J57 since February 2005, wears many hats for USJFCOM. He oversees the administration of multinational programs and foreign liaison officers (LNOs), coordinates efforts with across the command with the directorates in supporting the combatant commands (COCOM) while ensuring an integrated perspective on strategic partnership, actively manages the USJFCOM LNOs at the COCOMs, while also coordinating the integration of LNOs from other commands into USJFCOM.

“He has really evolved the multinational engagement program through a myriad of engagements into what it is today, a superior program,” said Navy Capt. Sean Buck, Strategy and Policy Directorate (J5) deputy director. “We now are able to get the most value out of foreign LNOs offer to the USJFCOM mission, as well as give them the voice they are looking for their country. We are very proud of his performance in this and grateful to have him on our team.”

Butler, who retired in July 1994 as a commander after 20 years of Naval service and four years at the U.S. Naval Academy, credited the hard work of the people in his division for his selection.

“It’s really their hard work that enabled me to win this award. We’re doing the right things, and we’re doing them well,” Butler said. “I work with a great group of folks that work exceptionally well for me and with me. My goal is to mentor them to be better leaders, and to help them move forward in their growth and professional lives. That’s what really gets me going.”

A native of Greensboro, N.C., Butler credits his coworkers and his sense of purpose with motivating him every day.

“I’m excited about making a difference,” Butler said. “We provide real support to the warfighter through better coordination with multinational partners. Gen. (James) Mattis (USJFCOM commander) always says that ‘we’ll always go to war with partners.’”

Senel Snider, J5 NATO desk officer, credits Butler’s ability to adjust and his people skills for his success.

“He’s able to adjust his leadership style based on who he is working with. He will provide guidance, but also let people do things their way,” she said. “We know he’s there to help us. He allows the team to take the right steps to get the job done effectively and efficiently. He always backs us up as a leader when it is needed.”

John Taylor, J57 deputy chief, says Butler sets a great work climate through his focused efforts.

“He’s extremely dedicated and detail oriented, not one to ever let something fall through the cracks, but at the same time is very protective of his staff's quality of life,” Taylor said. “Mr. Butler's direction and efforts enable a synergistic approach to command level engagements and projects, really tying together the individual efforts of the directorates.”

During his time away from the office, Butler enjoys cooking, working with charities and spending time with his wife with whom he went to high school. He looks forward to continuing to push the J57 further into the future.

“I want to continue to develop good leaders and do the best job I can that contributes everyday to USJFCOM’s success,” Butler said.