District Digest News Stories

Bogema named Nashville District Employee of the Month for June 2017

Nashville District Public Affairs
Published Aug. 11, 2017
Mark Rankin

David Bogema, a civil engineer assigned to the Water Management section, Engineering and Construction Division, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District’s employee of the month for June 2017.

Mark Rankin

David Bogema, a civil engineer assigned to the Water Management section, Engineering and Construction Division, talks with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math students during the Middle Tennessee Stem Expo at Tennessee State University. Bogema is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District’s employee of the month for June 2017.

Mark Rankin

David Bogema, a civil engineer assigned to the Water Management section, Engineering and Construction Division, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District’s employee of the month for June 2017.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 10, 2017) – David Bogema, civil engineer assigned to the Water Management Section, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District’s employee of the month for June 2017.

Bogema is recognized for his significant contributions and demonstrated professionalism while serving as the lead project manager for the J. Percy Priest Water Supply Reallocation Study.  He not only led a team of dedicated professionals through the typical allocation study process for a draft report, but he spearheaded the project’s transition.

“David deserves this award because of his dedication, perseverance and knowledge for the J. Percy Priest Water Supply Reallocation Study,” said Lt. Col. Cullen A. Jones, Nashville District commander.

Ben Rohrbach, Nashville District Hydraulics and Hydrology chief, said Bogema is a natural leader and great communicator.    

“During a busy transitional period and with a full work load, David took on the interim project manager position for the study in April 2017, and took the challenge in stride,” said Rohrbach. 

“He is our go-to guy for the study,” said Rohrbach.  “He spearheaded the project's transition into the new SMART planning paradigm, and during his tenure in the position he has successfully led meetings with both the water supply users at the lake and a very successful vertical team In-Progress Review.” 

Rohrbach said Bogema’s energy, communication, and professionalism kept the Nashville District team and personnel involved, well-informed, and was critical to keeping this highly visible project moving forward.

He added that as project manager, Bogema went above and beyond the typical project management duties of leading team meetings, reporting, and financial management.

“‘David spent significant time learning planning requirements, re-writing the draft report, developing briefing materials for the vertical team, and presenting a thorough, yet succinct brief to headquarters,” said Rohrbach.

Bogema said what he likes about the Corps most is the opportunity to meet people, work on a different projects in water management and the prospect of volunteering for deployments and developmental assignments.

“I really love my job, working with people and I count it a privilege to receive this award,” said Bogema. 

Bogema has worked for the Corps for five years. He started in the Transatlantic Division in Winchester, Va., in 2012, deployed to Iraq in July 2014 for an Overseas Contingency Operations assignment, and joined the Nashville District team in 2016. 

Robert Dillingham, hydraulic engineer in the Water Management Operations Center and co-worker, said Bogema’s work ethic and expertise makes the Water Management team better.

Bogema said he slightly considers himself a perfectionist and always wants to improve his work through self-improvement. He attributes his work ethic from his father Dr. Stuart Bogema, who recently passed away. 

“I’m going to miss my dad’s wisdom, expertise and knowledge, especially in times like this, when I receive awards,” said Bogema.

 Bogema said having patience while gaining more experience and working with a variety of people has contributed to his success as a civil engineer.

“I am happy to receive this award, proud for the Percy Priest Water Supply Reallocation Study team and the recognition, said Bogema.  “I enjoy my job, working with the staff and working alongside the Nashville District family.”

Bogema is a native of Virginia, and has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. 

Bogema and his wife Theresa have three children, Amelia, 10, Linus, 6, and Calliope, 6.  He loves spending time with family and friends, volunteering as his son’s soccer coach. His hobbies include hiking, camping in their pop-up camper, woodworking, carpentry and home improvement projects.

Jones said his competence, and ability to effectively communicate with numerous levels of management kept this extended but very important project moving forward.

“David's ‘can do, will do’ attitude, outstanding performance, and efforts to make the district extraordinary makes him a prime role model for the organization and perfect selectee for the June 2017 Employee of the Month,” said Jones.

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