NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 13, 2025) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District bid farewell yesterday to its long-serving executive officer and congressional liaison that faithfully served 16 consecutive commanders and culminates 38 years as a civil servant.
Lt. Col. Robert Green, Nashville District commander, presented the Department of the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Medal to Joanne Mann during a retirement ceremony recognizing her exceptional leadership and steadfast dedication for more than 30 years.
Mann joined federal service in 1989. After working in several positions as secretary for the Depot Support Activity Far East in Seoul, South Korea, and the 125th Reserve Command in Nashville, Tennessee, she joined the Nashville District, serving as a budget analyst and management analyst in Resource Management, and then as a legal assistant in the Office of Counsel. The district promoted her to her current position in June 2007. She also served in the military as a combat medic on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1986 to 1989, and then in the Reserves until 1992.
Green said he sought advice of several former commanders prior to taking command himself and asked them what he needed to know to be prepared to lead the district.
Another aspect that stands out about Mann, the commander added, is how she invests of herself in everyone around her.
Mann has guided nine commanders since becoming executive officer and congressional liaison.
Current and past district leaders made the trek to Nashville to celebrate Mann's career. Col. Stephen Murphy and Retired Col. John Hudson, former Nashville District commanders; Maj. Jesse Davis, Nashville District deputy commander; Craig Carrington, deputy for Project Management; Lt. Col. Nathan Branen, former deputy commander; and Mike Wilson and Patty Coffey, former deputies for Project Management; all paid their respect for Mann's tremendous impact to the organization.
As the Nashville District's executive officer and congressional liaison, Mann planned and conducted the commander's congressional visits and interagency support, ensuring appropriate communication. She also maintained relationships with stakeholders and members of Congress. Teaming frequently with the district's corporate leaders, project and operations managers, office staffs, and especially the command staff, she said everyone around her made it enjoyable and satisfying to plan, coordinate, and implement programs.
She said successes came from exceptional employees and solid teams. Together, they overcame challenges and communicated projects and operations with congressional interests.
Mann often took work home and especially credits her husband David for his love and steadfast support, despite long hours that seemed to be routine to her position.
Mann has a bachelor's degree in marketing from Middle Tennessee State University. She completed the Nashville District's inaugural Leadership Development Program Level 1 - Employees Achieving Greatness and Leadership Excellence, also known as EAGLE. She also completed LDP 2 and LDP 3 programs and took advantage of developmental positions.
She deployed to Mississippi in response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and recently served as an advisor for the Marine Transportation System with the Department of Transportation. Since joining the Corps of Engineers, Mann has garnered the Commander's Award for Civilian Service and the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal.
The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on the district's website at www.lrn.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on X (formerly Twitter) at www.twitter.com/nashvillecorps. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest Nashville District employment and contracting opportunities at https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-army-corps-of-engineers-nashville-district.
Source: U.S.Army
