On Tuesday, February 25, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division Commander, Col. Kimberly Peeples announced Denise Rouse, Civil Engineer in the Operations and Regulatory Division, as Employee of the Month for December 2021. Denise was nominated by Matt Shanks, Risk Analysis Coordinator.
Rouse began her career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over 30 years ago. She was introduced to the enterprise through the Department of Army Intern program, where she rotated through four duty stations throughout the Louisville District. During her rotations, Rouse gained experience in the field as well as in the office, with her time split between learning the ropes of lake projects, along with details in the Louisville District office. Although, Rouse’s most memorable experience from her formative years include wearing the beloved water safety mascot costumes; Freddie Fish, Buddy Beaver, and, of course, Bobber the Water Safety Dog.
“Wearing those outfits while interacting with the general public and the corps is a work-life memory every employee should get to make,” recalls Rouse.
Rouse believes the most fulfilling part of her career happens each and every day she works to ensure support to the workforce and enterprise. Although her target audience is at the field level, she believes being supportive of various district and higher headquarters technical and support teams is just as fulfilling.
Outside of work, Rouse enjoys gardening, reading, and traveling. She is extremely passionate about her family and home life.
“I have been so fortunate to have so much support over my career,” says Rouse. “From family, friends, and my coworkers.”
Division Commander, Col. Kimberly Peeples, speaks highly of all that Rouse has accomplished in recent months throughout her time spent with the corps. Upon announcing Rouse’s Employee of the Month award, Col. Peeples, highlighted Rouse’s recent achievements, including impressing staff across the organization and enterprise by leading budget development, management, and monitoring.
"Denise’s devotion, persistence, and endurance as a leader within the MSC and across the division are commendable attributes worthy of recognition," said Col. Peeples. "Thank you, Denise, for setting a shining example to all on how to manage programs, as well as a complete business line. Denise’s dedication to serve the organization and our nation exemplify the motto of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Essayons! And is yet another example of how LRD continues building strong – together!”
As Rouse reflects on her career with USACE, she offered advice for individuals starting their careers with USACE.
“Every workday is an adventure - adapt & be flexible, be mobile with the approach to duty efforts if not always able to with details or permanent positions. Keep in mind programmatic emphasis or goals change and that will always be a constant - so while learning, implementing and improving your program area(s) where possible... just don't become a "toad in the road" with it all either.”