More Than Just Cost-Cutting: Finding the 'Hidden Value' in Feder

U.S. Army civilian Emma Crooks, a project engineer assigned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, leads a project team meeting focused on value engineering in Buffalo, New York, Dec. 17, 2025. Crooks is the Buffalo District’s newest district value officer, focused on maximizing project function while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used as efficiently as possible. (U.S. Army photo by Avery Schneider)