The American Logistics Association (ALA) recently announced the names of the new members of its Board of Directors and Councils (Exchange and Commissary.,

Here is the first in a series of profiles of these dedicated professionals, their impressions of the current military resale system, and what they hope to accomplish during their terms in office.

Andy Lassiter, the newly named chairman of the American Logistics Association’s (ALA) Commissary Council, is not a newbie when it comes to military resale and the processes that propel it.

“I am a second-generation member of the industry after following my father’s footsteps into the military resale channel,” he stated.

With his first experiences working case-lot sales, resets, and vendor stocking, Lassiter started his career in the industry in 2010 as an area sales manager for EURPAC services, and he has held positions within the channel with Nestlé USA, Acosta Sales and Marketing and currently, as field operations manager at S&K Sales.

“One of the biggest changes I have observed since my start in the industry has been the overall shift in headquarters management at the Defense Commissary Agency,” he related.

“When I started, stores had more control over the decision-making process at store level,” he explained. “Over the past decade, many of those decisions are now dictated at a headquarters level.”

Lassiter said that the another change he has seen has been the adoption of variable pricing in the commissaries. “This change has brought on many unforeseen challenges within the agency,” he noted.

GOALS

As the Commissary Council chair, Lassiter said that his primary goal “is to strengthen the partnership between industry and resale agencies to better serve our military families.

“I aim to assist DeCA to drive initiatives that improve operational efficiency, ensure product availability, and enhance the shopping experience.

“I also hope to foster greater collaboration across stakeholders to address key issues, such as supply chain resilience, competitive pricing, and the adoption of technology to streamline processes.

ADVANCING THE INDUSTRY

As calendar year 2024 moves full throttle into 2025, Lassiter believes that he and other board members can accomplish much in advancing the industry during the coming tear.

“By leveraging our collective expertise, it’s my belief we can identify opportunities for growth and tackle challenges like systems changes, supply chain disruptions, pricing inconsistencies and store operation efficiencies,” he said, and one of the ways to do these things is through teamwork.

“The association and resale partners can achieve more by aligning on shared goals and fostering a spirit of collaboration,” Lassiter said.

“This means creating open lines of communication, sharing insights and best practices, and collectively addressing challenges as they arise,” he explained. “Joint efforts such as coordinated marketing campaigns and advocacy initiatives can amplify our impact.

“Building strong relationships and maintaining transparency will be key to driving progress together.”

And one way of getting this done — and one that Lassiter said is a “critical topic” now — is “the importance of staying future focused.”

The chairman of the Commissary Council noted, “As we navigate these challenging times, it’s essential to invest in long-term strategies that position the industry for continued success.

“This includes embracing technology, adapting to changing customer needs, and ensuring the sustainability of our operations.

“I’m also passionate about reinforcing the value of the military resale system and the vital role it plays in supporting military families, which remains at the heart of everything we do.”