The new head of the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (ACWA) program visited the Blue Grass project the first week of August.

“I’m pleased to come to the Bluegrass area and meet the people responsible for the progression of this complex facility,” said Suzanne Milchling, program executive officer, ACWA. “It’s very interesting to see the systemization effort.”

Milchling met project personnel, toured the Blue Grass site and interacted with local stakeholders in a series of meetings and a meet-and-greet event with Kentucky Chemical Demilitarization Citizens’ Advisory Commission and Chemical Destruction Community Advisory Board members and congressional representation.

“It’s important to keep things in perspective,” Milchling said to one of the advisory board co-chairs. “At the end of the day, we are all pulling together toward a very worthwhile goal.”

Milchling’s 35-year background includes experience with the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center where she managed chemical demilitarization efforts worldwide, including destruction of the declared Syrian stockpile. This background gives her a solid basis to lead the ACWA program, yet still stay grounded, she said.

“I have had responsibility for some fairly technical and complicated programs with many moving parts, now including this one,” Milchling said. “At home, I have a farm where we raise cows, pigs and chickens. I believe in a good work/life balance.”

Milchling assumed duties as the ACWA program executive officer on June 25.