I am Mission Success: Brent Wright
Take 5 minutes to learn about Brent Wright., of Y-12 Production Operations. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.
Sometimes when people are asked how they are doing, their response is a sarcastic “I’m living the dream.” However, for Brent Wright, that response would be sincere.
“I have to pinch myself that I get to do what I do,” he said. In his current role, Brent oversees several major capability areas, including Assembly Disassembly Operations, Special Materials Operations, SNMO, Fabrication Operations, and Enriched Uranium Operations.
He has been at Y-12 for almost 23 years and came to the site shortly after graduating from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
“The commitment of the people in this valley I’ve seen over the past 23 years is the most impressive aspect of the job,” he said. “There are a lot of challenges, with an aging infrastructure and aging equipment. We constantly overcome these challenges. I think what drives us to do this is that desire to meet the mission. To be a part of that, there is no greater satisfaction. I’m blessed to go to a job that matters to our nation.”
For Wright, what stands out the most is not just employees’ commitment to the mission but also their commitment to Y-12 itself.
“There are people who have spent 40+ years at Y-12,” he said. “That just isn’t the norm outside of the valley. Once you are introduced to this industry, to the magnitude of the scope, the commitment is contagious. I get up in the mornings and go to a place that is helping to secure the nation’s and our allies’ freedom and security. I can’t see myself doing anything else at this point.”
Are you doing what you envisioned as a young adult? If so, describe how you got here.
I couldn’t have envisioned being in this business, but becoming an engineer was natural for me. I always liked to solve problems and work in a team environment. I was raised by a chemical operator that taught me the value of working with all levels of the organization…most importantly, with the people who perform the tasks on a daily basis. They are the ones who understand the processes and the complex tasks performed here.
What is your favorite aspect about your work environment? How does that aspect make you know the mission is being met?
Our capacity to do all the things we do throughout the facility, given all of the constraints we have to work through. Even with all the strict standards and regulations, we are still able to meet mission numbers. That’s pretty impressive. I attribute the success to the team environment and the people that we have at Y-12.
What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
Enjoying baseball with my sons. I played baseball in school, and now, I get to watch them do it. I’m glad they’re playing because baseball is a great sport that teaches teamwork, respect for authority, and how to face success and failure. Baseball is a great teacher of life. I’ve had the opportunity to coach baseball for the last 20 years, and I really enjoy working with young adults to hopefully make an impact on not just their baseball future but their lives.
What tools do you use and reference to keep current on changes to your skillset?
I have a small group of mentors who have challenged me over the past 23 years. Each of them has a different perspective and different skills that push me to improve. Those different viewpoints make you feel uncomfortable. When I have the opportunity to mentor employees, I often tell them to stay uncomfortable––that is where growth happens. I tell them to surround yourself with people who will be honest with you and challenge your weaknesses and encourage your strengths.