Karyn Runstrom Named New DLA Chief of Staff

The Defense Logistics Agency has appointed Karyn Runstrom as its new chief of staff as announced by Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly, the DLA director, via an email to senior leadership.

As chief of staff, Runstrom will manage, among other things, the agency’s strategic planning, enterprise integration, organizational governance and strategic communications, the DLA said.

Her other responsibilities as chief of staff include overseeing equal employment opportunities, small business programs, public affairs and other key teams.

Runstrom has an extensive background within the agency, starting as an intern at the DLA Troop Support in 2001 to being inducted into the Senior Executive Service in 2019.

Since then, Runstrom has held multiple leadership roles, including as deputy executive director for DLA Logistics Operations’ Logistics, Policy and Strategic Programs Directorate, and led programs such as the DLA’s Planning Improvement Effort in 2014.

Runstrom is currently the DLA’s deputy chief information officer and has been the acting chief of staff since Eric Smith’s retirement in April.