Carmela Carr - Subcontracts Administrator

What does being a “Subcontracts Administrator” mean?

To me it is being able to provide quality customer service to the programs I support while protecting the company and having fun.

How did you find yourself on the path to being a Subcontracts Administrator?

It all started with a career change. I would have to say subcontract administration found me. In 2007, I found asking myself “Why am I living so far away from family?” For 22 years, I had to either a take five-hour plane ride or a 10-hour drive to see family. So, I resigned from my position as the Student Union Director at the University of South Carolina, sold my condo, packed up my car and my dog, and moved to Maryland where my parents and one of my sisters were living. I had a glorious 10-month work sabbatical. Needless to say, my mom was a bit worried that I would not find a job. Alas, I did.

I was hired by a small business that as a government contractor focused on renewable energy to provide onsite support to the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy prime contract. After two years, I moved to a corporate position where I was the Office Manager/Recruiting Coordinator. The company was eventually bought by a private investor and my position changed again to supporting the company’s legal counsel. When the company was acquired by SRA International, I had the choice of recruiting or subcontract administration. I choose subcontracts administration.

Who has motivated you the most in your career/ life?

I think motivation is comes from within a person. People can help to trigger that motivation but ultimately it is up to the individual. I have had people throughout my life that provided me with opportunities because I demonstrated the desire to learn and take their advice. From a college advisor who mentored me throughout my career in higher education to managers who saw my potential and trained me. Their guidance and belief in my abilities helped motivate me.

What life challenges have resulted in the most unexpected positive results?

I come from a large family; I have five sisters and two brothers. My mom raised us to be independent thinkers and problem solvers. She didn’t have the time to drive us everywhere. If we needed to get somewhere or do something, we had to figure it out. I think this helped me see the possibilities.

What is the favorite place you have lived and why?

I really loved living in South Carolina. My pace of life! If the university could have moved or Maryland moved closer to South Carolina, I would have stayed. Unfortunately, since neither were possible, I had to leave to be closer to family. But really for me, it is wherever family is. I have loved every minute of my time in Maryland because I have been in close proximity to two of my sisters.

What is your favorite book and/or movie of all time?

I don’t really have a favorite book or movie. I do enjoy reading. There a quite a few books that I have read that I have enjoyed reading and can’t seem to part with the books. Here are a few:

1. Toujours Provence by Peter Mayle

2. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

3. Give and Take by Adam Grant

As for movies, I am a sucker for all the Marvel movies. At the start of the pandemic, I was watching the Marvel movies and did not realize how loud the sound was. My TV was plugged into my sound system. My neighbor had to ask to me to turn down the sound. Oops! A good action and adventure or comedy is always a welcome escape!

What are the 3 pieces of advice you would give women in our industry?

1. Create experiences for yourself. Early on in my higher education career, I was working at Michigan State University in the Department of Housing. Where I really wanted to work was in student activities. I wanted to advise students who brought in the concerts, comedians, and other events to campus. It is not easy to move from Housing to Student Activities, so to gain the experience I needed, I created an opportunity for myself. For a year, I volunteered my free time to assist with training and advising the Student Union Activities Board. It paid off. At the end of the year a position was created for me. I had the job I really wanted.

2. Think outside the box and ask “Why”. I am always reminded of the story of “Grandma’s Ham”. Great lesson in critical thinking. I am always asking “Why?”.

3. It’s all in the effort. Again, I am reminded of a story that really hits home for me.

Dan and Jim started work at Starling Imports on the same day. Both men were trained as sales reps and were considered honest, hard-working employees. Within a year, however Jim was promoted to an executive position while Dan was passed over.

Dan felt unappreciated by the company and soon became so resentful of Jim’s success that he drafted a letter of resignation and gave it to his boss.

“Dan, this is a surprise to me,” said the boss.

“Well, I was pretty surprised by the recent round of promotions,” snapped Dan.

“I see,” said the boss thoughtfully. “But I don’t think you do. Tell you what, before I sign off on this, do me a favor and go across the street to the farmer’s market. Find out if anyone is selling oranges.”

“Uh, well…okay,” said Dan as he started off on what he considered a strange errand. Minutes later, he returned and reported. “Yes, there are oranges for sale at the market today.”

Then the boss called Jim to his office and asked the same favor. About 15 minutes passed before Jim came back to the office and reported. “There is only one vendor with oranges today. His name is Gus. He sells Florida oranges at $5 for a 3-pound bag, or a 5-pounder for $8. They’re tree ripened and sweet. And he’ll give a volume discount for any order over 50 pounds. Was there anything else you needed?”

“No. Thanks,” said the boss as Jim walked away. He turned to Dan and said, “Did you still want to give me this resignation?”

“No,” Dan blushed with embarrassment. “I understand your decision now and I think I can be more like Jim. Do you think he’d teach me how?”

What woman or women in history do you admire most and why?

1. Eleanor Roosevelt – For me, she represents as a “doer”. Her drive to be a “change agent” is something I admire.

2. I would love to have lunch with Bette Midler. Her spunk, energy, and tenacity are contagious.

3. There are so many women who have mentored me throughout my careers and volunteer work that I am forever grateful for their guidance and support.

4. My five sisters. They are strong, fierce and my rocks! When the six of us are together we are a force to be reckoned with!

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

It is a time to celebrate the women in history and in our lives that have been a major influence.