NoVa native Jessica Lichtenfels cheerfully enters year 20 at PEO Enterprise

Jessica Lichtenfels first joined U.S. Army Program Executive Office (PEO) Enterprise in 2005 as a secretary for the Acquisition Management Directorate after working for a few years for the U.S. Coast Guard. She has been a human resource (HR) analyst and customer service representative with PEO Enterprise’s HR Directorate since 2010. In that role, she ensures all civilian personnel’s pay, earnings, time and attendance are accurately recorded and received in a timely manner, and that PEO Enterprise is fully compliant with all civilian pay audit requirements. She also provides guidance, support and oversight in several areas, including pay, time and attendance; leave, benefits and retirement; entitlements, overseas deployments, telework, remote work, awards, workplace flexibility programs, and HR policies and guidance.  

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Springfield, Virginia — the second generation to grow up on Franconia Road. I’m a true “townie”! I come from a large family with three younger brothers — always active in the church, the community, school and sports. As a proud Fairfax County Public Schools kid, we walked to school, memorized our friends’ phone numbers, played outside until the streetlights came on at night, hung out at Springfield Mall’s Time-Out Arcade, finished our homework before The Cosby Show came on and spent Saturdays at the Franconia Roller Rink! Your typical all-American upbringing in the ’80s & ’90s.  

What did you study in college/grad school and where? 

I have a degree in sports medicine from Radford University and a medical massage therapy degree from the Virginia School of Massage. 

What appealed to you about a career in HR? 

I’ve always enjoyed working with people, and working in civilian personnel has given me the opportunity to assist my fellow civilian staff members. Being an Army Civilian is a rewarding career.  

Why should job seekers consider a career with PEO Enterprise? 

PEO Enterprise is an awesome place to work! Working at a PEO gives you a true sense of service. We provide firsthand support to the Soldiers and civilians on the frontlines. Our mission is critical, and it is an honor being part of that and making a difference. 

What are the most important hard/soft skills HR looks for in candidates? 

Creative mindsets, adaptation to Agile concepts, technical skills moving software forward, commitment to the mission and positive communication. 

Any new initiatives HR is pursuing this year? 

HR continues our outreach efforts with promotion of our organization through in-person and virtual hiring events. Keep an eye out for new positions available on our PEO Enterprise website.  

What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work? 

I enjoy playing with my dogs and riding my motorcycle with my family along the eastern shore of North Carolina. There’s nothing like driving along the intercoastal waterways on the back of a Fat Boy (Harley).     

Any particular books or podcasts or shows you’d recommend and why? 

When COVID started and the world turned upside down, my mom recommended I start doing the daily morning prayer with Mark Wahlberg on the Hallow app. A prayer session with Marky-Mark, really? But I was pleasantly surprised! Even if you’re not a religious person, I highly recommend it. The positive thoughts and sentiments help to center me. I can’t imagine starting my day without this now.