Achievements are Better When Shared: Anthony Scales AbilityOne Employment Journey
Anthony Scales joined Professional Contract Services Inc. (PCSI) seven years ago and excelled in several positions, including housekeeper and quality control manager, before stepping into his most recent career opportunity. He currently works as an executive housekeeper at Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia on an AbilityOne Program contract. Before joining PCSI, Anthony served for twenty-one years in the U.S. Army. He completed five deployments, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan. Prior to retiring from service, he received a Traumatic Brain Injury diagnosis and severe hearing loss in one ear. He regularly experiences headaches, anxiety and memory lapses.
As a veteran with a disability, he believes that communication, patience and empathy are imperative to building strong relationships with colleagues. "You have to listen to the people you are leading and figure out the ways to communicate best with them," said Scales.
An AbilityOne Leader That Supports his Team
Scales is passionate about creating a supportive work environment for people with disabilities that provides all the tools they need to be successful. His passion is derived from understanding the challenges of having a service-related disability. The creation of a supportive workplace also includes providing opportunities to recognize staff for their hard work and contributions. After participating in PCSI's Emerging Leaders Academy, he created his own Leaders Development Program to guide and mentor others. This action echoes his belief that achievements are better when shared.
Success in numbers
- Anthony's leadership has resulted in projects being completed in less time
- Projects managed by Anthony result in 20% less labor and fewer materials
- He manages 220 employees while maintaining a high level of excellence and quality
Creating opportunities for Others to Thrive
This past year, Anthony led his team to win The Association for the Healthcare Environment's (AHE) 2025 Environmental Services Department of the Year awards. Anthony also won PCSI's Volunteer of the Year in 2025, due in large part to his active support of events and programs for veterans and individuals with disabilities in his community.
Anthony Scales Testament
As Scales adjusted to life following his service-connected disabilities, his compassion and patience in training workers with disability grew, saying, "It is just going to take Mr. Jones a little longer to do this task, and that is okay."
If you are a veteran with a disability and looking for a meaningful post-military career, check out the resources available through SourceAmerica and the AbilityOne Program.
The mention of the U.S. Government in this article does not imply endorsement by the government of the product or service provided by the nonprofit agency to the government.