Posted on August 3, 2026
By Joshua Glenn
On July 15, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District held its change of command ceremony at the Marcus Whitman Hotel, where Lt. Col. Kathryn Werback relinquished command to Lt. Col. Douglas Droesch.
“Katie, when you assumed command of this organization, you didn’t just inherit a legacy, you energized it,” said Maj. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, USACE deputy commanding general for civil and emergency operations, who presided over the ceremony. “By fostering accountability and shared pride, you prove that taking care of people and maintaining high operational standards are the exact same thing.”
Throughout the ceremony, military and district leaders recognized Werback for her people-first approach to leadership and for building a team of dedicated professionals through community engagement and initiatives that strengthened morale.
During her command, Werback led the district through several operational and organizational challenges. By identifying funding and scheduling gaps early, she synchronized efforts for the regional extended navigation outage with the Portland District. This minimized disruptions along the Columbia-Snake River System, which transports billions of dollars in commercial goods annually.
Werback also oversaw the completion of the Little Wood River flood risk management project in Gooding, Idaho. Driven by her commitment to public safety, the district secured funding, finalized geotechnical reviews and fulfilled a promise nearly three decades in the making.
“Over the last two years, this team successfully executed our complex civil works mission with absolute precision,” said Werback in her outgoing speech. “Through all those shifting priorities, late nights, and hard pivots, we never lost sight of who we are … we have continued to deliver our mission, vision and values every single day.”
Werback was the second female commander in the history of the Walla Walla District, following Lt. Col. ShaiLin Kingslack.
After her final address, the Walla Walla District colors were passed to Droesch, symbolizing the formal transfer of command. A native of West Boylston, Massachusetts, Droesch joins the Walla Walla community from his previous assignment as head of the Infrastructure, Storage, and Supply Branch at NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, Italy. In 2006, he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a commission through the Army’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Additionally, he holds master’s degrees in engineering management from Missouri University of Science and Technology and civil engineering from the University of Massachusetts.
His previous military assignments include combat engineer platoon leader, assistant company operations officer, battalion assistant operations officer, company commander, brigade training officer, battalion operations officer and battalion executive officer. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
His military education includes the Engineer Officer Basic and Captain’s Career courses, Airborne School, Ranger and Sapper schools, and the Command and General Staff College.
His USACE-specific assignments include serving as a structural engineer with the Tulsa District.
His extensive engineering and leadership experience, combined with a commitment to serving others, will continue to propel the district’s mission forward.
“I’m absolutely humbled to be a member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and continue helping to secure our nation, enable our economy, and protect the citizens of the United States,” Droesch said. “It really is a heavy mission that we do, and it’s the honor of my lifetime to get to serve with you and alongside you. Essayons!”
About Walla Walla District:
The Walla Walla District, established in 1948, encompasses more than 107,000 square miles in parts of six states – Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, and Utah. The district is responsible for managing water resources and supporting navigation, hydropower, recreation, and environmental stewardship across the region. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and community engagement, the district plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life and economic vitality of the communities it serves.
