Putting people first is more than a philosophy at the Exchange. For Services Business Manager Kris Cubacub, it is the foundation of a career that earned him a first-of-its-kind honor.
At the Exchange Managers Conference, Cubacub was recognized with the first Knock It Out of the Park Award, a new honor created by Director/CEO Brad Bingham.
“The Knock It Out of the Park Award is not based on financial performance,” Bingham said. “It is solely based on behavior—specifically, how individuals demonstrate our core values and their commitment to those values. Our core values of family serving family, respect everyone and courage to use good judgment have not changed and will not change. That is a commitment the organization stands behind.”
Cubacub took home a full-size wooden bat, engraved with the Exchange logo and his name. The nomination and award were a surprise. Each region nominated one conference attendee for the award.
For Cubacub, who supports Joint Base Andrews, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and Carlisle Barracks, the recognition is meaningful and humbling.
“I was just lucky,” he said. “You look left, you look right, you look straight, you look behind and it’s full of talented people with one purpose in mind: to serve the military customer.”
Thirteen years ago, Cubacub, whose wife serves in the Air Force, joined the Exchange at Scott Air Force Base while living nearby without a car and needing a job. What started as a practical decision quickly became a career defined by purpose.
“I’m sure every military spouse has probably told you that with all of the moves that are a part of that military life, holding a meaningful career is challenging,” he said. “But the Exchange has been that for me. It’s given me opportunities filled with passion and purpose.”
Early in his career, he learned a leadership lesson from Carla McDowell, who’s now the Exchange’s vice president of services, health and wellness.
“I remember that Carla’s No. 1 thing was always, ‘It’s all about the people,’” Cubacub said. “For 13 years, the life lesson has always been, ‘It’s all about the people.’”
That way of thinking defines his work overseeing concession operations and driving business across multiple installations.
As the inaugural recipient of the award, Cubacub hopes others continue focusing on what matters most.
“Don’t change what you’re doing unless it’s going to be better than what you were doing yesterday,” he said. “Because you’re doing great things already. So don’t stop.”
For Cubacub, the recognition is not about personal achievement. It is about the mission that has guided his career from the start.
“I’m just happy to be with the Exchange,” he said. “I’m happy to have a career that has meaning and purpose. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Check out all the coverage from the 2026 Exchange Managers Conference:
People, Passion, Purpose: Bingham Kicks Off Conference with Call to Accelerate
Four Stores Earn Director/CEO Cup, the Exchange’s Highest Honor
From the Managers Conference: 4 Stores Earn President/COO X Award
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