The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District’s Leadership Development Program level 1 participants graduated from the program July 9, 2019, in a ceremony held at the Romano Mazzoli Federal Building in Louisville, Kentucky.
“We have another great batch of leaders here,” said Dana Craig, LDP program director. “The future of this organization is in great hands.”
The Leadership Development Program Level 1 is designed to help develop GS-1 through GS-9 employees by providing participants the skills to gain a better understanding of themselves and how to lead informally through formal training, mentoring and lifelong self-development. This year’s program started in October 2018 and required an average of five hours per month, over a 10 month period.
“This program has enhanced my ability to make better decisions, inspire people, communicate and use my skills more effectively,” said Kim Hunter, Louisville District records specialist. “It has strengthened my foundation, providing me a direct path to continue building strong and taking care of people.”
LDP 1 members attended face-to-face meetings, virtual meetings and project site visits. During the program, participants also conducted self-assessments, researched and learned about leadership styles, viewed Technology, Entertainment, Design (also known as TED) talks, and prepared short presentations. Participants were also paired with mentors who helped encourage students throughout the course.
“I've learned a lot about the way our district works and met some really great, talented and interesting people along the way,” said Spencer Beard, Brookville Lake park ranger. “My favorite day was when we had several leaders come into the class and tell us their path to greatness and tips to advance our careers.”
Louisville District Commander Col. Antoinette Gant congratulated the class and provided words of advice.
“All of this is about learning,” Gant said. “This is an investment in yourself – we invested in you. The intent of this program is not to stay where you are. I encourage you to get out of your comfort zone.”
This year’s Leadership Development Program Level I graduates are:
Edwin (Spencer) Beard, Operations Division
Danielle Bishop, Operations Division
Samantha Ferrarelli, Operations Division
Josh Gitchel, Contracting
Erica Glass, Executive Office
Judith Guy, Operations Division
Kim Hunter, Engineering Division
Brandi Mitchell, Resource Management
Vanessa Ryland, Planning, Programs and Project Management
Brian Mays, Operations Division
Nathan Rogacki, LRD
Taylor Stivers, Resource Management
Jeff (J.D.) Tucker, Operations Division
Shannon Wicks, Construction Division