JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- In a world constantly changing, the need for visionary leaders has never been greater. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District’s Leadership Development Program embarks on a transformative journey that empowers Corps employees with skills, insights, and resilience to lead with purpose, drive impactful change while cultivating them to become tomorrow’s leaders.
The LDP program empowers students to become trailblazers of tomorrow, shaping the future with innovative thinking through teamwork and unwavering commitment.
In late summer 2023, as the search for the 2024 Leadership Development Program class began, students from diverse backgrounds within various offices and divisions throughout the district began submitting application packages identifying their desire to participate in this amazing opportunity to learn about themselves, the district, and its leaders.
“The LDP program helps students tap into skills that may otherwise not be afforded and the chance to do this with peers on their same level without being intimidated by the results,” said Roberta Cotton, the Jacksonville District LDP Training Coordinator. “It’s a program where student grow, learn, and see results within one year. It’s a place where new friendships are formed and relationships within our divisions are reached.”
When finalized, 12 individuals from various backgrounds, career fields and office locations will be selected for the fiscal year 2024 Team Legacy LDP program. Everyone brought unique perspectives and experiences to the table, allowing the team to have a diverse array of skills and knowledge, which would come in handy as the program progressed and the team worked toward project finalization.
One individual selected for the program was Nathaniel Anderson, a civil engineer from the Engineering Division’s, Water Resources Branch, Water Management Section. Encouraged to apply by his supervisor, Anderson took advantage of the opportunity, submitted his application, and jumped into the program with both feet, hitting the ground running.
“I knew I wanted to do the LDP program since I started working for the Corps and at some point, in my career as it was recommended by senior employees. I mostly expected to gain insight about the broader missions of my district and benefit from the mentoring process,” said Anderson.
Billie Jo Fagan, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District Chief of Staff, said “This program is one of many ways that the district can develop future leaders. LDP is an opportunity to learn about the district, the services we provide, and the inter-connectedness across all functional organizations. LDP is an indicator that the agency values its employees thru training and development which leads to a highly motivated and success-driven team. Investing in people is a primary way an agency shows they care and are committed to their employees, which is a tool for retention.”
Through intensive workshops, hands-on projects, team-building sessions, senior leader shadowing, and insightful mentorship sessions, the team began to unlock their potential, realizing that leadership is not just about authority but about inspiring others, fostering collaboration and working toward a common goal.
In one memorable workshop, they faced a simulated live media interview that tested their ability to make quick, strategic decisions under pressure while responding to the reporter’s questions. This experience highlighted the importance of preparation, adaptability, and clear communication while getting your point across to the media, ensuring your message is presented to the audience in which it is intended. Participants learned to leverage their strengths and support for one another, forging bonds that transcended professional boundaries. It encouraged each participant to step outside of their comfort zone, practice their public speaking while in a safe, supportive environment.
“Dr. Trahan’s training on Strategic Communication and Media Skills was my favorite training, " said Elisa Bilbao, Civil Engineer in the Design Management Branch, Task Force – Virgin Islands Puerto Rico (VIPR). It provided me with the tools to use if exposed to the media or any type of community engagement. Everything I learned during his training has been useful during meetings or discussions for different subjects or environments in my current position. I am sure I will be referring to this training’s material and my notes in the future.”
Midway through the program, the team took a trip to visit various South Florida operations and current projects to gain invaluable insight and a better understanding of the district’s programs and how the various divisions work together and across lines to support the mission of the district. Each stop on the four-day trip allowed program and project managers the opportunity to brief the team on details of their respective works and offer leadership advice to the team, as it pertains to their line of work.
The trip to South Florida was a team highlight as it gave those that have or had worked on projects that we visited, the opportunity to explain their role in the success of the projects. Hearing from the project managers about the overall project or operations is one thing but hearing about the intricate details of how a teammate helped bring a project to life was so much more fun and insightful.
Although the course has been challenging, yet exciting, there have also been some challenges. Bilbao said some of hers have been needing to work through different personalities, professional experience and viewpoints, and communicating the challenges and priorities. She went on to note that this is similar to what is experienced on any project delivery team or within a section or division.
As each month rolled around, a different team member had the opportunity to lead the team for the month and was responsible for coordination required for speakers, outings, read-a heads and meetings.
“I learned how important communication was to be able to get the job done, be able to adapt as priorities changed, and be able to delegate to others on the team based on their strengths and availability since we were all multitasking with our current position’s responsibilities,” said Bilbao during her time as team lead.
Throughout the course of the year, mentors, seasoned leaders from various industries, the district commander, corporate board members and chiefs shared invaluable leadership tools and skills, lessons from their own journeys, emphasizing that true leadership often involves navigating failure and learning from it. Their lectures and stories resonated deeply, instilling a sense of resilience, collaboration and a growth mindset in the participants.
The program concludes in September, and the team will finalize their capstone projects addressing a need for more uniform communication across the district as a whole and a more user-friendly employee resource page that will offer a one-stop shop for all things employee related, for those new to the district, those seasoned veterans or those preparing for retirement.
From brainstorming multiple ideas for projects, to working together to narrow the selections to only a few then presenting all ideas to the corporate board for a decision on a final project, the process showcased not only the leadership growth but also the commitment to making a positive impact for district personnel.
Graduation day will be a celebration of the team’s transformation. With newfound confidence, the participants will be able to reflect on their journey, recognizing truly how far they’ve come. They will leave the program not just as better leaders, but as catalysts for change, ready to apply their skills and insights in their respective fields and a better understanding of the district holistically.
The Leadership Development Program will have achieved its mission, proving that with the right guidance and opportunities, anyone can become a leader of shaping a brighter future.
As the team steps back into their daily roles, these ‘leaders’ will carry forward the program’s legacy, inspiring others to embark on their own paths of growth and leadership.
“This program is vital to the future and sustained success of the district. It provides an opportunity for emerging leaders to surface and learn from our leadership,” said Bilbao.
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2025 Leadership Development Program class.
“Applying for a leadership program is a strategic move that can significantly enhance your professional skills, broaden your career opportunities, and enable you to make a more substantial impact in your organization. It is an indicator to your superiors that you are interested in being and doing more and providing value-added to your organization,” said Fagan.
Angela Dunn, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chief, Planning and Policy Division says the best candidate would be someone that wants to grow, that is open to listening to, can learn from, viewpoints that may or may not coincide with their own views and wants to learn how to best lead a team through a variety of issues.
"You should apply because this is a great opportunity to allow the agency to invest in your growth," said Dunn.”
Are you interested in becoming a part of the next group of transformative leaders. Submit your application or email Roberta Cotton at roberta.d.cotton@usace.army.mil
The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District on the district’s website at www.saj.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict, Twitter at www.twitter.com/JaxStrong, and Instagram at www.instagram.com/jacksonvilledistrict.