Three civilian employees from Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Puget Sound graduated from the DoD Civilian Emerging Leadership Program (DCELP) in Southbridge, Mass. Sept 2.

NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound contract specialists Jeannine Cunningham, Tyonie Blas and Kacy Patton attended the intensive six-month program that included online courses, group projects and 4-week-long resident seminars in Southbridge, Mass.

Contract specialists Blas and Patton and supervisor Cunningham are all currently employed with the NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound contracting department in Bremerton, Wash.

The DCELP program was designed as a leadership development program focusing on developing emerging leaders in the acquisition, financial management and human resources communities. The program is open to civilians from all military services and DoD agencies.

Subjects covered in the course included plain language writing, facilitating effective meetings, conflict management and team building. The first resident seminar included a module covering the topic of Steven Covey's book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Students in the program attend with a cohort that stays together throughout the entire program, beginning to end. During the course of the program, the 144 students in cohort with Blas, Patton and Cunningham were separated into four teams for seminars, group projects and team building exercises.

Students of the program noted that the DCELP curriculum provided them with skills that could be put to use immediately once they returned to their workplaces.

"I am better equipped to manage my workload. My stress level decreased because I have a better understanding of the team I work with," said Cunningham.

"Learning so many different leadership tools I hope will make me a better leader," said Blas. "DCELP provided me with a different perspective on a lot of areas that I know how I need to work on. I want to be the best leader I can. I want to be the change in leadership I want to see."

DCELP was made available to employees through NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound's workforce development program. Along with providing in-house training to employees, the program also informs employees about training opportunities available through other federal agencies, both in the local commuting area and at other CONUS locations.

NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound officials see courses like DCELP as an investment in the organization.

"Encouraging our staff to take advantage of educational opportunities benefits us for two reasons. The employees gain new tools and knowledge that makes them more effective at their current jobs, and leadership education adds to their qualifications, helping with their career progression. Ensuring our employees have the opportunities to develop managerial skills is good for the command and enterprise," said Capt. Philippe Grandjean, NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound commanding officer.

"I signed up to challenge myself and to enhance my leadership and interpersonal skills," said Patton. "I'm so thankful to the command for supporting the opportunity. The learning was invaluable and the people I met and relationships I made will last a lifetime."

To learn more about the Department of Defense Civilian Emerging Leader Program log on to http://www.hci.mil/DCELP.html.

NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP GLS, provides operational logistics, business and support services to Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other Joint and Allied Forces. Products and services include contracting, fuels, global logistics, hazardous material management, household goods, integrated logistics support, material management, postal, regional transportation and warehousing.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of approximately 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

For news and information about NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound, visit www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/navsupflcps or find it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/navsupflcps.