A Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) civilian was selected by the Department of Navy, Oct. 19, to attend the Defense Civilian Emerging Leader Program (DCELP).

DCELP is tailored for emerging leaders in the grades of GS-7 through GS-11, from the acquisition, financial management and human resources communities.

William Maurer, a U.S. Air Force veteran assigned to NECC's Comptroller Office, has served as a Navy civilian since 2007.

"When I was first told that I was accepted to attend this training I was proud, but also a little intimidated," said Maurer. "I am proud of the fact that I was chosen as only one of 21 people from the financial management community within the Department of Defense, and even prouder to be one of five selected from the Navy."

The program provides the next generation of Department of Defense (DoD) leadership development opportunities, and offers a varied curriculum covering DoD mission and culture, mission orientation, interpersonal skills, written and oral communication, problem solving, conflict management, accountability, strategic thinking, and team building.

NECC Executive Director Nancy Harned emphasized the benefits of the program.

"NECC is happy to support Mr. Maurer in this prestigious training opportunity. The DCELP will give him opportunities to grow his leadership skills and invest in his future," the director said. "I consider this program a valuable investment for our workforce, and I'm also proud that Mr. Maurer will represent NECC to the broader DoD community."

Maurer said that he will tackle his future training the same way he did when he went through boot camp, college, and other major milestone events in his life.

"The program does seem a little intimidating with the amount of work that is ahead of me and the high level of significance that this is going to have on my career," he said. "However, I have no doubt that I can succeed within this program."

Leadership development establishes a baseline for further growth for the participant, as leadership responsibilities increase. DCELP also builds on the competencies generally required for the Lead Self and Lead Teams/Projects level of the DoD Civilian Leader Continuum and supports the DoD Civilian Leader Development Framework.

NECC is an enduring war fighting force providing sea-to-shore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations, that is focused on delivering combat-effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command , visit http://www.navy.mil/.