Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest Public Works Business Line (PWBL) 2019 Emerging Leader Program (ELP) Cadre kicked off 2019's Emerging Leader Program with an orientation on Jan. 16 in San Diego.

"The cadre members are fully engaged, energetic and ready to participate,” said Virginia Grizzle, NAVFAC Southwest Emerging Leader Program manager.

NAVFAC Southwest’s ELP supports NAVFACs Strategic Design focus area of People. The goal of the ELP is to develop and improve leadership skills and competencies of our future leaders within the Federal Wage System (FWS) pay plan. The program develops leaders by providing a solid foundation of leadership skills and team building, which are enhanced by training and developmental experiences.

“New to the program for 2019, we have incorporated the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People course,” said Grizzle. “Cadre I & II graduates are serving as advisors to new members, and their capstone project topics are recommendations off the DEOCS Survey and upper management feedback.  Project results will serve to improve our organization while gaining the leadership skills to build a better future."

Selection into this program was highly competitive and fully recognizes our FWS employees at the journeyman, leader, and supervisory levels who are highly motivated to broaden their understanding of the different functions within NAVFAC and gain an understanding of roles and responsibilities as leaders. The ELP is available to supervisory and non-supervisory positions in the following Federal Wage System (FWS) pay plan:  WG-08 through WG-12 journeymen; WL-08 through WL-12; and WS-09 through WS-15. The program offers each individual ELP candidate the ability to customize their experience to develop their leadership skills through a robust program of training, interviews, access to leadership, mentoring, and a greater perspective of the organization.

"We encourage all FWS employees to apply to the program,” said Grizzle. “It's an opportunity to develop leadership skills, network among peers, senior leaders and have a better understanding of the organization. They are tomorrow's leaders and the voice of NAVFAC."

The selection process into the ELP involves completing an application package of questions, recommendations and endorsements from the individual's leadership chain. As part of the process, the individuals were interviewed by a panel for final consideration. The ELP's three distinct tiers and its requirements differ at each level. Tier 1 is designated for journeymen WG-08 through WG-12. Tier 2 is designated for work leaders WL-08 through WL-12. Tier 3 is designated for supervisors WS-09 through WS-15. The program must be completed by Dec. 31, 2019.

PWD China Lake's Utilities System Operator Vincent Burns, Industrial Equipment Mechanic Stephen DeRoux, Electrical Fire Alarm Technician Jason Evans, Maintenance Supervisor Johnny Perez, Pipefitter David Silva; PWD Coronado's HVAC Mechanic Leader Scott Cauthen, Maintenance Mechanic Leaders Jason Clark and Scott Fantauzzo, Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic Keith Kramer, Insulator David Radtke; PWD Lemoore's Electronic Industrial Control Mechanic Nicolas Bryant; PWD Pt. Loma and MCAS Miramar Plumber Stephen Barnes,  A/C Equipment Mechanic Thomas Bethke, Maintenance Supervisor John Conrady, Plumber James Cregut, Maintenance Mechanic Leader Stoyan Markov; PWD San Diego Pipefitter Steven Kirkland and Electrician Zimron Marecheau; PWD Ventura Electrician Denis Acosta; Metro Production Office High Voltage Electrician Leader Mario Freitas, Rigger Jerry Galbiso, Electrician Brandon George, High Voltage Electrician Leader Jaret Jahn-Good, Rigger Leader Aldrin Larot are the newest individuals accepted into the 2019 Emerging Leader Program.

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