Defense Department selects top-notch ACS director for development program

An opportunity to become a better leader led Army Community Service Director Julia Sibilla to apply for an elite Department of Defense leadership program.

Sibilla, who has worked for the Army for 10 years, was notified in June of her selection into the Executive Leadership Development Program as one of two Installation Management Command employees Armywide to be accepted this year. About 60 people are selected annually across DoD.

"It was very exciting to read that email. I was so happy, I actually did a little jig," said Sibilla, laughing.

According to Kimberly D. Kessler, ELDP director, the program brings together Department of Defense and interagency civilians, and military personnel, from all over the world who will work, travel and share experiences throughout a 10-month period. The joint training and development experience provides opportunities to learn about the DoD mission and the warfighter.

For a leader in the government workplace, the voluntary program is an excellent opportunity, Sibilla said--one that she hopes to make the most of.

"I wanted to participate in ELDP for professional development and because it's a unique opportunity to learn more about the Department of Defense, the 'big picture,'" she said. "This program will give me a significantly broader perspective of (DoD) and help me manage and understand people better."

According to ELDP literature online, the program's intent is to "stretch participants' experiences and comfort zones and to help them develop the knowledge, skills and behaviors expected of future leaders." Experiences will blend experiential and academic learning, Sibilla added -- a juncture for which she is ready.

"There is an academic component with a book list to read before each training event, and (staff study) papers to do," she said. "But there is also a physical component, which I will enjoy because I have always been active and 'sporty' by nature."

Physical requirements vary from year to year but could be running obstacle courses, land navigation, basic underwater demolition SEAL training and participating in an organized physical training regimen. These activities are designed to foster a deeper understanding of the warfighter mission and the national security environment, according to Department of Defense.

Although this year's schedule has not yet been announced, last year's program took students to such organizations and places as Forward Deployed Forces -- Korea; Marine Corps/Navy/Coast Guard in San Diego; and National Guard/Customs and Border Patrol in Texas. Between training deployments, Sibilla must keep up with her job requirements at U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza, as do all participants worldwide. Deputy to the Garrison Commander Wesley A. Leisinger has no concerns, however, that things will go astray at ACS during Sibilla's time in the program.

"Julia's selection for ELDP is a huge hit for our organization," he said. "She has been instrumental in so many events, initiatives and activities that losing her for large chunks of time will hurt. However, when I dig deeper, I realize that Army Community Service is full of several future Julia Sibillas who will step up and improve on what she has already started. Ultimately, in the long-term, Julia's selection for ELDP will do nothing but make our organization better. She will bring back lessons that she will undoubtedly pass on to subordinates, peers and superiors alike."

Leisinger added that Sibilla's strong leadership has already prepared the ACS staff, and the command has the utmost confidence in members of that organization.

"Julia has always managed to train her staff to excel in her absence," he said. "This opportunity will be no different. The staff is ready for the challenge, and I'm ready to see them thrive!"

The ELDP handbook outlines program expectations of all participants, and there are many. They include, but are not limited to, the following: that participants attend and participate in all field deployments in their entirety; that they are committed, flexible and eager to learn; have strong professional ethics; and are team players.

Sibilla said she is ready for the challenge and encourages anyone interested in this type of opportunity to look into this program or others like it.

"When your supervisor sends you that email, take a look at it," she said. "When the window of opportunity opens, take it. Apply for these programs; they are a great way to learn and to network. Take time on your application, and make it the best representation of yourself."

Civilians, grades GS-12 through GS-14, who want to learn more about the program can find information online at www.civiliantraining.army.mil. The program is also offered to interagency organizations and active-duty military (captain-promotable, major and senior enlisted).