Huntsville Center’s Leadership Development Program Cultivates Future Leaders

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – Developing the next generation of leaders is essential to accomplishing the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville’s critical mission: supporting the warfighter and delivering vital engineering solutions worldwide.

Huntsville Center’s Leadership Development Program, LDP, is helping employees at all stages of their careers build leadership skills and prepare for future opportunities within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“This program is intended to provide participants with a foundation of leadership abilities to better see themselves as leaders in the organization,” said Robert Jackson, a Huntsville Center mechanical engineer and a champion of the program. “It’s rewarding to see participants’ self-confidence grow over the course of the program.”

The program has two iterations, LDP one and LDP two. The first course combines formal classroom training, professional book readings, facilitated discussions with senior leadership, journaling, mentorship and the ‘Strengths Finder’ assessment to help participants develop critical leadership competencies.

Topics include communication, time management, conflict resolution and customer service, all skills that directly impact Huntsville Center’s ability to support soldiers around the world.

“LDP one measures success not just through completion but through participants’ ability to identify and articulate real-world applications of leadership principles,” Jackson said.

Jasmine McCullough, a contract specialist who will graduate from the program July 21, explained how the program has been transformative.

“The most impactful part of the program has been the ‘Getting Things Done’ workshop,” she said. “It’s already making a difference in how I approach my work and balance my workload personally and professionally.”

In addition to classroom instruction, the program coordinates field experiences and tours with other organizations across Redstone Arsenal.

“The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center tour was a valuable experience that broadened my perspective on the significance of my role as a contracting professional,” McCullough said. “It reinforced that Huntsville Center’s work extends far beyond the contract awarded, directly impacting the support of our warfighters every day.”

LPD one also includes a prominent mentorship component that provides participants with one-on-one guidance to help them plan their long-term careers within USACE.

“Huntsville Center’s missions are deeply tied to the well-being and readiness of warfighters, their families and civilian employees” Jackson said. “Whether it’s constructing facilities where they eat, sleep and train, or supporting them through effective contracting and project management, strong leadership at Huntsville Center in every level ensures we meet their needs.”

McCullough encouraged others considering the program to seize the opportunity as recruiting for the next round of participants is occurring currently throughout the summer.

“My advice is simple: do it!” she said. “You’re never too early in your career to invest in leadership development. It provides valuable insights for your current role and your future growth.”

As a former participant himself and USACE employee for more than 20 years, Jackson said going through the program inspired him to become a program champion.

“I went through it, and it taught me so much about leadership and myself,” he said. “It’s fulfilling to help others along that same journey and see the positive outcomes, not just for them, but for the warfighters and missions we serve.”

Employees interested in learning more about the program and seeking to strengthen their leadership skills, contact the Human Capital Training team.