
WIESBADEN, Germany – After nearly a year working together, nine professionals from across Installation Management Command Europe celebrated their graduation from the region’s first Executive Leadership Development Program, also known as ELDP.
Delivering remarks at the ceremony, U.S. Army Garrison Italy’s Amy Cates, who served as the team leader, described when the group came together almost a year ago, “with wild dreams and imagination of what this ELDP program would bring,” adding, “It did not disappoint.
“I can’t recall a time in my life when I felt so supported in my career by people who were genuinely interested in me, and I know my peers feel the same,” Cates said.
The program comprised a wide variety of exercises and activities, including formal training, leadership development, activities, assignments, seminars, leader shadowing, exposure and inclusion in enterprise-wide events, such as briefings about Installation Status Reports and the Facility Investment Plan, said Tommy R. Mize, director, IMCOM-Europe.
“Ultimately, we wanted to make sure we’re developing a cadre of highly skilled employees that are ready for additional positions, and I’m talking at IMCOM – not just IMCOM-Europe but at IMCOM. My assessment is that we have done just that,” he said.
“You have exceeded all of our expectations,” Mize said to the group, while also recognizing and thanking so many of the graduates’ family members for traveling to attend. “When we decided to do this program in 2023 realizing we were at about a 70-75 percent solution, we came to the realization that the cohort will help us figure it out. And, boy have you all, in spades.”
Speaking for the group, Cates recalled professional highlights that included one-on-one sessions with deputy garrison commanders and IMCOM-Europe leadership; briefing Lt. Gen. Omar Jones, IMCOM commanding general; and being welcomed to participate in two Garrison Leader Working Groups.
Mize recognized and thanked three leaders of his staff who led the creation, launch and oversight of the first cohort: Wes Leisinger, chief of staff; Dr. Allen Cannon, workforce development specialist; and Chris Collins, assistant chief of staff, G-4, who named four things the cohort taught the IMCOM-Europe team.
“Look to the most unexpected places for inspiration … don’t be afraid to lean on each other … celebrate that unexpected learning opportunity … and always smile and look like you’re having fun,” Collins said.
The second cohort of the ELDP is scheduled to begin in early 2024, and the effectiveness and success of the first cohort has led to garrison commanders already preparing projects for the group to work on throughout the whole region, according to Mize.
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