Making a difference: APG civilians graduate from senior leadership program

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – Family, friends, co-workers, and leadership celebrated 36 civilian employees for completing the APG Senior Leadership Cohort program during a ceremony at the Mallette Training Facility Feb. 15, 2024.

The APG Senior Leadership Cohort program was established in 2009 to develop and sustain a cohesive cadre of high-impact leaders within the APG community. Highlights during the 10-month program include:

• Individual and team executive coaching sessions
• A senior executive skills assessment
• Regular interaction with the APG Senior Executive Service community
• The opportunity to develop and execute impactful community-based projects addressing strategic problems facing APG organizations

U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command Deputy to the Commanding General Liz Miranda, an alumna of Cohort 4, provided opening remarks. Miranda said she has watched the Cohort program grow and adapt to changes; however, the goal remains: to develop impactful leaders for APG and the Army. With the graduation of Cohort 15, the program has more than 500 alumni.

According to Miranda, a core strength of the Cohort program is that it is an installation-wide program. Throughout the course, participants receive valuable networking opportunities with their peers and leadership.

“Its inclusivity contributes to a better understanding of APG-wide challenges and also enhances cooperation and collaboration across organizations,” she said.

Miranda encouraged graduates to spread the word about the Cohort’s benefits.

“That is how the program will continue for another 15 years,” she said.

CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Conaty, who served as the guest speaker, said developing leaders is fundamental to the Army. The graduates represent the “best and brightest of Aberdeen Proving Ground,” he added. Conaty challenged the graduates to think of ways to inspire others to serve and exemplify Army leadership.

“Each one of you has made tremendous contributions over your career, invaluable contributions, in ways that you may never know,” he said. “Your honorable service has made a difference for many, and your continued development ensures the Army retains a competitive edge.”

Conaty thanked Cohort 15, on behalf of America’s Soldiers, for being dedicated Army professionals.

“I know they can count on you,” he said.

Leaders as storytellers

Three graduates shared their reflections on their experience in the program: Allan Brown, with the Army Contracting Command-APG; April Cortina, with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Analysis Center; and Thomas Digliani, with DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory.

Cortina discussed how Cohort caused her to reflect on how challenges in her personal life have impacted her as a leader. Through the process of Cohort, she saw how adversity can cause a leader to grow in unexpected ways. She told the audience she was able to be more vulnerable now, sharing that she

endured a marriage separation during the pandemic.

“Cohort helped me to gain the insight in how everything that I was doing during my separation- being authentic, owning who I am, connecting to my purpose and being intentional with my communication and actions could be applicable to my role as a leader,” she said. “As I look forward, I want to continue these elements into my next chapter of life as I continue to develop my leadership skills.”

Cohort 15 reflections 

         

Cohort Program Director Claire Meany, a contractor supporting CECOM, described Cohort 15 as conscientious, curious, and always asking questions. Meany said she appreciated the valuable feedback from this Cohort, which will ultimately help make the program better.

Cohort 15 graduates also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting and defending the U.S. Constitution by taking the oath of office administered by Christopher Barrett, the executive director of the Army Evaluation Center.

All graduates received a certificate and a coin presented by Miranda and the Director of the C5ISR Center’s Engineering and Systems Integration Directorate Elizabeth Ferry.

Cohort 15 graduates

Irina Arevalo

David Armstrong

Matt Bendel

Jennifer Brillhart-Teer

Allan Brown

Alison Cheung

Marshal Childers

Courtney Conner

April Cortina

E’Meka Davis

Thomas Digliani

Jason Dirner

Patrick Doyle

Michael Fields

Reygan Freeney

Craig Hershey

Kristin Hoog

Danielle Kelley

Michael Landolt

Marianne Lazzaro

Cheryl Litteral

Michael Mannion

Brent Mantooth

Christopher Matthews

William Myers

Agustin Ramirez

Douglas Reuter

Dudley Rodericks

Lauren Rossi

James Schliesske

Christopher Scheerer

Jamie Soriano

Bradley Stanley

Christopher Waits

Deborah Welch

Aladrian Wetzel

For more photos, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/albums/72177720315291750.