REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — Army Contracting Command–Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA) graduated eight teammates from its Leadership Development and Readiness Program Level III Advanced pilot course during a ceremony Jan. 14 at Toftoy Hall Auditorium.
The DLDRP Level III Advanced course was conducted as a pilot program bringing together employees from across the center for a months-long leadership-focused experience. The program emphasized developing leadership effectiveness through self-awareness, communication and the ability to manage people and navigate complex organizational challenges, rather than technical skill development.
Joseph A. Giunta Jr., executive director for ACC-RSA, served as the keynote speaker. Giunta emphasized that while technical expertise is essential, leadership itself is an art focused on managing people, relationships and judgment.
“Leadership is not technical. It’s an art,” Giunta said. “Programs like this help leaders strengthen how they manage people, address challenges and make sound decisions in difficult environments.”
Giunta encouraged graduates to sustain the professional networks built during the program, noting that shared leadership experiences often provide lasting value throughout a career.
Jarrod Weeks, speaking on behalf of the graduating class, reflected on the cohorts' experience as the first group to complete the Level III pilot program. He emphasized the importance of authentic leadership and learning from peers.
“One of the most important lessons we took away was to show up as who you are, not who you think a leader should be,” Weeks said. “That mindset helped build trust within our group and allowed us to learn from each other’s leadership styles, perspectives and experiences.”
Weeks, a branch chief assigned to Apache Sensors, noted that insights gained from peers strengthened self-awareness, improved communication and reinforced collaboration across functional areas. He added that the relationships built through the program were as impactful as the curriculum itself.
The DLDRP Level III pilot cohort completed the program during a period marked by organizational change and operational challenges, reinforcing the value of teamwork, adaptability and trust among participants.
Program facilitators said feedback from the pilot cohort will be used to refine future offerings and support continued leadership development across the organization.
DLDRP Level III pilot program graduates are: Stephanie Fachko, Barbara Flores, Chrisanna Hunt-Granger, Johnnie Irby III, Melissa Lambert, Laurie Pierce, Latoya Pryor and Jarrod Weeks.
Social Sharing