DLA employees graduate from the Executive Leader Development Course - gain more than a certificate

Two Defense Logistics Agency employees graduated from the Executive Leader Development Course during a June 7 ceremony at the Pentagon Auditorium in Arlington, Virginia.

Christi Kroeten, a program manager in DLA Aviation's Strategic Acquisition Programs Directorate, and Daniel Lentz, a supervisory contract specialist in DLA Distribution's Acquisition Operations Directorate, began the course in September 2023 as two of the 64 participants chosen each year from GS 12-14 or equivalent-level applicants across the Department of Defense.

ELDC is a 10-month-long program hosted by the Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service designed to produce future leaders who can approach the complex challenges of the missions and global roles of the U.S. armed forces. The overview of the program describes applicants participating in rigorous hands-on training that will challenge all levels of endurance physically and mentally, as well as traveling to engage with senior leaders at various military locations to gain front-line experience in the complexity of their operations.

"In my view, programs like the DoD ELDP provide participants - early in their career - a unique and important understanding of the broad scope of the DoD mission and complexities of the organizational construct with which that mission is executed," said Charlie Lilli, DLA Aviation deputy commander. "I'd encourage any of our teammates interested in future leadership positions to actively pursue opportunities like this one. While it's no guarantee for success, participation in programs like this one demonstrates a professional commitment to continuous learning, helps establish their professional reputation among our current leadership team, and, most importantly, expands their understanding of the broader DLA mission that most often serves as a springboard to future opportunities and success."

"Employees who take part in this outstanding program bring invaluable skills and perspectives back to DLA Distribution, enhancing our capability to innovate, collaborate, and deliver efficient and effective logistics support to the warfighter," said Perry Knight, deputy commander, DLA Distribution.

Lentz said the course seemed like a challenge that he wanted to pursue. "It truly takes participants out of their confront zone," he said. "I would say my biggest takeaways included identifying my leadership style, enhancing my communication skills, and improving my decision-making abilities."

Echoing those statements, Kroeten said she wanted to gain insight into how the DoD agencies and service interact to support national defense, but she also came away with a better understanding of the power of perspective and relationships.

"The power of understanding other people's perception helps you to respond better because it influences how you experience a situation by giving you a broader understanding overall."

Visit DCPAS for more information on civilian leader development and broadening programs.