Hanford Contractor Invests in Future Leaders

Hanford Mission Integrations Solutions recently graduated 17 employees from a nine-month leadership development program. Back row, from left: Daniel Anderson, Adam Palomarez, John-Paul LeCompte, Dustin Brewington, Matt Finkle, Dulcie Allen, MaryAnne Wuennecke, Echo Dahl, Jose Manjares, Tess Misipeka and Kyle Haff. Front row, from left: Elizabeth Allard, Jessica Shaw, Heather Healy, Kelly McDaniel, Tara Briggs and John Snider.

RICHLAND, Wash. - A Hanford Site contractor is investing in employee growth with a program to develop leadership and communication skills, create mentorship opportunities and encourage leadership interactions.

U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions started its Supporting Talent and Engaging Professionals for Success Program last fall. The first class completed the nine-month program this summer.

"This project allows participants to combine expertise acquired in their fields with skills learned in the classroom, and apply them to real-time challenges," said Julie Lindstrom, HMIS vice president of Workforce Solutions. "Successful leaders need to turn learning objectives into practical work products, and we're excited to see their proposals and witness this growth opportunity in action."

Participants with the Hanford Mission Integration Solutions leadership development program present their ideas to the contractor's executive leadership team.

During the recent program, contractor employees took part in six learning forums to improve their business knowledge and better understand business processes. They also completed three training sessions to enhance communication skills.

The class worked on a group project and presented its recommendations to the contractor's executive leadership team near the end of the program. Several recommendations from the 2024 class were immediately implemented.

"Investing in employee development is crucial for retaining talent, driving mission success, helping to reduce risks and fostering strong partnerships," said Sierra Ochs, Hanford's Workforce Management Program manager.

Leadership programs at Hanford foster a culture of continuous learning, support and new ideas to help accomplish the cleanup mission.

-Contributor: Jill Harvill