10/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/30/2024 05:29
Graduates of the fifth Directors Developmental Program in Leadership (DDPL) cohort attended graduation on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at Fort Belvoir, Va. The 20 graduates from seven different agencies celebrated their achievements completing the 18-month program. Throughout the program, participants develop and apply leadership knowledge, skills, and abilities to become effective leaders at the highest levels of the Department of Defense. The program travels to ten universities and military education institutions around the United States and classes are taught by top professors. At the end of the program, DDPL members spend time at the Pentagon and Capital Hill, learning and applying what they learned to the highest levels of the United States government.
Mr. Maxwell Walens gave a speech on behalf of the Cohort's graduating class, sharing; "Reflecting on why I joined the DDPL program, it was the promise of a unique and valuable educational experience that initially drew me in. DDPL absolutely delivered on this promise. The concepts, theories, and frameworks taught have added valuable tools to our leadership toolkits. I know many of us have already started using these tools to navigate complex challenges with greater confidence and clarity."
Ms. Jennifer Desautel, Director, DCAA, spoke directly to the cohort and shared how the program has evolved since she participated in the first cohort. She passed words of wisdom to the cohort, "Continue to embrace challenges as opportunities and collaborate across agencies to drive innovation and progress. Above all, lead your organizations with vision, courage, and compassion."
The graduates are: