Four graduate from Senior Executive Management Development Program
By Susan Brink, NADEP Public Affairs Specialist

In a ceremony hosted by the Naval Air System Command (NAVAIR) on October 31, 2001, four Naval Air Depot Jacksonville (NADEP JAX) employees received graduation plaques awarded in recognition of completing the Senior Executive Management Development Program (SEMDP). Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Vice Admiral Joseph W. Dyer, USN was the keynote speaker in this video teleconference addressing all of the graduates who participated throughout NAVAIR. Captain Christopher Roum, Commanding Officer, NADEP JAX, presented Jim Bearden, Design Interface & Maintenance Planning Manager; Dale Starr, Logistics Management Specialist; Elizabeth Nealin, T-45 FST Team Leader; and Dave Theilacker, P-3A/B and Derivatives Program Manager, their plaques and congratulated them on this accomplishment.

SEMDP is a management and executive development program for civilian employees who have demonstrated a high level of managerial and leadership potential and initiative. Selection for this program is highly competitive as it is available to all mid to senior grade civilian employees throughout NAVAIR. This program is completed in conjunction with the employee’s regular job responsibilities and can last three to five years. The students are afforded the opportunity to participate in a structured program that assists them in clarifying their career goals, developing their managerial and executive capabilities, and enhance their technical and functional expertise.

Once selected for this program, each participant, along with their supervisor and mentor, drafts an Individual Development Plan (IDP) specifically tailored to their specific goals and needs. The program allows for flexibility with each individual’s goals and the needs of the NAVAIR Team. Through SEMDP, NAVAIR will be guaranteed a pool of highly motivated and qualified candidates to fill anticipated senior level vacancies and provide the student with a sense of common purpose, teamwork and corporate identity with the senior level managers.

Congratulations go out to all of the SEMDP graduates.