Congratulations to the Naval Air Depot (NADEP) Cherry Point employees who have been chosen to participate in the FY 2003 Senior Executive Management Development Program (SEMDP) and Executive Leadership Program (ELP). The depot’s Employee Development Division hosted briefings recently to introduce the selectees to the many opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities in store for them as they progress through the programs.

SEMDP is an intensive management and supervisory course established by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in 1974 as part of an ongoing corporate commitment to the continuous personal and professional improvements of the civilian workforce. The program helps promising, ambitious, and talented mid to senior grade employees clarify career goals, develop managerial and leadership potential, and continue to enhance technical and functional expertise. The program is three to five years in length, and developmental activities are done in conjunction with the employee’s regular job. Participants are afforded significant opportunities to develop and demonstrate their qualifications for senior-level positions.

ELP offers training and development opportunities to high-potential employees with little or no supervisory experience. The one-year program prepares them for future leadership positions and involves them in a wide range of training and developmental activities.

NADEP Cherry Point provides maintenance, engineering, and logistics support on a wide variety of aircraft, engines, and components for all branches of the U.S. armed forces. Its mission is to support NAVAIR in providing the American warfighter with absolute combat power through technologies that deliver dominant combat effects and matchless capabilities. Employing nearly 4,000 people, the depot is the only source of repair within the Continental United States for many types of jet and rotary wing engines, as well as turbofan vectored thrust engines. It is the Navy’s center of excellence for rotary wing aircraft and provides engineering and logistics support for all Navy helicopters.

Photo 1: NADEP Cherry Point Commanding Officer Col Eugene K. Conti poses with the ELP selectees during their Employee Development Division briefing Aug. 9. He congratulated them on their success and urged them to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them in the program. From left are Lori K. Glass, J. Richard Haynes, Timothy McLaurin, Col Conti, David Dolezel, Bobby Brinson, Diane H. Gillikin, and MaryLee B. Cuthrell. Not shown: Angela Padgett, James Leaman, Rita Gillikin, and Reed Hartel. (Photo by Larry Conley)

Photo 2: The NADEP Cherry Point SEMDP selectees pose in Building 159 after their Employee Development Division briefing July 30. From left are Bruce Pollock, John Whitehurst, Linda Koile, Paul Kelly, Amelia Morgan, David Jamieson, Kirk DePriter, and Camille Dunton. Not shown: Lorenda Batson. (Photo by Larry Conley)