PANAMA CITY, Fla. –
Kevin Townsend, SEAL Delivery Vehicle production engineer at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), was recently selected to participate in Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) Journey Level Leadership Program (JLL).
The JLL program provides individuals with unique opportunities to develop various leadership skills and includes a rotational assignment that enables employees to expand their understanding of NAVSEA. The applicants are civilian employees at the GS-11 through 13 (or equivalent grade level) that are employees of the Naval Sea Systems Command enterprise. Employees should have experience managing or supervising, leading a team or project, delegating tasks or serving as a mentor/coach in a professional environment.
Townsend said he applied for the program because he believes in taking a collaborative approach to each project he works on.
“The JLL program is a collective group of selected individuals wanting to work together to develop and strengthen their leadership skills,” said Townsend. “I believe participating in this program will be a great opportunity to learn how the NAVSEA enterprise functions so I can better serve the warfighter.”
Al Albright, NSWC PCD leadership training manager, said this program allows employees to expand their leadership potential with classroom instruction, networking, team building, an experiential a 90-day rotation, and a Capstone project pursuing an issue that aligns with the NAVSEA Campaign Plan.
“This program is designed to strengthen and develop participant’s personal leadership abilities in project management, problem and conflict resolution, team building, time management and virtual communication skills,” said Albright. “Developing their leadership traits position JLL graduates to pursue new career challenges within their command and throughout NAVSEA.”
Albright stated this program was created to provide a systematic method of teaching and developing the competencies necessary to lead. NAVSEA’s and Warfare Center’s ability to meet the goals of a changing future requires training programs designed to meet this need.
Dr. Peter Adair, NSWC PCD technical director, said he recognizes the importance of participating in programs such as JLL and the impact it has on helping NSWC PCD achieve its strategic goal of being recognized as a model organization.
“We are very proud to have one of our own employees selected for the NAVSEA Journey Level Leader Program,” said Adair. “Leadership programs like this help the Command be the employer of choice and ensure that we are developing and retaining our talented personnel.”
Albright added the JLL program supports NAVSEA's leadership mission with a talent pipeline given common language, experiences and connection with NAVSEA existing and developing leaders.
“This is one of many leadership training opportunities available to employees at NSWC PCD,” said Albright. “By taking advantage of structured programs that build your leadership competencies, you are enabling your own success and contributing to the success of our command and NAVSEA as a whole.”