Far East District continues to develop leaders; announces new ULDP Level II class

Far East District
Published Jan. 13, 2020
Kimberly Turnage, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Far East District (FED), workforce management office chief, displays her required reading for the USACE Leadership Development Program (ULDP) Level II cohort, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Jan. 13.

Kimberly Turnage, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Far East District (FED), workforce management office chief, displays her required reading for the USACE Leadership Development Program (ULDP) Level II cohort, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Jan. 13.

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea—Col. Christopher Crary, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Far East District (FED) commander, recently announced the USACE Leadership Development Program (ULDP) II Class of 2021.

“The FED corporate board has approved eight candidates who applied for this rigorous 18-month Leadership Development Program starting this month and concluding June 2021,” said Crary. “This year’s program will be a combination of classroom and experiential learning through several reading assignments, guest speakers from across the USACE enterprise and external senior leaders, capstone project, mentorship, and hands-on leadership opportunities where the students focus on building teams and relationships, self-awareness, critical thinking, strategy, problem solving, and effective communication.”

The ULDP Level II program, is a district level competitively selected, cohort-based leader development program targeted at emerging leaders at the GS-12 level and below.

There are three main learning outcomes of ULDP. One of the outcomes is a demonstrated ability to perform a team project that requires leveraging interpersonal skills, individual strengths, and effective team strategies.

“This is an investment in our high performing team members and a way that we can better manage and build our talent for the long-term success of the USACE, the United States Army, and the Joint Force,” said Crary. “What this program offers is an opportunity to grow as a leader in every aspect of your life both personally and professionally”

One of the unique aspects of this program is that any team member can apply regardless of their skill-set within the district.

This new class consists of Chris Carson (Programs and Project Management Division), David Hudson (Construction Division CD), Dennis Headrick (Information Management Office), Capt. Heathra King (Security Plans and Operations), James Degraff (CD), Kenneth Fitzgerald (CD), Kimberly Turnage (Workforce Management Office WMO) and Kim, Min-Chi (Engineering Division).

Kimberly Turnage, WMO chief, was initially interested in the program after enrollment for the course was announced.  But she wasn’t she sure it would fit into her responsibilities. After discussing her interest with her supervisor and learning of his support she decided to apply.

There was one aspect of this cohort that is most intriguing to Turnage.  

“I enjoy reading and I was excited to know that there are several books assigned to us for this program,” said Turnage. “The reading will enhance my knowledge and leadership skills. I also enjoy the fact that in this program we have to conduct planning, which requires us to think outside of the box.”

Although the new cohort has been selected, Col. Crary offered words of encouragement to other district employees for future opportunities and ways to work on professional development.

“I encourage you all to apply for future classes and welcome you to read the same books as the ULDP students,” said Crary.  “We have a fantastic "Leadership Library" located in the waiting area bookcase in the Command Suite area of the 4th floor. Books are available both in Hangeul and English for you to check out.”