The members of the first LEAD ON class have been meeting throughout 2011 – “graduation” will be at the end of October. See below for a check-in with participants about their experience!

LEAD ON Class of 2011:

2010-2011 Class: (back row) Scott Humpert, Salem-Keizer CDC; Garrick Harmel, Willamette Neighborhood Housing Services; Joe Vennes, REACH; Rachel Huber, REACH; Mary Bradshaw, Housing Authority of Clackamas County; Nate McCoy, City of Portland; Matt Fadich, Mainstream Housing Services; Coach Stan Biles; (middle row) Coach Cynthia Winter; Andrea Romine, UCAN; Anastasia Howard, REACH; Carolyn Thurman, ROSE; Joni Hartmann, NOAH; John Fletcher, OHCS; Coach Charlie Baum; (front row) Angela Trimble, NW Housing Alternatives; Maggie Reilly, CASA of Oregon; Debbie Lowder, REACH; Roberto Franco, OHCS.

In June 2011 we checked in with some LEAD ON participants to see what they were getting out of the program so far; reports are positive:

“The LEAD ON experience for me has been invaluable in fostering the environment to set and attain measureable goals,” said Garrick Harmel, Housing Development Manager at Willamette Neighborhood Housing Services. “Although the coaches have provided much of the framework, tools, and strategies for attaining goals; it has been the interactions with the peer group where the more salient nuances of this program come to light.  These interactions, tools, guidance, and even critical questions have helped support as well as guide me throughout the process.”

“I feel the leadership development program has helped further assist me in developing opportunities and results internally through planning and policy, and externally through advocacy and community outreach in areas of equity in contracting,” said Nate McCoy, Senior Construction Coordinator at the Portland Housing Bureau.

Joni Hartmann, Deputy Director of NOAH, and Nate McCoy, Senior Construction Coordinator at the Portland Housing Bureau

“The work is hard and can be tough, but through the leadership and communication with Stan, as my group leader, my focus on the performance challenge has been sharp and has produced some substantial results that support our equity goals at PHB,” Nate added.

“LEAD ON has provided a wonderful opportunity for me to grow as a leader,” said Maggie Reilly, Program Manager at CASA of Oregon. “With the support of a coach and a peer group, I’m working to achieve a performance-based challenge by this fall, which is very exciting.”

“The most significant learning for me throughout this process is that without support from my department, my challenge is unachievable, said Debbie Lowder, Resident Services Supervisor of REACH CDC. “I need to continue to motivate them, assist with obstacles, and problem-solve challenges. I also really feel I have benefited from the feedback I receive in my peer group and from my mentor. I have applied some of their suggestions and gotten positive results.” Above: Cynthia Winter, LEAD ON facilitator, and participant Debbie Lowder, Resident Services Supervisor of REACH CDC.

Debbie continues, “In addition, another LEAD ON member from REACH and I are implementing the tools and concepts we are learning through this program towards the program planning we are working on at two of our most challenging properties.  We are working with (leading) our staff there and having them go through the same process as we are being taught at LEAD ON – identifying a challenge, and creating activities and SMART goals. Applying the leadership concepts has been exciting for me in this process, as one of my favorite things about being a supervisor is encouraging professional growth in my employees.”

To all the LEAD ON participants striving to meet their performance challenges, “Break a Leg”!

For more information about LEAD ON, please contact Terrie Hendrickson, Industry Support Program Director via email or call  503.335.9884.