LRADAC Graduates Twelve Students From Leadership Academy

Twelve LRADAC staff members graduated from the inaugural offering of LRADAC’s Leadership Academy on Monday, February 14, 2011.  In front of their peers and supervisors, the twelve participants were honored for their commitment to leadership within the LRADAC organization and the community it serves. 

The twelve graduates honored include: Shenelle Bowman, Tracey Boyle, Melody Butler, Brie Gabriel, Bettina Hall, Devita Hampton, Victoria Gilbert-Hayes, Beverly Holmes, Brenda Ridgeway, Stephanie Staley-Molefi, Lucianda Smith and Lindsey Stenson.

In 2010, as a result of an employee satisfaction survey, focus groups were convened to gather information, ideas and suggestions on ways to develop leadership within the organization.  Results showed that staff members were eager to learn and develop leadership skills that would assist the management team in taking the Agency to the next level professionally.  Later that year, the LRADAC Leadership Academy was developed and implemented.

The LRADAC Leadership Academy consisted of a 5 module, custom-made curriculum that included topics integral to the direction of the organization and important to the development of employee leaders.  LRADAC contracted with Don Jenkins, Managing Partner for Leaders Advantage, to develop and teach the five, half-day modules.  In September, 2010 an application process and selection criteria was established.  The application process was opened up to staff in October.  Sixteen individuals applied and 12 applicants were awarded the opportunity to participate in the inaugural LRADAC Leadership Academy.  Participants have overwhelmingly been pleased and impressed with the content and direction of the Academy.  Graduation occurred on February 14, 2011.  Plans are to conduct the Leadership Academy each fiscal year.

The Leadership Academy has enabled me to conceptualize the leader within”, said Devita Hampton, LRADAC ADSAP Counselor and Academy graduate.  “I learned so much about myself, my leadership style and my role within the Agency and community.  I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned to help LRADAC and my peers reach their full potential”. 

“LRADAC’s inaugural Leadership Academy class has shown their commitment to lead by example within our organization”, said Debbie Francis, LRADAC’s President and CEO. “The graduates have set the bar for future LRADAC Leadership Academy participants.  We celebrate their accomplishment and look forward to their continued growth as leaders”.

LRADAC is the designated alcohol and drug abuse authority for Lexington and Richland Counties. The public, not-for-profit agency offers a wide array of prevention, intervention and treatment programs in locations convenient to residents of both counties. The agency has a budget of approximately $8 million and serves more than 4,500 clients per year. For more information on programs and services visit LRADAC’s website at www.lradac.org.