City and state leadership programs tap into Kirtland talent

  • Published
  • By Terry Walker
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  Three Kirtland AFB leaders were accepted into prestigious leadership programs facilitated by the City of Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico recently. 

All three candidates submitted extensive nomination packages, letters of reference and competed against hundreds of other applicants for the opportunity to represent Kirtland AFB in three of New Mexico top leadership programs.

Esther Gomez, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center director of personnel, was accepted in the 2008 Leadership New Mexico Core Program. The program consists of 40-45 leaders, lasts for 10 months, and is designed to address current economic, health, education, environment and government issues in New Mexico. The program integrates a variety of curriculum to include guest speakers, retreats, and open dialogue focusing on discussion and debate on hot button issues. Sessions are held in communities all over the state in order to expose participants to the different regions of New Mexico and the local issues important to each region.

Jillian Speake, Kirtland Public Affairs director, was accepted in the 2008 Leadership New Mexico Connect Program. This program has only existed since 2007 and is designed to offer young professionals the opportunity to develop leadership skills, learn how the New Mexico system and structures work and explore issues facing the state. During the program, 40-45 professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 years old get together for three weekend sessions in various cities throughout the state. The curriculum has some elements of the Core Program and focuses primarily on leadership skill development, cultivating new ideas and developing solutions to New Mexico's most pressing issues.

Irene Gutierrez, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center director of finance, was selected to participate in the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Leadership Albuquerque Program. Developed over 25 years ago it encourages leaders to make a difference in the economic health and quality of the surrounding community. This program consists of 24-50 mid to senior level executives who participate in volunteer projects and interactions to better the city for a period of eight months. The program curriculum focuses on leadership development, civic engagement, and identification and discussion of community issues.

"Team Kirtland congratulates three of our own leaders and is honored to have them represent Kirtland AFB in the local community," said Thomas Berardinelli, 377th Air Base Wing executive director. "These programs not only contribute to the further leadership development of those accepted, but they also give both the base and community the opportunity to learn more about our importance to each other...it's a win-win for all involved."

For more information on the Leadership New Mexico programs, visit www.leadershipnm.org. For information on the Leadership Albuquerque Program, visit www.abqchamber.com/content/divisions/LeadershipAndEducation/leadershipAlbuquerque.asp.