Graduation Day

METRO’s Leadership Development Program is celebrating another class of graduates.

Class XII graduated Oct. 31 after more than four months of intensive classwork focused on self-awareness, leadership skills, and how METRO works together to service the Houston region. Classwork began June 6 with participants meeting once a week for three and a half hours.

The purpose of the 20-week program is the identification and development of employees at all levels, and in all areas of the Authority, who have leadership potential. It is also for current leaders who want to increase their skills through continued learning.

There is a lot of interest. This year, there were a record sixty applications. Class size is limited to fewer than 30 people so some employees apply multiple times before being accepted into the program. The message to everyone is – if you don’t get in the first time, don’t give up.

Congratulations to All the 2023 Graduates:

Amber Andress - Treasury Coordinator, Martin Beltran - Bus Controller, Fabrion Davis - Bus Operator/SOAR Trainer, Victor Duran - Senior Scheduler, Kristen Fox -  Sr. Compensation Specialist, Jamila Gomez - Innovation Project Manager, Jose Guandique - MPD Sergeant, Andrew Hanmore - Rail Safety Officer, Hazel Hicks – Wyatt - Sr. Labor Relations Representative, Eric Lofton - Auditor III, Kenneth McGaughey III - Transportation Planner, Randy Moore - Collision Technician, Eva Munoz - Quality Monitor, Monica Ochoa - MPD Officer, Muthulakshmi Pandi - Business Analyst V, Aubin Phillips - Program Manager I, Martin Ruiz - Track Supervisor, Muctarr Sesay - Bus Controller, David Simmons - Bus Safety Officer, Edward Traylor - Service Supervisor, Toi Trunnell - Storeroom Attendant, Alphonso Watson Sr. - Chief Rail Controller, LaShunda White - Drug & Alcohol Coordinator, Sharolyn Williams - Bus Operator.

The LDP initiative began in 2011 when METRO partnered with the University of Houston to develop the program. Former UH Professor Sandy Frieden and UH graduate students worked to build the foundation of what exists today.  Once the Organization Development Division of Human Resources took over administration of the program, it has continually enhanced the program with relevant content and activities.

Participants from all 12 classes gathered for a networking event in August and Inside Track took the opportunity to interview Frieden and employees who have gone through the LDP.

Watch video of the networking event and Class XII graduation ceremony.

Some key points about LDP:

• 278 graduates
  
• 116 women, 81 men
  
• 197 still work at METRO
  
• 126 of those current employees have been promoted or moved to a lateral position. 31 of them more than once.
  
• Both assistant chiefs of police and one MPD lieutenant are LDP graduates
  
• All four transportation superintendents are LDP graduates
  
• There are many employees, managers, directors, and assistant superintendents from every area of the authority who are graduates

Another interesting fact: LDP graduates from Classes I and II, at the request of President & CEO Tom Lambert, were part of a project team led by Organization Development that created the METRO values for all employees.

If you are interested in LDP, applications are accepted once a year. Information on when the 2024 process opens, how to apply, and more will be communicated via email in employee announcements, on the Intranet, and on digital bulletin boards at facilities.

If you would like more information on LDP, including eligibility requirements and what classes cover, contact Organization Development at Org.Development@RideMETRO.org.