Fort Cavazos CLDP II graduates showcase leadership growth during graduation ceremony

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas - More than 10 civilians celebrated after graduating from the Civilian Leadership Development Program II, or CLDP II, March 25 at the Copeland Soldier Service Center on Fort Cavazos.

The Fort Cavazos CLDP began in 2009 with a program of instruction, or POI, focused on developing basic leadership and management skills. In 2017, CLDP Phase II was introduced, offering an advanced curriculum aimed at mid-level and senior civilian leaders. This phase builds on the foundational skills taught in Phase I and includes in-depth training on strategic thinking, advanced communication and leadership in complex
environments. More than 700 employees have successfully completed the program since its inception.

The ceremony began with a opening remarks from Shelley Tippens, chief of Workforce Development.

"To the amazing leaders (graduates) here, I want to wish all the best," she said. "I know that whatever your future holds, you're going to be just fine. I believe, for each of you, the best is yet to come."

Following Tippens, the graduating CLDP II class presented their capstone project, which focused on continuing education and training for leaders.

"We recognize that it is important and crucial to invest in supervisors so they will invest in their teams and therefore … you'll have a work-centric and people-centric organization that will better the organizational culture and, overall, the garrison and the team," said Madeleine Moortel, one of the 2025 CLDP II graduates, as she introduced the class' collective capstone project.

During the presentation, graduates presented a solution to provide more training for supervisors - Lessons in Leadership, or the LiL Course - which focuses on providing newly integrated Department of Defense supervisors with essential skills to thrive at Fort Cavazos. The courses focus on a myriad of topics including, critical thinking, ethical leadership, conflict resolution and leading a multigenerational workforce.

Before concluding the presentation with a question-and-answer session, where 2025 CLDP II graduate Tyler Schmitt fielded questions from attendees, the graduates had a surprise presentation for Tippens.

The graduates presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a gift basket as 2025 CLDP II graduate Stephanie Green expressed gratitude.

"I just want to say thank you (Tippens) so much for being supportive, including everyone and making everyone feel comfortable," Green said. "She's been very motivational for me and I've enjoyed my time here."

Before certificate presentations, Greta Buccellato, Fort Cavazos deputy to the garrison commander, expressed her pride in the graduates and their accomplishment, and noted the importance of leadership.

"Completing the CLDP II is certainly no small feat," she said. "You have spent weeks refining your skills, broadening your perspectives and deepening your understanding of what it means to lead today's Army civilian workforce. As you know for your course, both CLDP I and II now, leadership is not a title - it's a responsibility. It's the ability to see beyond the immediate task, to shape the vision that strengthens our teams, improves our organizations and upholds the Army's mission."

She imparted three commitments to the graduates: commit to action, commit to people and commit to growth.

"The best leaders are lifelong learners," Buccellato said. "Never let comfort or routine stifle your potential. Seek new challenges, embrace feedback and always strive to be better than you were yesterday. You are not just the leaders of today - you are shaping the future of our Army and the civilians who sustain it. You have earned the label 'leader,' … but keep earning it every day."

For more information about CLDP I or II classes, visit home.army.mil/cavazos/units-tenants/Garrison/directorate-human-resources/workforce-development-office/civilian-leadership-development-program.