Newport News holds Leadership Development Academy graduation, city manager urges continued mentorship

City of Newport News employees and department leaders gathered for the Leadership Development Academy graduation, where city officials recognized graduates from LDA 1 and LDA 2 and departmental pathways participants.

Hayden Tapp, who introduced the program and hosted the ceremony, thanked city leaders and department directors for supporting the LDA and underscored that leadership is about behavior and continuous development. "You have the tools in your toolboxes. Now head back to your teams, put them into action," Tapp said.

Alan Archer, the city manager, told graduates the academy was created to invest in the city’s people and called leadership an ongoing journey that strengthens the organization's ability to serve residents. Archer praised graduates for capstone projects and cross-department collaboration and encouraged them to "listen actively and with empathy" and to mentor teammates as part of building a talent pipeline.

Kristen Fisher, an intern in talent and development, introduced guest speaker Michelle Shaw, who shared three leadership lessons drawn from military and personal experience: step forward for opportunities, speak with your authentic voice, and build empowered teams. Shaw used examples from her Coast Guard service and beekeeping to illustrate teamwork and distributed leadership.

The ceremony included a presentation by the LDA 2 cohort and the reading of graduate names across departments. Ty Alexander, the director of human resources, delivered closing remarks on behalf of the administration and thanked participants and directors for supporting the program.

The event combined formal recognition with a public presentation of the LDA 2 capstone, Ready, Set, Life, which presenters described as a pilot community program to be supported by city facilities and community partners.