Carnegie Mellon University

Group photo of CMULead participants standing in Tepper staircase

October 01, 2021

CMULead — Congratulations to our Program Graduates

On Monday, September 20, our 2020 CMULead cohort completed their final program requirements and successfully graduated. And, that “2020” is not a typo. Our largest class to date (27) also had to be our most flexible. Our participants started in February 2020, but like so many personal and professional tasks, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause to the program.

In June 2021, the Office of Human Resources (OHR) re-launched the program with virtual sessions including a half-day re-orientation session. OHR also added monthly networking events to help recreate the interactions that typically occur organically among program participants.

Over the course of the CMULead program, participants devoted at least 70-80 hours to the program including events and training, pre-work, final project presentations and the graduation ceremony. Session topics included: Working in a Top-Tier Research University; Strategy, Vision and Impact; Inclusive Leadership; and Building Leadership Competency for the Future. Every topic was supported by presentations from deans, vice presidents, and functional leaders and subject matter experts across faculty, staff and student services.

In 2021, OHR also introduced a final project requirement to the program. The program participants embraced this additional requirement, presenting on timely leadership topics including:

  • Concrete ways to embrace an inclusive workforce
  • Solutions for individual and team well-being
  • Developing a business case or model to drive change
  • Paying it forward (supporting others through coaching or mentoring)
  • Becoming a visionary leader

So, please join OHR in congratulating our most recent CMULead graduates!

  • Christine Bedillion (Research)
  • Sean Beggs (Heinz)
  • Heather Bragg (Research)
  • Beth Callaway (Finance)
  • Alison Campbell (Computing Services)
  • Joy Cavaliero (Enrollment Services)
  • Ashley Chludzinski (Tepper)
  • Rebecca Cicco (FIRM)
  • Gary Dilisio (Dietrich)
  • Ed Dunlea (MCS)
  • Christine Gilchrist (MCS)
  • Andrew Girard (Student Affairs)
  • Gretchen Graff (Libraries)
  • Cindy Griffiths (FIRM)
  • Gabby Gueguen (Provost’s Office)
  • Chris Hertz (CIT)
  • Matt Hoolsema (Provost’s Office)
  • Jenn Joy Wilson (CFA)
  • Christopher Kamerling (Finance)
  • Kristin Lavery (Provost’s Office)
  • Jennifer Pesci-Kelly (Advancement)
  • Michelle Porter (Operations)
  • Ken Rose (Libraries)
  • M. Shernell Smith (Student Affairs)
  • Jennifer Sobol (Advancement)
  • Ali Spetz (Provost’s Office)
  • Lara Steiner (University Communications & Marketing)