U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District (SWG) Commander and District Engineer, Colonel David Dake recognized two Leadership Development Program Level III graduates at the Jadwin Building in Galveston, Texas, April 15, 2026.
Col. Dake presented Chief of the Waterways Management Section, Robert “Bob” Koch, SWG Operations Division, and SWG Strategic Planner and Congressional Liaison Lisa McCracken Mairs the “Coveted Castle”, a glass castle trophy, for their completion of the USACE Leadership Development Program’s third and final level.
LDP III is geared toward GS-13 level or higher employees, or those with previous leadership experience, focusing on regional perspectives and collaborative relationships. Participants often travel across the Division to meet with leaders, study regional processes, and engage in site visits. The program focuses on improving leadership skills, increasing knowledge of the organization, and building a professional network. Participants often complete a "capstone project" that addresses current organizational challenges.
“It's a testament to you both and all other LDP III graduates,” Col. Dake said.
“It's very evident in your knowledge and your leadership that you have gone through this. I want to congratulate both of you, this is a huge milestone, and I'm honored to be the one that gets to give your coveted engineer castles.”
As part of the program, LDP III participants often visit Washington, D.C., for a "Government Affairs Institute course" and interact with leaders at USACE headquarters. Beyond graduation, the program often includes a second year of "utilization," where graduates are assigned projects to apply their skills in new areas.
Koch had words of advice for supervisors with employees seeking to take part in LDP III.
“When your team members come to you and ask if they can have the runway to be a part of LDP II at the district level, as well as LDP III, which is at the division and headquarters levels I would encourage you to support that because you will get a return on your investment,” Koch said. “Getting your team members to think outside the box and learn programs outside lanes they are currently in --- understand division, understand headquarters, get a three-month detail. I got to go to ‘Kwaj’ --- Kwajalein Atoll --- in the Marshall Islands and work on MILCON construction projects for three months. It was just a fascinating experience. So, I encourage you all to be supportive of your teams to have your team members enrolled.”
Mairs encouraged those considering participation in the LDP curriculum.
“For me, it was humbling, but it was also, a wonderful experience,” Mairs said. “If you have not done leadership development, it definitely gives you an insight into who you are, and who you want to be as a leader.”
Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management, Mr. Byron Williams, thanked the LDP III graduates for investing a large amount of personal time in their leadership training.
“They didn’t mention it but LDP I, II and III doesn't guarantee you any supervisory or leadership role,” Williams said. “It is a personal commitment to themselves to say, ‘Hey, this is what I’m shooting for, so I’m willing to do what it takes.’”
LDP students spend lots of time outside of work on reading and projects.
“It's a lot of personal time to complete projects, and complete tasks given to them by division, headquarters and the district, on their own time,” Williams concluded. “That is another personal commitment they made to succeed in this program. LDP III, not too many people make it that far. It’s a BIG accomplishment.”
For more information about LDP, visit www.swg.usace.army.mil.