Twelve faculty and staff members have completed City of Hope’s inaugural leadership development program.

Dick Thompson, left, accepts a certificate from Michael Friedman for participation in City of Hope’s leadership development program. (Photo by p.cunningham)

The intensive program addresses a wide variety of essential leadership skills.

“We are extremely proud of the faculty and staff members involved in this program,” said Michael A. Friedman, M.D., president, chief executive officer and Irell & Manella Cancer Center Director’s Distinguished Chair. “To grow as an institution and achieve our strategic clinical, scientific and educational goals, we must invest in our leaders and grow their capacity. The leadership development program is essential to this investment.”

The program consists of several multiday retreats, various assessments throughout the year and creation of individual development plans. It aims to develop leadership skills in these areas:

• Engagement in and understanding of City of Hope’s mission and evolving direction
• Business and financial acumen
• Strengthened relationships and better collaboration across the organization
• Ability to engage and communicate with teams and peers to improve organizational alignment and performance
• Greater ability to deal with conflict
• Capacity to recognize, develop and manage talent

The first graduating class included these physician, scientific and administrative leaders: Smita Bhatia, M.D., M.P.H., Valerie Bingham, C.P.A., David M. Carter, M.B.A., C.P.A., Tricia Cascione, C.P.A., M.H.A., David A. Horne, Ph.D., Kristine Justus, Ph.D., Lucille Leong, M.D., Kristen Pugh, M.P.A., Gregory D. Schetina, J.D., Douglas C. Stahl, Ph.D., M.B.A., Richard G. Thompson and Dahni K. Tsuboi, J.D.

The program is overseen by the Executive Team and Department of Human Resources leaders, according to Heidi Hebson, executive project director. Members of the Executive Team both nominate and select participants in the program.

Eligible candidates must hold a position at the director level or higher and demonstrate motivation and potential to develop their leadership capability. Only employees who have worked at City of Hope for two years or longer and those with a history of strong performance are invited to participate in the program. The next class is scheduled to begin in March.