ODU's graduate certificate in Public Sector Leadership offers high-performing Department of the Navy civilian leaders the opportunity to expand their leadership knowledge through advanced education.
Employees across the U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) enterprise continue to strengthen their leadership capabilities through a long-standing collaboration with Old Dominion University’s Continuing Education department.
Established in 2015, the Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership program offers high-performing Department of the Navy civilian leaders the opportunity to expand their leadership knowledge through advanced education.
Since its launch, the 15-credit graduate certificate program designed for middle and senior management has graduated 176 students from USFFC and its subordinate commands.
Ms. Kelly Dattilo, Director of Civilian Human Resources, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and Dr. Brian O. Hemphill, Old Dominion University President, spoke to Cohort 10’s graduating class on March 11th. They were joined by ODU leadership, including Dean of the ODU Graduate School, Dr. Marisol Perez, and Associate Vice President of Continuing Education, Dr. Renee Felts.
During her remarks, Dattilo challenged graduates to carry forward four key leadership principles: to lead with purpose and conviction, commit to lifelong learning, view adversity as an opportunity for growth, and invest in mentoring and developing future leaders. As she emphasized, “You will face challenges. When you do, remember that your perspective is your most powerful tool. One person sees a barrier, while another sees a breakthrough waiting to happen. Be the one who finds the opportunity hidden inside every difficulty.”
The interdisciplinary graduate certificate covers four core competencies in public sector leadership: applied statistics and data analysis, financial management, strategic management, contracting principles (procurement), and cyber security.
Graduates included Christopher Bar, Patrick Clarke, Jennifer DeBono, Matthew Eshnaur, Chase Feller, Victor Gonzalez Miranda, Antonio Griffin, Jimmy Lemelle, William Lozier, Marianne Paulsen, Erin Sager, Robert Shubert, Christopher Sillman, and Joseph Thompson.
Dr. Felts shared with the graduates, “Completing a graduate certificate while balancing professional responsibilities, leadership roles, and family commitments is no small achievement. Each of you has demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to strengthening your leadership skills in service to your organizations and communities.”
The continued success of the Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership program reflects USFFC’s commitment to developing a strong, capable civilian workforce prepared to meet the evolving demands of the fleet. Through its partnership with ODUGlobal Continuing Education, the program equips leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to support mission readiness and organizational excellence across the enterprise. As new cohorts continue to graduate, these leaders will carry forward the program’s impact throughout the Department of the Navy.
Pictured above:
Front row: graduates Marianne Paulsen, Jimmy Lemelle, and Chase Feller; Dr. Marisol Perez, Dean of the ODU Graduate School; Kelly Dattilo, Director of Civilian Human Resources for U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., ODU President; certificate graduates Erin Sager and Victor Gonzalez Miranda.
Back row: graduates Matthew Eshnaur, Robert Shubert, Christopher Sillman, and Jennifer DeBono.
