# Emerging Leader Certificate Program Strengthen leadership capabilities to effectively guide organizational change and lead with intention Canonical URL: ## Overview The demand for skilled leaders in the federal government is greater than ever before. This program is designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage organizational change effectively. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the purpose of change within organizations, the psychology behind its impact on individuals, and effective change management strategies. Participants will learn to navigate organizational change and participate in successful transformation initiatives, ensuring they are prepared for periods of transition. The program offers an exploration of essential skills and strategies for establishing strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and promoting personal and professional growth. Course topics covered include emotional intelligence, conflict management, developing others, strategies for promoting collaboration, and team building. Participants will also gain insights into the mission, vision, and goals of an organization, principles of relationship management, problem-solving and decision-making strategies, and effectiveness in the workplace. By completing this certificate program aligned with the executive core qualifications (ECQs) identified by OPM, emerging leaders will be well-equipped to lead their organizations with confidence and strategic vision. ## What you'll learn - Understand organizational change dynamics and support transitions. - Develop emotional intelligence, foster relationships, and resolve conflict. - Build culture through engagement, collaboration, and results orientation. - Create and sustain internal coalitions and partnerships to achieve mission goals. ## Curriculum 1. **Exploring Change at Work Course** 2. **Leading Through Relationship-Building Course** 3. **Creating a Results-Driven Culture Course** 4. **Principles of Managing Organizations Course** 5. **Building Coalitions at Work Course** 6. **Think Smarter About AI: Critical Thinking Skills for Government Employees Course** ## Instructors ### Heather Murphy Capps — Curriculum Program Manager Heather is an education and media professional with more than 30 years of experience in teaching, professional skills training, broadcast news, and public relations. She’s been with Graduate School USA since 2008, as the program manager for the Executive Leadership Program, as well as an instructor and course content developer for the Center for Leadership and Management. Her education career began with a teaching stint in a Western Kenya high school. After she returned to the States, she earned a Master’s degree in journalism. Heather then built a dual-track career for herself as a television and radio journalist who also taught both high school and university students, focusing on writing, politics, and journalism. In the early 2000s, Heather stepped aside from her news career to serve as press secretary to the Mayor of Jacksonville and the Special Projects Director for the Jacksonville Super Bowl Host Committee. While holding those positions, she led multiple public relations and media outreach projects to improve the city’s recognition, image, and public hospitality prior to Super Bowl 39. Heather has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Bryn Mawr College and an M.S. in journalism from Boston University. ### Bascom Destrehan “Dit” Talley — Instructor Bascom Destrehan “Dit” Talley, III is a seasoned educator and consultant with more than four decades of experience in leadership development, executive training, and organizational consulting. Since 1993, he has been an instructor with Graduate School USA, designing and delivering courses in leadership, management, and executive development for federal and international clients. He also teaches Global Leadership in the International Teaching and Global Learning Program at Johns Hopkins University and has instructed in the Police Executive Leadership Program, supporting both undergraduate and graduate cohorts, including law enforcement professionals from the U.S. Secret Service and ICE. In addition to his teaching career, Dit founded and led Corporate and Government Consulting, a Washington, DC–based firm that specialized in leadership development, team building, strategic planning, and organizational assessments. His work has supported federal agencies, state offices, and private-sector organizations across the United States and internationally. He has coordinated national conferences, authored training manuals and guides, and published on workplace issues such as team building and preventing sexual harassment. Dit holds degrees from the University of the South, St. Paul School of Theology, and Boston University, with advanced studies in social ethics and public policy. ### Robin Fortner — Instructor Robin Fortner is a Marine Corps Veteran, Strategic Executive Advisor, and Leadership Strategist known for elevating leaders and organizations operating in high-stakes environments. With over three decades of military leadership including service as Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of the Navy, Robin has guided senior decision-makers through complex challenges requiring clarity, readiness, and bold strategic alignment. As a combat veteran deployed to both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, she brings an extensive and hard-won operational knowledge set that informs every dimension of her leadership practice. As President of R.C. Fortner Enterprises, Robin works with senior leaders and organizations to accelerate mission-focused growth, strengthen executive leadership capability, and navigate complex organizational dynamics with confidence and precision. As an instructor and facilitator, Robin translates decades of real-world leadership experience into high-impact learning environments. She is known for bridging rigorous strategic frameworks with human-centered leadership development. Her instructional approach draws from operational experience, making complex leadership concepts immediately applicable and actionable. Robin holds dual Master's degrees in Leadership and Management and Human Resource Management, a Bachelor's degree in Intelligence Studies, and is pursuing her Doctorate in Strategic Leadership at Liberty University. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $2999