Greenville Utilities' iLead program is in full swing with its second, larger class. iLead is an internal leadership, education, and development program that launched in 2016. The program is for participants to prepare themselves to compete for leadership positions at GUC. Applicants must show potential for (or demonstrate) leadership abilities, community interest and involvement, and the desire for a bigger leadership role.

Earlier this year, employees applied to the program by completing an assessment and multi-step screening process, which included an interview by a cross-functional Succession Planning Selection Committee.

The 25 employees selected to participate this year will receive general "core curriculum" training that will include topics such as project management and leadership essentials, communication essentials, and business writing. They are also required to complete assignments like conducting a group project and attending certain meetings.

In addition, they will have individual development plans specific to their unique needs. This will include things like trade or professional organization activities, mentoring or job shadowing, civic organization participation, etc.

This 9-month program will wrap up in December. The 2017 iLead participants are: Bryan Bland, Dail Booth, Jonathan Britt, Ron Cullipher, George Darden, Mickey Dawson, Chad Flannagan, JoEllen Gay, Keith Godbey, Jason Harmon, Chris Hill, Blake Horton, Kristen Jarman, Kevin Jones, Nick Klapp, Cynthia Langley, Alex Li, Jay Little, Julius Patrick, Jay Pigford, Carl Smith, Will Spencer, Vann Stephenson, Antwyne Tyson, and Brandie Whitehurst.

Above, Tony Cannon speaks with the 2017 iLead class.