GUC’s leadership development program, iLead, celebrated the 14 graduates of this year’s class at the December Board of Commissioners meeting. This year, participants split into two groups to create and coordinate projects that are designed to support the mission of GUC. iLead projects typically focus on four distinct themes, which include customers, safety, environment, and employees.   

One group identified a way to streamline answering customers’ frequently asked questions through creating a video library on our website to educate customers on how to stop/start service, utilize bill pay, and set up their customer portal access. 

The second group developed "iCare Community Clean-Up" to enhance community engagement, promote environmental stewardship, and foster team collaboration among employees. The kick-off of iCare Community Cleanup will be on Earth Day on April 22, 2025, and will invite participants to collect litter, beautify public spaces, and raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean environment.   

“I am so proud of this iLead class,” Carrie Peed, Organizational Development and Training Manager, said. “They share a lot of values and preferences and having them all blend together to complete the sessions and the projects this year has been fantastic to watch.”

Partnering with Sharon Justice, MBA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, of Justice Leadership, iLead brings a worldclass leadership learning experience through an intentional and strategically crafted curriculum in which participants learn more about themselves and others all while preparing them to be future leaders. 

The iLead program is uniquely positioned to set employees up for success as retirements open up growth opportunities at GUC. By the end of 2024, 106 employees will be eligible for early or full retirement benefits.

“While iLead graduates are not guaranteed promotions, it helps open the door for the organization to promote individuals who can bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and innovative approaches to leadership,” Richie Shreves, Director of Human Resources, said.

“As retirements happen, there is a lot of movement within GUC,” Carrie said. “These positions need people who are knowledgeable and have strong leadership skills.”

The program features components of developing leadership skills, such as using emotional intelligence, Workplace DiSC, understanding motivations and setting expectations, creating goals, building trust, and understanding ethical and social responsibility. 

This year’s graduates are Latoria Barrett, Materials Parts and Inventory Coordinator; Isaiah Bradshaw, Doug Boone, Engineer I; IT Support Specialist I; Samantha (Sam) Evans, Safety Specialist II/Lighthouse Facilitator; Jessica Hardy, Accountant Auditor IV; Brandon Jones, Electric Meter Specialist; Dell Laster, Damage Prevention Technician I; Caitlyn McLawhorn, Accountant Auditor I;  Taylor Nethercutt, Systems Analyst I; Ernest Overton, Jr., Meter Field Tech II (Service); Nick Peaden, Engineer II; Jasmine Phillips, WWTP Chemist I; Aracely Smith, Human Resources Specialist I; and Brandon Smith, Meter Supervisor

2025 iLead
iLead information sessions will begin in January for the 2025 class, with the application process starting in February. For more information about the important dates for iLead, keep your eyes on the Spotlight Newsfeed and visit the HR training section on MyGUC.