District leader singled out for future professional development

Posted September 16, 2009
By Brittany Brown
Norfolk District Public Affairs

9/16/2009 - NORFOLK, Va. — What makes a good leader? A good leader is someone who understands no two individuals are alike and adjusts their leadership style to create the biggest impact. Executives today must be able to empower others in the company to create solid, lasting relationships, and grow the organization for the future.

Norfolk District's Keith Lockwood is an example of a good leader. Colonel Peter DeLuca, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, North Atlantic Division commander, has identified Lockwood as Norfolk District's participant in the division's Executive Leadership Development Program, or ELDP.

ELDP provides civilian employees an opportunity to experience a regional perspective on leadership and participate in senior-level Corps activities within the division's geographical area of responsibility: Norfolk, Europe, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New England and New York districts.

Lockwood, a Virginia Beach native, was selected from among five highly qualified Norfolk District leaders. The program consists of week-long training at the University of Maryland's National Leadership Institute, a four-day USACE Capitol Hill workshop "shadowing" several senior executives, executive level meetings, a team project involving fellow associates, and a four-month developmental assignment.

"I believe the ELDP will be an excellent opportunity to build on the leadership skills I learned during my MBA program. I received very positive feedback from previous ELDP associates about the program, so I am excited to continue my professional development," states Lockwood.

Lockwood has served with the Norfolk District for over seven years, the majority of his time in the Technical Services Division, Operations Branch as an environmental scientist.

Lockwood began his career in the Operations Branch, Geospatial Services Section, where he was responsible for preparing drawings to support various civil works projects using Geographic Information Systems software. He later worked in the branch's Technical Support Section obtaining and managing environmental permits and authorizations for federal navigation projects. In 2007, Lockwood was promoted to chief of the Northern Virginia Regulatory Section in the district's Regulatory Office. After gaining valuable experience in support of the USACE Regulatory Program, Lockwood returned to the Operations Branch as chief of the Technical Support Section.

Lockwood received a bachelor's degree in Fisheries Science from Virginia Tech University, with minors in Business and Biology, an advanced certificate in Geographic Information Science from Old Dominion University and a master's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from ODU. He is a recognized Associate Fisheries Professional by the American Fisheries Society, and recently became an Accredited Professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Lockwood spearheads Norfolk District's integrated internship program, which focuses on active recruitment at area colleges and universities, manager commitment and mentoring.

"Keith has stepped forward since I joined Norfolk District in his efforts to recruit and retain highly qualified interns," said Lt. Col. Michael Darrow, deputy district commander. "His initiative will serve him well as Norfolk District's selection for this year's ELDP program."