VA Manchester employee graduates from 2023 Leadership VA program

“Leadership begins with the ability to serve others,” stated Manchester VA Medical Center (VAMC) Director Kevin Forrest. “Once you build the trust of your team through actions such as development and empowerment, it provides the foundation for excellence in health care for our Veterans through servant leadership.”

The LVA training leans into making connections with others throughout the organization, volunteerism, education, and executive coaching.

“Be a mentor, seek a mentor,” shared Rice regarding his leadership philosophy and his interest in applying for LVA. “Success as a leader is a personal journey, but it does not have to be a lonely one. In the VA, there are so many leaders willing to communicate their story, offer feedback, and share resources so all that is left to do is ask.”

Rice is grateful for the support he received from Forrest, and his supervisor Manchester VAMC Associate Director Julie Vose, during the 11-month program.

“The opportunity LVA offers for participants for networking and supporting our community partners and resources is noteworthy,” stated Vose. “The cohort cooked for guests at the Fisher House, where military and veteran families stay for free during a loved one’s hospital stay, provided grounds cleaning at Fort Logan National Cemetery, and packed t-shirts into welcome packets for 450 participants in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

Vose added, “The VA’s number one clinical priority is suicide prevention, and one vital role in that care continuum is the Veterans Crisis Line. The LVA cohort sent 1,815 thank you notes to every member of the Veterans Crisis Line during their time in this leadership program.”

Engaging in every aspect of leadership, LVA helps provide professional growth through 360 hours of curriculum and 1,400 hours of individual executive coaching.

“There are many of the VA leadership programs that are available to help plan and offer resources to assist in skills development. All it takes is commitment to yourself,” said Rice. “The value you will obtain from creating lifelong relationships will help self-fulfillment, open doors, and create opportunities for personal and professional growth.” 

“For me, this program emphasized, why I do what I do,” explained Rice. “As an Occupational Safety and Health professional, I want to be a person who inspires others to be better and excel, regardless of where they work or what their profession or trade is.”

Lori Flynn, Public Affairs Officer

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