Four CPAESS staff members have been selected to participate in this year’s UCAR Leadership Academy, an intensive professional development program designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders across the organization. Representing a diverse range of roles and partner institutions, this year’s participants include Bryan Flynt, Software Engineer IV at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL); Ann Zinkann, Program Specialist III with Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing (GOMO); Akio Correll, Educational Designer III at the United States Geological Survey (USGS); and Tanya Chaisitti, Budget Analyst II.

 

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This year's CPAESS Leadership Academy members: Akio Correll (USGS), Ann Zinkann (GOMO), Bryan Flynt (NRL), and Tanya Chaisitti (CPAESS Business Office).

Credit: CPAESS

The Leadership Academy brings together a cohort of 30 UCAR staff members who are currently in—or preparing to step into—mid-level leadership roles. Through workshops, seminars, small-group projects, and personalized coaching and mentoring, participants build the skills needed to lead effectively in complex and evolving environments.

For Akio Correll, the program offers an opportunity to navigate both immediate challenges and long-term strategy. “Given everything that is happening, our small team is navigating both operational demands and strategic ambiguity,” Correll shared. “I am excited to use what I learn through the Leadership Academy to establish clearer vision-setting practices, help identify long-term positioning strategies for maintaining the cooperative agreement with USGS, and increase our visibility within the UCAR community.”

Tanya Chaisitti highlighted the value of connection and growth through the program. “It is such an honor to be nominated and accepted to UCAR's Leadership Academy,” she said. “I am excited for the opportunity to connect with other emerging leaders across the organization and develop skills to better support our team.”

Ann Zinkann emphasized the importance of strengthening her ability to support others. “I hope to continue improving my leadership skills to more effectively lead, guide, empower, and support my team and the people around me,” she noted.

Bryan Flynt looks forward to building practical leadership tools that enhance outcomes. “I aim to enhance my strategic thinking skills and learn more effective project management techniques to achieve better outcomes,” he said.

SPS | CPAESS Director Hanne Mauriello shared, “I’m truly excited for each of you to take part in this experience. The Leadership Academy is an important opportunity to build skills that will strengthen both your individual growth and that of our program. I look forward to seeing how you apply what you learn, and to hearing how these new perspectives and tools support your work and leadership journey.”

Together, these participants reflect the depth and diversity of talent within CPAESS and its partner organizations. Their involvement in the Leadership Academy underscores a shared commitment to professional growth, collaborative leadership, and the continued advancement of Earth system science through strong, capable teams.