SAN JUAN, P.R. – The South Atlantic Division’s Regional Leadership Development Program (SAD RLDP) brought a full cohort to the Caribbean District, marking a milestone week of learning, collaboration, and cultural immersion from 23–27 February 2026. The visit showcased the Caribbean District’s mission, people, and projects with a level of depth and hospitality that reflected the pride and professionalism of the entire team.
The week opened at the Caribbean District Headquarters in San Juan, where participants were greeted by the district’s site coordination team and welcomed by RLDP Program Manager Chris Russell. Early sessions set the tone for what was ahead for participants: a blend of leadership development, regional mission understanding, and cultural context.
Caribbean District Commander Col. Charles Decker kicked off the week by offering a comprehensive overview of the district’s operations, followed by District Deputy Commander Maj. Ricardo Herrero, who gave a thorough session on Puerto Rican history, courtesy, and mindful travel, which helped ground the group in the community they would be working within throughout the week.
Decker said hosting the RLDP cohort in the Caribbean District was a strategic investment in SAD’s future.
“The Caribbean District offers a leadership laboratory unlike any other in the division or even USACE,” he said. “Hosting the RLDP class allowed us to share the realities of operating in a complex island environment and the resilience, innovation, and teamwork required to deliver for the people of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We were grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their development and proud to showcase the work happening here in the Caribbean.”
A highlight of the opening day was a panel of Caribbean District professionals sharing how leadership development programs shaped their careers and strengthened the district’s mission. Participants also heard from the district’s Deputy for Programs and Project Management (DPM) Jacqueline “Jackie” Keiser, who walked them through the inception of USACE’s newest district.
Another highlight of the week was the participation of South Atlantic Division Command Sgt. Maj. Derrick Braud, who accompanied participants throughout the visit. Braud spoke with the group several times about the civilian–military relationship within the Corps, how communication flows across echelons, and how USACE’s leadership and command structure differs from most federal agencies. His insights offered participants a deeper understanding of how military and civilian leaders work together and what emerging leaders need to know as they advance in the organization.
Russell, who has led the RLDP for four years, said the visit represented the best of what the program is designed to achieve.
“Having the opportunity to shepherd this program over the last four years has been one of the highlights of my civilian career,” he said. “There is no greater responsibility than helping build the bench of future leaders for the Corps. The quality of leaders selected by each district reflects a deep commitment to developing talent and investing in the future of our organization.”
Leadership, learning, and team building
Day two of the RLDP course deepened the leadership focus when Dr. Michael Evans guided participants through behavioral change assessments and leadership discussions. The agenda blended technical insight with cultural and operational context, including a session on the unique challenges of operating in an island environment – from the Jones Act to supply chain constraints.
The afternoon shifted into team building with the “Amazing Race: San Juan Edition,” sending participants across the city to solve challenges, build camaraderie, and experience the vibrancy of Old San Juan.
Field visits show engineering in action
Wednesday and Thursday brought the group into the field, where the Caribbean District’s work speaks for itself. Participants toured some of the district’s most significant and complex projects, including the San Fernando Bastion Cliff Stabilization Project, a partnership with the National Park Service to protect historic fortifications; the Río Puerto Nuevo Roosevelt Bridge Project, a critical infrastructure effort improving resilience and mobility; Camp Santiago, where engineers briefed the group on ongoing construction and modernization efforts; and the Río Nigua and Caño Martín Peña projects, which highlight the district’s role in environmental restoration, flood risk management, and community resilience.
The RLDP cohort represented every district across SAD, bringing together a diverse mix of technical backgrounds and leadership perspectives. Participants were: Don Mroczko and Ali Abbas (Mobile District); Kristin Andrade (Charleston District); Narissia Craig and Jessica Egleton (Caribbean District); Jason Whittaker (Savannah District); Katharine Elks (Wilmington District); and Joelle Carney (Jacksonville District). Their shared experiences throughout the week strengthened cross‑district relationships and deepened their understanding of the region’s mission.
For many, this was their first visit to the island of Puerto Rico, and the first time to be fully immersed in the Caribbean District mission. The on‑site location provided a deeper appreciation for the district’s unique environment and history.
“The RLDP visit to the Caribbean District was eye opening and full of rich insights,” said Elks. “I gained a new appreciation for the complexity of seismic engineering, political navigation, material sourcing, and the unique challenges faced by the Regulatory team.”
For Egleton, who calls the Caribbean District “home,” the “home team’s” impressive list of capabilities and projects filled her with organizational pride
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“The staff's genuine enthusiasm and eagerness to showcase [our district’s] achievements made this an unforgettable learning experience,” she said.
To close out the week, the group reconvened at the Caribbean District’s headquarters for project discussions, accountability sessions, and a forward‑looking conversation on emergency management in the Caribbean District. The Mobile Planning Team closed the week with remarks that tied together the themes of leadership, adaptability, and mission alignment.
Together, participants’ reflections underscored a shared takeaway: the RLDP visit strengthened cross‑district understanding, deepened leadership skills, and reinforced the unity of purpose that defines the South Atlantic Division.