Celebrating the Successes of the Inaugural Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program

The Training and Development Department is thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the first cohort of our Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program. Designed with the clear intention of identifying, nurturing, and developing future leaders, this program aligns with Athens Services’ core values of Service, People, and Environment. Over the course of 18 months, through targeted mentorship, hands-on skill-building, and collaborative knowledge sharing, these emerging leaders have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to both their personal and professional development.

Senior Operations Manager Paul Singh, Assistant General Manager Brian Hunter, Assistant General Manager Octavio Covarrubias, General Manager Jorge Mendoza, and Regional Fleet Maintenance Manager John Casas

Our inaugural cohort consisted of five exceptional participants who were fully committed to the program’s rigorous demands. Several have embraced new challenges and responsibilities, demonstrating their readiness to grow and lead. Their achievements highlight the program’s success in fostering leadership development and preparing them for future opportunities within our organization.

“Over my 17 years at Athens, I’ve had the opportunity to tackle numerous challenges. The program has been transformative, helping me reflect on past and current obstacles while empowering me to propose and implement solutions that improve both our work environment and overall quality of work. Few companies provide such a powerful platform for growth, and it’s been truly impactful,” said Assistant General Manager Octavio Covarrubias. “I see Athens as my home for the rest of my career, and this program has helped me set concrete goals for my professional growth, along with a clear plan to achieve them.”

Each mentee has made significant contributions by developing key Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). For example, Octavio created an SOP for Onboard Computer (OBC) Tablets, standardizing the daily check-in and checkout process for drivers. These SOPs have not only advanced personal and departmental milestones, but also reflect their growth as emerging leaders.

“Getting a chance to sit in the room with other department leaders and industry professionals helped broaden my understanding of Athens and its future growth,” said General Manager Brian Hunter. “I will use the tools I gain during this program to help me stay passionate, fearless and driven in my career at Athens.”

The cohort’s dedication and drive have not only set a high standard for future groups but also strengthened the foundation of our leadership team.

“The discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking honed during my military service have been pivotal in my success but combined with the tools and network provided by the program, I’ve been able to navigate complex business challenges with confidence and lead my team to achieve new milestones,” said General Manager Jorge Mendoza.”

Congratulations to our emerging leaders on these outstanding accomplishments! We look forward to witnessing their continued success as they shape the future of our organization!