Graduates of the Front Line Supervisor program embrace leadership

On May 23, Gonzalez was part of the 13-member 2023-2024 class of the Front Line Supervisors Program, which celebrated the completion of the nine-month program with a ceremony at Penn Pavilion. The program’s third class was composed of executives from Duke University and Duke University Health System.

“This was a great opportunity,” Gonzalez said. “It allowed me to face what I was afraid of and gave me more confidence in my work.”

Launched in 2019 through the Professional Development Academy in Duke Learning & Organization Development, a unit in Duke Human Resources, the Front Line Supervisors Program provides insights into leadership, business concepts and project management to new entry-level supervisors.

“Entering a supervisory role can be a very powerful experience,” said Gina Rogers, Duke Human Resources Associate Director for Organization & Workforce Development and the Front Line Supervisors Program Director. “You can go home on Friday as an individual contributor and come back on Monday as a manager, and things have changed. Often there is no development element that can help with that transition. That is what this program is for.”

The newest cohort, which began in May 2023 and completed in March 2024, includes a 360-degree assessment, in-person courses, and a capstone project. Gonzalez conducted his project on ways to streamline the implementation of the annual food drive and the giveaway of plants in the greenhouses.

Antwan Lofton, Vice President of Duke Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer, spoke to the graduates and commended them for balancing the demands of the program and the responsibilities of their daily work.

“I know this wasn’t easy, and I know you had competing interests,” Lofton told the group. “You had to figure out how to divide your time to accomplish the many tasks you have to do, especially if you are a first-line supervisor. There is no one to step in and do what you do, the way you do. But you made it happen.”

Along with the Duke Leadership Academy, Duke Management Academy and the Foundational Skills Program, the Front Line Supervisor Program is one of many professional development programs offered by Duke Learning & Organization Development.

The Front Line Supervisors Program is offered every two years. The application procedure for the next edition of the program will take place in early 2025.

“This program is very valuable because it helps you understand that you are not the only person at Duke who has the same doubts or questions,” Gonzalez said. “It shows that you have the tools you need to get the job done. You just need to make a few adjustments and everything will be fine.”

Meet the 2023-24 class of the Front Line Supervisors program

• Jordan ButlerService Access Team Leader, Duke Urgent Care – Croasdaile

• Alisha BankDepartmental business manager, campus grant management

• Amanda DouglassAssistant Manager, Duke Raleigh Hospital – Acute Rehabilitation

• Jorge Fidhel GonzálezResearch Greenhouse Supervisor, Duke Biology Department

• Heather KellyAssistant Nurse Manager, Duke University Hospital Emergency Department

• Arianna MolenaarDeputy Director of Alumni Communications, Development and Alumni Relations

• Veronica MillsProgram Coordinator, Population Health Sciences

• Crissie MoodyComplex Care Coordinator, Duke University Medical Center

• Elizabeth NixonClinical Services Coordinator, Rehabilitation Services

• Preston Rondy Clinical Services Coordinator, Rehabilitation Services

• Christa RutledgeService Access Team Leader, Patient Revenue Management Organization

• Erica WalkerSenior Clinical Research Coordinator, Emergency Medicine

• Lauren BosPopulation health specialist, Population health sciences

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