DHRM LeadVA Portfolio Update

October 23, 2025

 

Dear Human Resources Directors,

The Department of Human Resource Management is pleased to announce three leadership development program opportunities that are available as part of the DHRM LeadVA Portfolio.

COVA Leading by Design is a dynamic, research-informed leadership development program created to help managers elevate their leadership presence and drive meaningful results through six interactive and thought-provoking workshops. In this series, participants will explore the science and behaviors behind high-performing teams and discover practical tools to lead with clarity, authenticity, and impact. Please see the program flyer here for more information about the program and requirements. Registration can be completed via the Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center (COVLC).

The Leadership Mentorship Program is a six-month mentorship program focused specifically on developing management and leadership skills. This six-month pilot, powered by the Qooper platform, will connect mentees who wish to develop as managers with experienced leader-mentors elsewhere in the Commonwealth. The program is free for COVA employees. Currently we have availability for both mentors and mentees. Interested mentees and mentors can reach out to Rik Cropley to apply for this opportunity. Mentors must be pay band 6 or above and in good standing, mentees should also be in good standing and be in roles where they have employees directly reporting to them.

The Joyful Change Leader is an exciting best in class offering to build change leadership skills and receive a change toolkit that will serve them long after the program’s end. This 9-hour program (over 3 sessions) teaches a six-step process to lead teams and organizations through change in a way that not only executes the change but best enhances the experience of the employees going through it. This pilot will occur the week of December 8 and will have a tuition cost. Please see the flyer here for additional information and contact Rik Cropley with questions.

Please contact Workforce.Development@dhrm.virginia.gov with questions about these programs.