Cascade Environmental launched a unique professional development program for the company’s rising stars. The Cascade Leadership Academy (CLA) is a strategic initiative that exemplifies the company’s commitment not only to sustainability but also to operational excellence and leadership development. The partnership with ON Point Next Level Leadership, aims to equip participants with the skills to drive business success and innovate across functional boundaries.
The 9-month intensive program combines hands-on, interactive learning with personalized coaching to transform and empower Cascade’s future leaders. Participants will engage in three full-day live events, monthly group coaching, and one-on-one executive sessions, culminating in a unique capstone project that offers them the chance to present innovative solutions to executive leadership.
“Leadership development is crucial not just for individual career growth but also for the strategic advancement of our entire organization,” said Ron Thalacker, CEO of Cascade Environmental. “The CLA is designed to enhance our capabilities in managing complex environmental projects and to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.”
Ken Moses, Chief People Officer, highlighted the program’s alignment with the company’s mission, vision, and core values. “The CLA aligns with our strategic goals of enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining our competitive advantage in the environmental services sector. By investing in our leaders, we are positioning Cascade to meet the future challenges of our industry head-on.”
Jessica Alexander, Director of Talent Acquisition, emphasized the select nature of the academy. “Our leaders have been carefully chosen for this program based on their potential to drive impactful change within our organization and the industry. We’re investing in their growth because we believe in their ability to lead us into a brighter, more sustainable future.”
The academy’s curriculum is designed around building an employee-centric culture, enhancing leadership from the inside out, and equipping leaders with the skills needed for strategic problem solving and operational excellence. By focusing on topics such as communication strategies, team building, and change management, the CLA prepares leaders to tackle the environmental challenges of tomorrow.
As part of Cascade’s broader sustainability efforts, the CLA also ties into the Compass™ program, reflecting the organization’s holistic approach to leadership in environmental stewardship. Participants will have the opportunity to work on Capstone projects that not only demonstrate their leadership skills but also contribute to Cascade’s sustainability objectives.
“We’re not just developing leaders; we’re shaping the future of environmental and geotechnical solutions,” concluded Thalacker. “The Cascade Leadership Academy is where our vision for a more sustainable and successful future becomes reality.”