Ron Estep, Didlake AVP of Contract Operations for GHRA, graduated from LEAD757 last week, culminating an eight-month journey through the Greater Hampton Roads Chamber’s signature program focusing on key issues impacting the region, state, nation and global economy. LEAD757 inspires proven leaders from across the region by providing unique avenues of cooperation, innovative problem-solving, and the development of lasting professional and civic relationships. Estep was among a class of 48 leaders honored during the BRAVO Celebration of Leadership on Nov. 14.

“It was an extraordinary opportunity to dig deep into the GHRA area and learn about what drives our area from political, economic and leadership standpoints,” Estep said.

Following an opening retreat held last March in Williamsburg, the program participants gathered for themed monthly regional outings: Government Framework; Arts, Tourism and Philanthropy; Infrastructure; Military; Workforce Education; and Maritime and Innovation.

A standout experience for Estep was visiting Naval Station Norfolk on Military Day. There, the group toured a battleship, the USS Ross, and heard from Captain Janet Days, the base’s 51st Commanding Officer. “She was in the Navy for 37 years before retiring in August. She was the first Black woman to command Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest Naval Base. She commands the room and is just incredible,” he said. The group also visited Naval Air Station Oceana, where they were greeted by Captain Steven Djunaedi, Commanding Officer, and received a flight simulator demonstration.

The participants also had a unique opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to learn about the construction expansion and how the tunnels work. Another infrastructure-related highlight was hearing from Ryan Banas, the project manager for a $3.9 billion Hampton Roads bridge expansion project.

At the Port Authority, the group learned about port operations and how the port stepped up to help following the Key Bridge collapse in Maryland, accepting all shipments headed for Baltimore. Arts, Tourism and Philanthropy Day featured visits to the Chrysler Museum of Art, Waterside District and the Virginia Stage Company. For Government Framework Day, the class visited the Chesapeake City Hall to learn about the local government from the Mayor and other city leaders. They heard a panel discussion with a Virginia General Assembly delegate and senator about the importance of voicing ideas and opinions to help create change.

Community service was also a major component of the program. During the opening retreat, the class was divided into five groups and tasked with finding a volunteer project to work on together throughout the program. Estep’s group opted to supply high-protein food bags for underprivileged youth athletes in the Suffolk area. They collaborated with a local church, collected donations, assembled bags and delivered them to three elementary schools. The groups presented their volunteer projects during the closing retreat held at Camp Pendleton in October.

The closing retreat also included a visit to the Virginia Beach Fire Department training center, speakers and plenty of networking opportunities.

“It was all about social capital building, expanding on the relationships we’d developed throughout the year. After each outing, we would gather at a local restaurant to get to know all our classmates. At the closing retreat, we had a bonfire on the beach and slept in the barracks,” Estep said.

Congratulations to Ron and all of the graduates!