

Our partnership with Delta Dental began with a shared vision to create a clear, actionable, and inspiring framework for professional development Recognizing the need for greater clarity, definition, and objective criteria around job growth, skill set expansion, and career advancement, Delta Dental’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and HR team sought a solution that would empower team members to understand their career paths within the organization
This collaboration laid the foundation for the Delta Dental Professional Framework, a people-centered initiative designed to outline key performance attributes and extend leadership pathways up to the role of Senior Director Together, we are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth through sending Delta Dental’s leaders to our High Performance Leadership program
Delta Dental’s partnership with Executive Education reflects a shared commitment to professional development and leadership excellence Delta Dental has empowered its team through sending talent to the High Performance Leadership (HPL) program, allowing employees to grow, develop, and bring transformative impact to their roles This document highlights each participant’s unique journey, showcasing the skills they’ve gained and the powerful outcomes of their HPL experience.
Dan de la Chappelle’s participation in the High Performance Leadership (HPL) Program has provided him with valuable leadership and management skills, from leveraging financial insights to building high-performing customer relations teams. These transformative experiences have empowered him to apply strategic tools, refine his leadership effectiveness, and enhance the customer experience at Delta Dental, ensuring both operational success and client satisfaction.
Dan explored leadership principles, which he can apply in managing customer relations teams within a large organization like Delta Dental He deepened his self-awareness, understanding how his leadership style impacts team dynamics and customer outcomes Dan also acquired tools to foster high-performing teams, learned to create an inclusive workplace culture that prioritizes customer satisfaction, and developed a personal leadership philosophy that guides his decisions and interactions with both his team and clients
Dan learned how to understand and analyze key financial statements, such as the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Statement of Cash Flows, providing him with the financial literacy needed to make informed decisions about budgets and resource allocation He also gained skills in preparing budgets, forecasting, and analyzing financial variances, which are critical for ensuring the efficient use of resources in managing customer service operations and improving client satisfaction.
Dan honed his ability to use Power BI to create data visualizations that uncover valuable insights into customer trends and service performance He learned how to identify key patterns in customer feedback and service metrics, allowing him to make data-driven decisions that enhance customer service quality and improve operational efficiency Dan also developed the ability to communicate these insights effectively to leadership, enabling the company to continuously refine its customer relations strategies
Dan developed a deeper understanding of both personal and team motivation styles to optimize performance within the teams he manages He learned strategies to foster a culture of belonging, innovation, and collaboration, all essential for maintaining high levels of customer and employee satisfaction Dan also acquired tools for making better decisions through clear expectations and effective problem-solving, and he refined his ability to provide constructive feedback to both his team and senior leadership, leading to stronger communication and improved team dynamics.
DaVonna Jones’s participation in the High Performance Leadership (HPL) Program has equipped her with essential leadership and management skills, ranging from financial decision-making to optimizing customer service operations through high-performing teams. These transformative experiences equip DaVonna to leverage strategic tools, refine her leadership approach, and drive continued success within Delta Dental’s customer service division.
DaVonnagainedclarityonthecoreresponsibilitiesandimpactofleadershipwithinanorganization.Shedeepenedherself-awarenessand understoodtheinfluenceofherleadershipstyleonteamdynamics.DaVonnaalsoacquiredtoolsfordevelopingandmanaginghigh-performing teams,whichiscrucialinherroleoverseeingcustomerserviceteams
DaVonnagainedtheskillstounderstandandanalyzekeyfinancialstatements,includingtheBalanceSheet,IncomeStatement,andStatementof CashFlows Theseskillsarevaluableformanagingbudgetswithinherdepartmentandensuringeffectiveresourceallocationforcustomerservice initiatives DaVonnaalsodevelopedadeeperunderstandingofhowtomakeinformedfinancialdecisions,preparebudgets,andanalyzevariances skillsthatenablehertocontributetobothoperationalefficiencyandcustomersatisfactionatDeltaDental
DataVisualizationUsingPowerBI|February2024
DaVonnalearnedhowtousePowerBItocreateimpactfuldatavisualizationsthatcaninformcustomerservicestrategies Shegainedan understandingofhowtouncovervaluableinsightsfromcustomerfeedbackandservicemetrics,enablinghertomakedata-drivendecisionsthat improvecustomerexperience DaVonnaalsodevelopedtheabilitytocraftcompellingnarrativeswithdata,helpinghercommunicatekeyinsights toseniorleadershipandstakeholders,ultimatelyimprovingcustomerserviceprocessesandoutcomes.
DaVonnaenhancedherunderstandingofbothherpersonalandherteam’smotivationstyles,optimizingteamperformanceinacustomerservice environment Shelearnedtofosteracultureofbelongingandinnovation,essentialformotivatingherteamsandimprovingcustomerinteractions DaVonnaalsogainedstrategiesforimprovingdecision-makingthroughclearexpectationsandeffectiveproblem-solving,whilealsorefiningher abilitytoprovideconstructivefeedbacktoherteam ThesetoolshaveallowedDaVonnatocreateastronger,morecollaborativeteamthatdelivers exceptionalcustomerservice
Heather Brevik’s participation in the High Performance Leadership (HPL) Program has equipped her with vital leadership and management skills that are particularly valuable in her role as HR Director. From improving team performance through datadriven insights to creating inclusive, highperforming workplaces, these transformative experiences will empower Heather to drive organizational success while fostering a positive, growth-oriented culture.
ThroughtheAcceleratedLeadershipExperience(ALX),Heathergainedclarityontheroleandresponsibilitiesofaleaderwithinanorganization.She increasedherself-awarenessanddevelopedadeeperunderstandingofhowherleadershipstyleinfluencesteamdynamics Heatheralsoacquired toolstobuildhigh-performingteams,learnedstrategiesforcreatinganinclusiveworkculture,andhonedhercommunicationskills,focusingon effectivelistening,trust-building,conflictresolution,andinfluence
Heatherlearnedthekeyfinancialprinciplesnecessaryforinformeddecision-making
Shedeepenedherabilitytoanalyzethethreemainfinancial statements,includingtheBalanceSheet,IncomeStatement,andStatementofCashFlows Thisworkshophelpedherdevelopastronger understandingofhowtoapproachinvestmentdecisions,preparebudgetsandforecasts,andanalyzefinancialvariances skillsessentialfor supportingHRinitiativesandmanagingresourceseffectivelywithinherdepartment
DataAnalyticsforDecisionMaking|April2024
Heatherenhancedherabilitytoleveragebusinessdataforinformeddecision-making
Shelearnednewstrategiesforunderstandingandusingdatato drivecompetitiveadvantageandgaininsightsintoorganizationalchallenges.HeatheralsoexploredtheroleofAI,machinelearning,andanalytical modelinginenhancingdecision-makingcapabilitiesandlearnedhowtoapplythesetoolstoHRstrategies,improvingprocesseslikerecruitment, performancemanagement,andemployeeengagement
EffectiveTeamManagement|May2024
Heatherdevelopedakeenunderstandingofmotivationstylestooptimizeperformance
Shelearnedstrategiesforcreatingacultureofbelongingand innovation,importantforbuildinginclusiveteamsthatdriveorganizationalsuccess.Heatheralsohonedherdecision-makingskills,learningtoset clearexpectationsandutilizeproblem-solvingmethodologiestomakebetterdecisions Additionally,shegainedstrategiesforprovidingeffective feedbacktobothdirectreportsandsupervisors,helpingtoreducebarrierstosuccessandimprovecommunicationwithinteams
Jaz Akerele’s participation in the High Performance Leadership (HPL) Program has equipped him with essential leadership skills, particularly in the areas of data visualization, team management, and financial decisionmaking. These transformative experiences have empowered Jaz to leverage strategic tools and frameworks, enhancing both his leadership effectiveness and the technological solutions he manages at Delta Dental, driving success in digital applications and customer service initiatives.
Jaz gained a deep understanding of leadership roles, focusing on team dynamics and how leadership styles influence project outcomes He learned strategies for developing high-performing teams, fostering an inclusive work culture, and effectively communicating with stakeholders to ensure seamless digital product delivery
Jaz learned to harness the power of data to enhance decision-making and strategic planning He explored creating compelling visualizations that reveal key insights into user data, which directly impact the development and improvement of digital applications He explored strategies to communicate complex data trends effectively, helping the analytics team make informed, data-driven decisions
Jaz honed his leadership abilities by learning to optimize team performance through understanding individual and collective motivation styles He developed strategies to foster a culture of belonging and innovation for his direct reports, ensuring that project timelines and customer needs will be met effectively in the future
Jaz gained financial acumen through an in-depth understanding of key financial statements such as the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Statement of Cash Flows She learned to make informed financial decisions by analyzing budgets, forecasts, and variances, providing him with the skills to align his team’s projects with organizational financial goals
Jodi’s participation in the High Performance Leadership (HPL) Program has equipped her with essential leadership skills to strengthen team collaboration, leverage data for insightful decision-making, and enhance customer relations. These transformative experiences have empowered Jodi to implement strategic improvements in her role as Claims Manager at Delta Dental, driving operational efficiency and elevating the standard of customer service excellence.
Jodi developed a strong understanding of her leadership role, learning how to lead her claims team effectively and instill confidence in both customers and colleagues She enhanced her self-awareness and explored how her leadership style directly influences team performance Jodi also acquired tools for building high-performing teams and fostering a supportive, inclusive culture within her department, aligning her leadership with Delta Dental’s strategic goals
Data Visualization Using Power BI | February 2024
In this workshop, Jodi learned to leverage Power BI to create impactful data visualizations, uncovering valuable insights into claims processing and service trends She refined her ability to analyze and present data that supports strategic operational decisions, empowering her to enhance team performance, improve customer satisfaction, and streamline claims management Jodi developed skills to communicate data-driven insights effectively to leadership, contributing to her team’s ongoing success
Jodi strengthened her leadership in managing claims teams by learning strategies to enhance team cohesion and productivity She gained an understanding of how to leverage team motivation styles to boost engagement, foster innovation, and improve communication Additionally, Jodi sharpened her skills in setting clear expectations and providing constructive feedback, ensuring her team’s alignment with Delta Dental’s service excellence goals
In this workshop, Jodi gained the ability to leverage data analytics to drive decisions that positively impact both customer satisfaction and team performance She deepened her understanding of how data can enhance operations and decision-making, enabling her to optimize claims management processes and elevate the customer experience at Delta Dental
Patrick’s participation in the High Performance Leadership (HPL) Program has equipped him with the leadership skills essential for advancing team performance, making datadriven decisions, and managing complex IT infrastructure projects. These transformative experiences have empowered Patrick to drive strategic improvements in his role, enhancing system reliability, operational efficiency, and the overall success of technology initiatives that support Delta Dental’s mission.
Patrickfine-tunedhisleadershipabilitiesthroughtheDenverLeadershipExperience,learningtothinkstrategicallyandcriticallywhilerefininghis abilitytoleadhigh-performingteamsHeexplorednewmethodsforfosteringcollaborationwithinhisteam,understandingthatpersonalgrowthis thefoundationofeffectiveleadershipPatrickalsofocusedonaligningteamstrategieswithDeltaDental’sbroaderITgoals,ensuringefficient infrastructuremanagement.
Inthisworkshop,PatricklearnedtoleveragePowerBItovisualizeITdata,enablinghimtomakemoreinformeddecisionsaboutinfrastructure performanceandresourceallocationHehonedhisabilitytoidentifykeytrendsinsystemusageandinfrastructureefficiency,presentingthisdata inanaccessiblewaytobothtechnicalandnon-technicalstakeholders.
PatrickgainedadeeperunderstandingofhowdatacansupportITdecision-making,fromoptimizinginfrastructureperformancetoimproving customerserviceHelearnedhowtousedataanalyticstoolstoassessrisks,identifyimprovementopportunities,andenhancethestrategic alignmentofhisITinitiativeswithDeltaDental’soperationalgoals.
PatrickrefinedhisabilitytoleadandmanagehisITinfrastructureteam,learningtomotivateindividualsthroughadeeperunderstandingof personalandteamdynamicsHefocusedonfosteringacollaborative,innovativeteamenvironment,improvingdecision-makingprocesses,and aligningteamgoalswithDeltaDental’sstrategicITobjectives.Patrickalsogainedskillsinprovidingeffectivefeedback,helpinghisteamdevelop andgrowwhilemeetingtheorganization’sinfrastructureneeds.
Richard Bonfanti’s participation in the High Performance Leadership (HPL) Program has equipped him with essential leadership skills to enhance both team performance and datadriven decision-making in his role as Individual Admin Manager at Delta Dental. These transformative experiences have empowered Richard to lead with confidence, using insights from data to optimize team management and drive continuous improvements in individual administration processes
RichardgainedadeeperunderstandingofhisleadershiprolewithintheIndividualAdministrationteamHerefinedhisself-awarenessand leadershipstyle,learninghowtomotivatehisteam,manageperformance,andcultivateacollaborativeandhigh-performingteamcultureRichard alsolearnedhowtofosteraninclusiveworkenvironment,ensuringthateveryteammemberfeelsvaluedandalignedwithDeltaDental’sstrategic goals
RicharddevelopedtheabilitytoleveragePowerBItovisualizecomplexdata,whichhelpedhimgaininsightsintoindividualadministrationmetrics andperformanceHelearnedtopresentdatainaclear,compellingwaythatsupportsdecision-making,enablinghimtoidentifytrends,optimize processes,andimproveteamperformanceRichardnowusesdatavisualizationstobettercommunicatefindingswithhisteamandleadership, drivingmoreinformeddecisions.
Richardhonedhisskillsinteammanagement,learninghowtoassessteamdynamicsandleveragemotivationstylestoboostperformanceHe exploredstrategiesforsettingclearexpectations,improvingdecision-makingprocesses,andfosteringacultureofbelongingandinnovation Richarddevelopedstrategiesforprovidingconstructivefeedbackandguidinghisteamtowardcontinuousimprovementinindividual administrationfunctions,ensuringhighlevelsofcustomersatisfactionandoperationalefficiency.
Richardlearnedhowtoincorporatedataanalyticsintohisdecision-makingprocessHegainedskillsinanalyzingoperationaldatatoidentify inefficienciesandopportunitiesforimprovementwithinindividualadministrationprocessesRichardnowappliesdata-driveninsightstoenhance teamperformance,optimizeworkflows,andsupportmorestrategicdecision-makingatDeltaDental,ultimatelycontributingtothesuccessofthe organization’sgoals.
Ryan Wallace’s participation in the High Performance Leadership (HPL) Program has equipped him with a diverse set of leadership, financial, and data analytics skills, crucial for his role as Director of Underwriting & Business Analytics at Delta Dental. From strategic finance to effective team management, Ryan has gained the tools to drive both organizational growth and team performance, positioning himself and his team for long-term success.
Ryan deepened his understanding of leadership and its strategic impact within the organization He gained insights into his leadership style and how it influences team dynamics, enabling him to more effectively guide his team in underwriting and business analytics. Ryan also learned how to foster high-performing teams and cultivate an inclusive work environment, aligning leadership practices with Delta Dental’s strategic goals and values
Ryan learned to assess whether business strategies align with enterprise value creation and how to support those strategies with the right financial structures He developed proficiency in financial metrics like EVA (Economic Value Added) and CFROI (Cash Flow Return on Investment), going beyond traditional accounting metrics Ryan applied his learning to a hands-on acquisition case study, where he evaluated strategic benefits, post-acquisition integration, and how to drive shareholder value skills that are integral to his leadership in underwriting and business analytics
Ryan enhanced his ability to lead and manage high-performing teams He gained a deeper awareness of motivation styles, both for himself and his team members, and learned how to create a culture of belonging and innovation Ryan refined his decision-making skills, set clear expectations, and mastered strategies for providing constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement and strong team cohesion These tools enable him to lead his team with clarity and purpose, driving efficiency and results in his department
Ryan learned to use Power BI to effectively present complex data and uncover actionable insights This skill has enabled him to communicate data-driven stories with greater clarity, helping his team and leadership make more informed decisions By leveraging data visualizations, Ryan has been able to enhance business analytics, streamline underwriting processes, and support better decision-making at all levels of the organization
Wendy Shaeffer’s participation in the High Performance Leadership (HPL) Program has significantly bolstered her leadership and technical expertise, enabling her to drive impactful changes in her role as General Ledger Accounting Manager. Through a combination of advanced data strategy, leadership development, and team management skills, Wendy has enhanced her ability to lead effectively and use data-driven insights to support organizational goals.
Wendy gained the skills to harness artificial intelligence in developing a strategic data approach She learned how to leverage AI tools to optimize data collection, analysis, and reporting processes within accounting This knowledge has empowered Wendy to make more informed financial decisions and implement more efficient systems for managing the organization’s financial data, directly impacting the general ledger and broader accounting operations
Wendy deepened her understanding of her role as a leader within Delta Dental’s finance team She enhanced her self-awareness and explored how her leadership style influences team dynamics. Wendy also learned how to foster high-performing teams, cultivate an inclusive work environment, and develop a personal leadership philosophy, all of which have strengthened her effectiveness as a manager within the accounting department.
Wendy enhanced her ability to present and analyze complex financial data through Power BI in this workshop She gained expertise in creating clear, insightful data visualizations, making it easier for her to communicate financial trends and metrics to stakeholders across the organization By mastering these visualization techniques, Wendy can better inform data-based decision-making and contribute to more transparent and effective financial reporting within her team
Wendy developed a deeper understanding of her own and her team’s motivation styles, enabling her to lead more effectively and create a work culture that fosters both collaboration and innovation. She learned how to set clear expectations, provide constructive feedback, and reduce barriers to success, equipping her to strengthen team communication and performance These skills will empower Wendy to lead her accounting team with clarity and confidence, driving productivity and enhancing team morale.
Zack Reeser’s participation in the High Performance Leadership (HPL) Program has equipped him with essential leadership and technical skills, empowering him to drive data management and team performance in his role as Data Systems Manager at Delta Dental. Through focused learning in financial management, leadership development, and data visualization, Zack has sharpened his ability to navigate complex challenges and contribute to the organization’s data-driven decision-making processes.
IZackgainedasolidunderstandingofkeyfinancialstatements,suchastheBalanceSheet,IncomeStatement,andStatementofCashFlows.He learnedhowtoanalyzeandinterpretfinancialdata,whichwillempowerhimtomakemoreinformeddecisionsrelatedtodatasystems managementZack’srefreshedfinancialliteracywillenablehimtocommunicatemoreeffectivelywithfinanceteamsandapplyfinancialinsights tothedatasystemsunderhisoversight
ZackdeepenedhisunderstandingofhisleadershiproleanditsimpactontheorganizationHedevelopedgreaterself-awareness,refinedhis leadershipstyle,andgainedtoolstomanagehigh-performingteamsZackalsolearnedhowtofosteraninclusiveworkenvironmentandhowto applyleadershiptheoriestodriveteamsuccessThisexperiencehasenhancedhisabilitytoleadhisdatasystemsteamwithconfidenceand strategicvision
ZackexploredtechniquesfortransformingcomplexdataintoclearandimpactfulvisualrepresentationsHegainedproficiencyinusingPowerBI touncoverinsights,createcompellingdatareports,andpresentinformationinawaythatisbothaccessibleandactionableforstakeholdersZack isnowbetterequippedtoturndataintostrategicassets,improvingdecision-makingandperformanceforDeltaDental
ZackdevelopedadeeperunderstandingofteammotivationandhowtofosteracollaborativeandinnovativeenvironmentHelearnedhowtoset clearexpectations,offerconstructivefeedback,andreduceobstaclestosuccessforhisteamThesestrategieswillallowZacktoenhance communication,improveteamdynamics,anddrivehigherperformancefortheteamshemanages,ensuringthedepartmentrunssmoothlyand efficiently
The partnership between Executive Education and Delta Dental has proven to be a powerful driver of professional growth and organizational success By providing access to impactful talent development through the High Perfomance Leadership Program, this collaboration has enabled Delta Dental employees at all levels to enhance their skills in leadership, strategic decision-making, and team management.
Participants have gained invaluable insights and practical tools that not only elevate their individual effectiveness but also align with Delta Dental’s broader goals of operational excellence and customer satisfaction. Executive Education remains dedicated to supporting Delta Dental in cultivating high-impact leaders who are equipped to navigate challenges and lead their teams to sustained organizational success.
TRISTA
CALDWELL.
VP STRATEGY
& PLANNING TPX
EXECUTIVE
SPONSOR DLA, FORMER COHORT MEMBER
I’ve had the pleasure of serving as a cohort member, cohort advisor and part of the Alumni group. DLA is a different type of leadership training It is an immersive experience that brings in case-study analysis and discussion, team project work that is impactful to Comcast and guidance, advice and insight from top leaders within Comcast.
No other leadership program that I’ve attended challenges students to broaden their thought process and immediately apply lessons learned like this experience The engagement with different parts of Comcast and the opportunity to partner on a corporate project that is totally out of our area is unique and challenging – with great growth opportunity. I love this program and am grateful for what I have learned and what I continue to learn through my asociationn with the Alumni group and the cohorts
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Stacey Abel, Delta Dental’s CPO and CHRO, for her steadfast commitment to employee development and leadership growth Stacey, your dedication to empowering your team through continuous learning is truly inspiring We also recognize Delta Dental’s HPL participants, whose engagement and pursuit of excellence embody Delta Dental’s values and enrich our programs.
At Executive Education, we are deeply committed to supporting Delta Dental in cultivating high-impact leaders. We are proud to contribute to the development of leadership skills that drive meaningful, lasting success within organizations. The High Performance Leadership (HPL) program remains central to this mission, fostering the essential qualities leaders need for both personal and organizational advancement.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with Delta Dental to support the growth of leaders who will help achieve even greater organizational success