PICRC Celebrates its Outreach Director’s Completion of Prestigious Executive Leadership Development Program

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is proud to announce that its Outreach Director, Ms. Adeeshia Imaderang Tellei—widely known as Imade—has successfully completed the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) as a member of the program’s 9th cohort.

The ELDP is a nine-month professional development program funded by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs and administered by the Graduate School USA’s Pacific and Virgin Islands Training Initiatives. Established in 2008, the program aims to support the governments of the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands in strengthening the leadership capacity of key public sector employees and improving talent retention in governmental agencies. The program focuses on advancing participants’ leadership skills, playing a vital role in preparing strong, capable leaders to guide their institutions into the future.

Each cohort brings together professionals from diverse fields and backgrounds, representing the U.S. Flag Territories—American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands—as well as the Freely Associated States, including the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Participants are united by their commitment to public service and benefit from a blend of immersive in-person sessions that foster deep connections among the instructors and students, as well as virtual sessions that build advanced leadership competencies.

“Being part of the ELDP Fine 9 cohort has been an incredible privilege. Learning alongside such talented peers and dedicated coaches has broadened my perspective and deepened my commitment to service. The experience has given me a clear vision of the leader I strive to become and the areas where I can continue to grow to reach that goal,” said Ms. Imade Tellei.

The Outreach Director is not the only PICRC employee to have taken part in this distinguished program. Ms. Caryn Lkong Koshiba, current Director of Administration, and Ms. Roxanne Siual Blesam, current Chief Executive Officer, are also ELDP alumni, having completed the program in 2013 and 2015, respectively. Having three ELDP-trained leaders significantly strengthens PICRC’s leadership capacity and reflects the Center’s commitment to excellence and continuous growth. All three alumni express their gratitude for the opportunity to benefit from such valuable professional development.

“Empowering our staff to lead with excellence is at the core of PICRC’s success, and the Executive Leadership Development Program continues to equip us with advanced leadership skills, enhancing our capacity to deliver excellence in marine research, education, and conservation. Congratulations to our Director, Ms. Adeeshia Imade Tellei, on completing this program. Her dedication to personal growth and professional development is truly commendable,” stated PICRC’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Roxanne Siual Blesam.

The 9th ELDP cohort recently celebrated their graduation in Palau with a memorable event marking this significant milestone in their leadership journeys. PICRC extends its warmest congratulations to all participants and wishes them continued success in serving their governments and communities.