Twelve members of  The Building Industry Association of Orange County received recognition as graduates from the President’s Leadership Academy (PLA) Representing the full spectrum of business involved in the home-building industry including home builders, architects, engineers and lawyers, these professionals completed an extensive leadership program designed to develop their leadership skills and contribute to their industry at the same time.\n\nJanine McDonald, served as Dean of the Academy and was joined by Lori Schnaider, Kurt Aguilar, Heather Breidenthal and Ray Burch to explore leadership topics such as employee engagement, team development and change management.\n\nA key element of the program includes an action learning project where teams select a real world issue faced by the homebuilding industry.   Teams presented analysis and recommendations for the “New Normal” for the Southern California housing market, how to foster relationships with the Trades, and on how social media can be leveraged in the industry.\n\nAnother unique aspect of the program is to build awareness around pressing social issues and corporate social responsibility.    BIA members have long supported HomeAid, Orange County Rescue Mission/Village of Hope and Habitat for Humanity. PLA participants served meals at Isaiah House in Santa Ana, an agency that provides meals, clothing and shelter to the the homeless as part of their experience.   They also toured the Village of Hope a transitional housing program that opened in March of 2008.\n\nBIA President, Dave Bartlett of Brookfield Homes presided over the ceremony.    The Academy is taking applications for the next session which will kick-off in September, 2010.\n\nFront row: Laura Coley Eisenberg – Ranch Mission Viejo, Kristie Vikse – Rancho Mission Viejo, Michelle Sklaver – John Burns Real Estate Consulting, Brooke Thomas- Shea Homes, Dave Goudie_ Standard Pacific Homes\n\nBack row:\n\nSean Doyle – Standard Pacific Homes, Greg Perrine-The Moote Group, Chris Porter – John Burns Real Estate Consulting, Jeff Dennis – Newmeyer & Dillon, Jim Holas-Shea Homes, Bill Ramsey – KTGY Group, Patrick Revere -RBF Consulting