Cumberbatch gets selected for ESD program

The five-month program provides a distributed learning and practice opportunity for selected high potential associates with management responsibilities. The program is designed to build the core and competitive-edge competencies required for managers and executives to lead effectively and in ways that reflect the Navy Exchange System's (NES) leadership profile.

Currently, Cumberbatch manages 14 departments and a 23-million dollar budget, but credits her team with the professional successes that she is enjoying. Since starting the training she has seen motivation levels increase with the feedback that she provides. ''Our sales associate will be our future leaders and it only makes sense to include them in the process. The NES is an overwhelming place for employment and opportunity.''

''I am so happy to be working at the NEX. I can't see myself doing anything else because I truly believe in our mission,'' she exclaimed. ''Our mission is to provide our customers with quality goods and services at a savings while supporting quality of life programs and Morale Welfare and Recreation programs.'' She wants NEX patrons to know that the NEX is here to assist them in any way possible.

Bill Hockenberry, general store manager of the NAS Jacksonville NEX, nominated Cumberbatch to be a part of the training. ''Nominating Claudette was a no brainer. Being a long time active duty spouse, Claudette truly understands the reason she works for the NEX and that is to take care of our customers,'' remarked Hockenberry. ''Her passion, energy and skills are reflected every minute she is at work and her attitude is contagious. She leads by example and is a great role model for her subordinates and peers. She's also a great role model for myself to emulate.''

NAS Jax Navy Exchange Soft-line Divisional Manager Claudette Cumberbatch (right) assists Grace Brown, a NEX shopper for more than 41 years, search for a new checkbook cover.

The talented Cumber-batch brings an impressive repertoire to the NEX. Not only has she been in the retail business since she was 16 years old and speaks four different languages including French, Patois and Creole, she has also had her own fashion line and presented her first fashion fashion show at the age of 23.

Additionally, she has been working in the Army Families Federation Employment Service system for more than 23 years, but this is her first NEX position. ''I started sewing my own clothes when I was 9 years old because my family couldn't afford to shop at department stores and get me the latest fashions,'' she said. ''I guess that's where my love for fashion began.''

''My goal when I first got here four years ago was to increase the Associate Service Index (ASI) and to help the NEX to become the best in the world,'' she added. ''The ASI is a survey the associates complete on their managers to determine how they are doing as leaders. The ASI went from 64 to 74 and we just won the Bingham for the second time in the last five years. Furthermore, our continuous growth will be seen on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. This year we are expecting record sales and to accomplish this goal, the store has several expansions under construction.''

When asked if she regrets not further pursuing a career in fashion, she simply said ''no.'' ''I believe providing services for the military families is my destiny. I started working as a temporary associate to pass time because I was a new military wife. I found it to be the most rewarding experience in my life,'' she remarked.

NEX Manager in Training Barbara Christgua has nothing but praises for Cumberbatch. ''She is a very nice, business oriented and an outstanding leader. I've noticed the changes that her training has brought to our store,'' she stated. ''I've worked here in the past under different management and it was a tolerable environment, but with Claudette here and the new training that she is receiving, it's more like a team. She not only gives her team feedback, but also shares it with the whole store. We know that the training that she is receiving might take her away from us, but we are all so happy that she has been given this opportunity. It couldn't happen to a more deserving person.''

The NES recognizes that superior performance depends on the development of new skills through continual learning opportunities. They build on the associate's skills, capacities, work and life experiences and personal philosophies.