FROM GRADUATES

Brian Gilliam, GA811

“The breadth and depth of information shared throughout this year-long program far exceeded my expectations. Although I was already familiar with some of the topics through my work at Georgia 811, the comprehensive curriculum and structured collaboration allowed me to explore the responsibilities of managing and leading an 811 center on a much deeper level. I gained valuable insights not only into operational leadership but also into effective board engagement and strategic oversight. The curriculum, developed and delivered by Bill and Chris, clearly reflects their deep expertise and the significant effort they’ve invested in creating a meaningful learning experience. One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was the opportunity to build strong professional relationships with peers from other 811 centers. These connections will no doubt serve as a foundation for continued growth and leadership well beyond the duration of the class. I wholeheartedly believe that this program should be considered essential for anyone aspiring to lead an 811 organization at a higher level. It equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and network needed to lead with confidence and clarity.”

Ann Rushing, NC811

“Participating in OCEAN has been a transformative experience for me, both professionally and personally. The training enhanced my confidence, leadership abilities, and strategic thinking. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world application, I gained insights that I could immediately even apply in my current role. The program fostered a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and out-of-the-box thinking, which has empowered me to contribute more meaningfully to our organization’s goals. What stood out most was the intentional design of the program. It is tailored to provide career development as a future leader of a One Call Organization. It bridged the gap between theory and practice in a way that I have already been able to apply within my organization. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to participate and would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to elevate their career and make a lasting impact within their organization. Bill Turner and Chris Stovall are truly planning for the future of our industry.”

Patrick Donoghue, KY811

“The One-Call Executive Apprentice Network (OCEAN) program has, hands down, provided me with more information and knowledge than almost any other program or class I have taken in my life. Similar to the Masterclass series, you go through a class led by Bill and Chris, executives with decades of experience in the industry. Sprinkled throughout are guest speakers, who openly share their experiences as executives of one-calls. While the content was informative and great, the real value came from the group discussions with peers in the class, Bill and Chris, and our guest speakers. Although created through the lens of being an executive of a one-call organization, this class provides invaluable insights to executives of any non-profit. My only complaint about the program is that it had to come to an end. With this program, I am now better equipped to understand the role of my executive and better assist them. I am also confident in my ability to perform in an executive role, should I ever be given the opportunity. If you are considering attending the program or nominating someone else, I encourage you not to hesitate. It is truly worth the investment.”

Collin Miyadi, USA North 811

“OCEAN is an outstanding opportunity for anyone looking to step into an executive director role in the 811 industry. Over the course of eight months I gained real actionable insights that had an immediate impact on my leadership approach. This started quickly after the very first session. The program is thoughtfully designed, covering the key challenges we face in the industry, and provided me with a fresh perspective on how to lead effectively. The program is led by Bill Turner, Executive Director of Tennessee 811 and Chris Stovall, President of Texas 811.Together, they bring over five decades of combined industry knowledge, making them two of the most respected leaders in the field. Their experience leading two of the top 811 centers in the country sets a high bar, and they bring that expertise directly into the program. I’m extremely grateful to Bill and Chris for developing this program to fill a real gap in leadership training within the 811 industry. They’ve created something that provides much-needed guidance for those of us stepping into executive roles, giving us the tools and knowledge to tackle the challenges ahead. One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the focus on managing a board of directors, which completely changed the way I view executive leadership. The case studies we worked through were also incredibly useful, providing real-world examples of issues that 811 executive directors deal with regularly. I highly recommend OCEAN to anyone serious about advancing their career in the 811 industry. It’s a game-changer for leadership development and gives you the confidence and skills to excel in an executive role in this vital sector.”

Teela Mikalauski, SC811

“OCEAN gave me a deeper understanding of what it takes to lead in the damage prevention industry. Hearing real stories from industry leaders, digging into case studies, and learning how different centers operate successfully helped me think more critically about what strong leadership can look like. It was especially valuable to build connections with others on similar paths, and those peer conversations were just as impactful as the formal sessions. I left the program with a stronger sense of direction and the confidence to keep moving toward executive leadership.”

Sarah Spears, Texas811

“My experience with OCEAN has been incredibly enriching. The selfless education provided by Bill Turner and Chris Stovall, both proven leaders in the 811 industry, has been invaluable. Their deep knowledge, coupled with their generous partnership in sharing insights from their roles as CEOs, made the program an excellent learning journey. The detailed structure, from the Apprentice Program Manual to the ongoing mentorship, equips future leaders with the tools needed to become executives in the One Call/811 industry. One of the key advantages was the opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders in a small group where openness and vulnerability were encouraged. This environment allowed me to genuinely get to know the other participants personally, creating lasting bonds that will shape the future of the industry. The hands-on board training, paired with documentation and real-world executive insights, has been instrumental in my professional development. With over 36 years of experience from Bill Turner and 18 years from Chris Stovall, the guidance was thorough, relevant, and designed to nurture the next generation of leadership for the industry. I highly recommend this program to anyone committed to excellence and leadership in the 811 space.”

Scott Sasajima, Texas811

“For those seeking to grow into top-level leadership within the One-Call/811 industry, this program is truly invaluable. From Day 1, I gained powerful insights that sharpened my understanding of the executive director role—the leadership, opportunities, and challenges—that would be nearly impossible to gain without direct experience. Bill Turner, President and CEO of Tennessee 811, and Chris Stovall, President and CEO of Texas811, created this program to fill a critical gap in leadership training while also giving back to the industry, drawing from their combined 50+ years of expertise. From engaging with Boards of Directors, stakeholders, and legislators, to learning through case studies and guest speakers, every aspect was thoughtfully designed and well worth the investment.”