Cayetano, Rasmussen, and Reeves Earn Certified Community Leadership Practitioner (CCLP) Designation
The Association of Leadership Programs (ALP) proudly recognizes Alexander Cayetano, Chief Talent Officer at the Greater Omaha (NE) Chamber, Jesse Rasmussen, Director of Operations as Leadership Southern Indiana, and Joy Reeves, Community Development Representative at Mississippi Power, as the newest recipients of the Certified Community Leadership Practitioner (CCLP) designation.The Certified Community Leadership Practitioner (CCLP) program was developed in response to membership feedback to provide extensive ongoing training opportunities for Community Leadership Program professionals. The CCLP designation provides Community Leadership Program professionals with an incentive to achieve excellence in professional performance with mastery of essential skills. The development of the Certified Community Leadership Practitioner program began in 2016, with the first CORE training course offered in 2019 in conjunction with the ALP National Conference held that year in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Twenty-three community leadership professionals participated in the first cohort. Since 2019, 79 CLP professionals have completed the required 16 hours of CORE training.
Thirty-one individuals, including Alexander Cayetano, Jesse Rasmussen, and Joy Reeves, have completed the process, passed the certification exam, and earned the CCLP designation.
About Alexander Cayetano, CCLP:
Alexander Cayetano (he/they) serves as Chief Talent Officer and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach at the Greater Omaha Chamber, where they lead the Chamber's community leadership development programs and initiatives, and internal organizational culture, employee experience and engagement, and talent development. A vocation to the monastic life brought Alexander from their hometown, Virginia Beach, to rural Nebraska. A decade spent in a Benedictine monastery instilled deep values of hospitality, community, and service, which Alexander carries into their professional life.
Alexander’s commitment to social justice is reflected in their previous work in immigrant and refugee advocacy, rural community organizing, youth development, and child welfare. Alexander serves on the boards of Astute Coffee, Tri-Faith Initiative, and the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, and is a proud graduate of Leadership Omaha Class 44. Alexander believes in the power of community and quietly continues to shape and influence the landscape of advocacy, volunteer engagement, and community leadership development in Omaha. Alexander and their spouse, Travis, live in Omaha with their dogs Thurston and Gustav.
About Jesse Rasmussen, CCLP:
Jesse Rasmussen brings a dynamic background in communication, media, and leadership to his role as Director of Operations at Leadership Southern Indiana. A native of Southern Indiana, Jesse began his professional journey studying acting in New York City before completing a bachelor’s degree in communication at Indiana University Southeast. He went on to spend a decade as a morning radio show host in the Louisville market, where he developed a strong foundation in storytelling, audience engagement, and community connection.
Since joining Leadership Southern Indiana three years ago, first as Membership and Engagement Manager, and now as Director of Operations, Jesse has been instrumental in strengthening the organization’s impact and reach.
About Joy Reeves, CCLP:
Joy Reeves helps people and organizations work more effectively together through leadership development training, board development, and strategic planning facilitation, primarily for non-profits and local government teams. She also supports various community investment initiatives of Mississippi Power, including their volunteer service organization, Community Connection.
Joy began her professional career with Mississippi Power in 1993 and has experience in Human Resources, Economic Development, and Community Development. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Gulfport Main Street Association and is past President of the Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce and Association for Talent Development Gulf Coast. Her awards include the OneCoast Community Leader Award and the Hancock County Citizen of the Year award. She holds a Bachelor's in Business Administration and is a certified Professional Community and Economic Developer.
Congratulations to Alexander Cayetano, CCLP; Jesse Rasmussen, CCLP; and Joy Reeves, CCLP, on this significant achievement.
About the Association of Leadership Programs
The Association of Leadership Programs serves over 280 community leadership programs across the United States and beyond. The association strives to enhance the well-being of all communities through the work of community leadership programs. Founded in 2010, the mission of ALP is to strengthen the effectiveness of leadership programs and professionals. Authentic and organic community leadership development requires taking a critical look at situations, opportunities, and challenges our communities face through the lens of the entire community and pursuing a course that enhances the well-being of all.
Contact:
Jessie Baginski, Ph.D., CCLP
Director of Programs
programs@alpleaders.org