Building Momentum: Highlights from COE’s Staff Retreat at Callaway Gardens

The Council on Occupational Education (COE) kicked off 2025 with an inspiring and action-packed staff retreat at the stunning Callaway Gardens Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, from January 8-9. This two-day event blended strategic planning, team building, and professional development to equip our team with the tools to thrive in the year ahead.

A Picture-Perfect Start: “Guess the COE Kid”

We began the retreat with a lighthearted and competitive team-building activity, “Guess the COE kid.” Each team member brought a childhood photo, and the challenge was to match each photo to the correct co-worker. Laughter filled the room as we tried to decipher clues from vintage hairstyles, chubby cheeks, and mischievous grins. The stakes were high—a coveted day off awaited the winner! This activity not only broke the ice but also reminded us of the unique personalities and stories that make up our incredible team.

From Good to Great: Insights from Dr. Kirk Nooks

The highlight of our retreat was an inspiring session with Dr. Kirk Nooks, President and CEO of COE. Dr. Nooks led a thought-provoking discussion on strategies for transitioning from “Good to Great.” With his deep understanding of leadership and growth, Dr. Nooks encouraged us to think beyond current successes and embrace continuous improvement. His insights challenged us to consider new ways to strengthen COE’s impact and fulfill our mission.

 

Elevating Leadership: Workshops by Kim Cantrell

Kim Cantrell, CEO of 2Impact, led dynamic team-building and leadership exercises designed to foster collaboration, resilience, and innovation. Her engaging sessions pushed us to step out of our comfort zones and explore new ways of working together. Whether through group challenges or reflective activities, Kim’s leadership workshop was a masterclass in harnessing individual and collective strengths to achieve shared goals. We also enjoyed her version of Rock, Paper, Scissors!

      

Demystifying Accreditation: COE Leadership’s Presentation

Our Leadership Team also took center stage with a comprehensive presentation on “Demystifying the COE Accreditation: Process Overview and External Influences.” This session was instrumental in deepening our understanding of the accreditation process and the broader factors that influence our work. By aligning our efforts with COE’s strategic plan, we reinforced our commitment to excellence and accountability in every aspect of our organization.

Closing on a Strategic Note

Dr. Nooks closed the retreat by guiding us through COE’s Strategic Plan, ensuring every team member understood the vision, goals, and actionable steps ahead. The team has collectively achieved many of the goals in year one! His closing remarks tied together the lessons and insights from the retreat, leaving us energized and focused on advancing COE’s mission in 2025.

A Stronger, More Unified Team

As the retreat came to a close, it was clear that the experience had strengthened our bond as a team and renewed our collective drive. From strategic discussions to team-building games, every moment served as a reminder of our shared mission and the power of collaboration.

The 2025 COE Staff Retreat was more than just an event—it was a launchpad for a year of growth, innovation, and excellence. We are energized and ready to tackle the opportunities and challenges ahead, working together to advance COE’s mission and make a lasting impact on occupational education.