The National Association of Counties (NACo) is kicking off its next cohort of the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy on April 20.
This 12-week, online leadership development program offers commissioners, chairs, judges and other county officials curriculum in best practices in leadership, organizational development and change management, negotiation and collaboration, effective business communication, and delivery of increased value from high performance county management. Content was developed collaboratively through Professional Development Academy, Fortune 1000 executives, public sector leaders, world-renowned academics and thought leaders, including General Colin Powell and Dr. Marshall Goldsmith. The program was designed specifically for the unique challenges and opportunities participants encounter through their service in county government.
Jefferson County Commissioner Mae Huston, who completed the program in November 2019, commented, “it opened my eyes to better thinking of my role as a leader, which I had not taken the time to do. It broadened my thinking about my influence on others, both electeds, and non-elected department directors, as well as my influence on the general atmosphere of our county environment. I’m excited to see improvements that I can make.”
To date, 26 of Oregon’s 36 counties have participated in the program since its inception in 2018.
The Professional Development Academy is a mentorship-based leadership development platform, and engages highly sought after and well regarded thought leaders in professional development as speakers in the program. Lake County Commissioner Mark Albertson said of the program, “great leaders have their own language and culture. Many of us learn a few words and attitudes but we never seem to crack the language barriers of great leaders. This course taught the language of leadership and I finally started grasping it.”
NACo is currently enrolling for the April cohort, and is offering counties scholarships ranging from $300-$1,500 to assist with enrollment.
For more information on the program including curriculum, click here.
To claim your scholarship and for more information, contact Kevin Darrow.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate