Leadership Academy Offers Lessons to Elected Officials
Getting elected to public office is an inspiring process, however being prepared to be an effective public leader can be daunting! A new program designed by elected officials for elected officials helps leaders develop their leadership capacity to reach a high standard. The Public Leadership Academy for Elected Officials is a one-of-a-kind program designed to provide a transformational experience for new and experienced leaders by enhancing skills, building networks and providing new perspectives.
Paul Johnson was elected to the Coon Rapids City Council in January 2007, the same month he enrolled in Anoka-Ramsey Community College's (ARCC) first Public Leadership Academy for Elected Officials, a program Sherry Butcher, ARCC academy director and elected official, created to develop leadership capacity in the region.
After being elected, the leadership academy drew his attention.
"The academy series offered an opportunity to share ideas and to bring them back and turn them into a plus for the community," says Johnson who graduated with 14 other elected officials in July. "The interaction of the people involved was great."
The academy explored complex issues such as: developing a shared vision and common goals, addressing interpersonal and group conflict, honesty and trust in public leadership and inspiring positive change. As part of the series requirements, participants completed their own individual leadership plan, including a leadership philosophy. |
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"In my experience, the greatest leaders are those who are perpetually curious, continually learn and purposefully strive to do better," says Butcher. "Attending the academy was a commitment by each participant to further develop their leadership abilities by enhancing their critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills." |
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Elizabeth Kautz, one of the distinguished Academy speakers and Mayor of Burnsville, stated that "developing as a Public Leader is essential in serving your community. Having a forum to learn helps you identify and develop your inherent leadership abilities, as well as discover how other leaders think clearly and act effectively." |
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Mary Jo McGuire, is one of the facilitators of the program, a former MN State Representative and an organizational leadership instructor. McGuire states that "through personal reflection and peer interaction, participants will experience the importance of vision, teamwork, and collaboration in becoming effective change agents and courageous leaders." |
All elected officials were congratulated upon graduation from the academy series by former U.S. Congressman and State Senator Tim Penny who hosted the last class, presented the certificates and acknowledged the participants' commitment to positive public service.
"The series reaffirmed for me that most people that step forward to public service have the best interest of the community at heart," concludes Johnson. |
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| Top row, left to right: Tony Feffer, City Council Member, White Bear Lake; Lester Heitke, Mayor, Willmar; Gary VanEyll, Mayor, Chaska; Maureen Peterson, School Board, Bloomington; Bryan Litsey, City Council Member, Chanhassen; Steve Adams, City Council Member, Deephaven; Kevan Soderberg, Mayor, Farmington; Brian Kleven, City Council Member, Osseo; Paul Johnson, City Council Member, Coon Rapids; Micheal Gamache, Mayor, Andover; Tim Penny, former US Congressman and MN State Senator. Bottom row, left to right: Mary Jo McGuire, former State Legislator; Brian Thuesen, City Council Member, St. Anthony; Jan Eian, School Board, Eden Prairie; Paul Hill, City Council Member, Randolph; Deb O’Brien, City Council Member, Circle Pines; Sherry Butcher, Director, Public Leadership Academy and Eden Prairie City Council |
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