- November 23, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
The start of the regular meeting of the County Commission on Monday, June 20, was atypical as students of the third cohort of the Flagler County Leadership Academy were recognized during a brief graduation ceremony.
Sixteen students — representing the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagler County Tax Collector’s Office, Flagler County Supervisor of Elections and Flagler Schools, as well as the cities of Bunnell, Flagler Beach and Palm Coast — were given diplomas for completing this leadership development program.
“I think it is extremely important for our community that we continue to develop the next generation of leaders,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito, a graduate of the inaugural class. “I would like to show my appreciation to the Board of County Commissioners for their continued commitment to our organization’s success in the establishment of this leadership program.”
Former county administrator Jerry Cameron and Joe Saviak, an independent consultant who previously taught public administration at Flagler College, facilitated the program.
“I remember the first day of class when professor Cameron offered $100 of his own money to anyone who would bow out gracefully and not waste anyone’s time being there if they weren’t going to fully commit,” said class valedictorian Lakesha Byrd, financial services coordinator for the city of Bunnell. “No one stood. I was a little unnerved at that moment, because how hard could this course be for him to pay people to leave?”
The curriculum was designed to develop the potential of top-tier staff, further professionalize the agencies and establish succession planning. More than 40 hours of external training included opportunities to participate in executive-level planning and issue resolution.
“We teach the strategies, subjects and skills proven to ensure success as a leader. We strengthen teamwork within and across local governments,” Saviak said. “Students learn best practices to optimize effectiveness and efficiency for the citizens they serve.”
