District 1 News

 

  
  
5/17/2017Commissioner Gelder selected to participate in national leadership program

Commissioner Gelder has been selected to join a group of 24 county government leaders from across the country to participate in the 14th Annual County Leadership Institute June 4-8 in Washington D.C.

The rigorous four-day program, developed by the National Association of Counties and Cambridge Leadership Association, enhances the capability of county officials to further develop their approaches towards solving complex challenges facing their counties and constituents, and to forge positive, sustained change in their communities. The curriculum provides tools to encourage innovation and creativity in a new era of government, resources for invigorating organization culture and best practices for effective communication, collaboration and decision-making.

"I'm truly humbled and honored to be selected for this training," said Commissioner Gelder. "To learn alongside other commissioners from around the country is a gift. I'm excited to be able to learn new or refined skills to help me in my role of service to Kitsap County. This is a unique opportunity to learn from experts and work with other county leaders as we strengthen our skills to tackle some of our greatest challenges.

Faculty from Cambridge Leadership Associates, the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University will present a curriculum that provides a basis for the application of adaptive leadership and strategies for resolving issues in public service.

"County officials often address similar issues and can learn a great deal from one another," said Matthew Chase, NACo's executive director. "The County Leadership Institute fosters peer-to-peer learning and encourages common-sense solutions to challenges that counties and residents face every day.

Since its inception, the Leadership Institute has graduated nearly 300 leaders from 172 counties across 45 states. Two other Kitsap County Commissioners were previously selected to participate in the leadership institute: Josh Brown in 2011 and Jan Angel in 2005.