Leadership Academy for Local Government Executives
Helping you meet the challenges facing local governments today
We are pleased to announce the Eighth Annual Leadership Academy for local government professionals, sponsored by the Mid-America Regional Council and the University of Kansas.
Each year, we bring together a distinguished faculty, well-respected for their innovative thinking and extensive knowledge about local government affairs. And we continue to update the academy curriculum to match contemporary national trends.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
City/County Administrators
Assistant/Deputy Administrators
Department Directors
Division Managers
Other Key Executives
For 2008, we have put together a learning experience that will provide intellectual and personal challenges and raise compelling issues that local governments face today and in the near future.
The academy is divided into an introductory afternoon in May, followed by two three-day sessions in June and July. We hope that the three-day blocks will encourage work teams to consider attending the academy.
We invite you to join us — or send members of your professional staff.
2008 Leadership Academy Dates
- May 9, noon-3:00 p.m. – MARC Conference Center
- June 18, 19, 20, 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. – Kansas City Public Library, Helzberg Auditorium
- July 23, 24, 25, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., plus evening session on July 24 from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. – MARC Conference Center
Topics for the Leadership Academy
Building and maintaining a sense of community
Local government operates today in an environment where market-based values
and timely responsiveness are highly prized. The challenge is to redefine
our traditional notion of representative democracy as citizens become
more directly involved in
both policymaking and administrative implementation. Leadership, both elected
and appointed, must be able to keep pace with the increased professionalization
of
government and forge new partnerships and alliances in a dynamic economic
and social environment.
Modernizing your organization
As modern organizations decentralize decision making and service delivery,
adopt new technologies, and implement best practices, traditional ways
of organizing
are challenged. Hierarchy and teams must coexist, and senior management
must
lead in environments of ambiguity, change and experimentation. In this
emerging context, being able to articulate organizational values is essential
to developing
coordinated action.
Enhancing your personal leadership capacity
More is expected of leaders than technical expertise and management skills.
Personal attributes such as self-awareness, self-reflection, and the
ability to continually learn are required of those who will lead modern
organizations. The challenge is to understand and develop your personal
resources and capabilities as a leader while still maintaining a personally
satisfying life balance.
Leadership Academy Fees
Early Registration (by April 14, 2008):
GTI Members: Single, $2,195; Multiple participants from one jurisdiction,
$1,995 each.
Non-members: Individual, $2,495; Multiple participants from one jurisdiction,
$2,295 each.
Registrations made April 15 or later:
GTI Members: Single, $2,395; Multiple $2195 each.
Non-members: Single,
$2,695; Multiple $2495 each.
Leadership Academy Format
In-class Format
The instruction modules include time for discussion and
debate with the instructor and among the participants. Faculty serve not
only as instructors, but also as discussion facilitators. The assigned
reading, to be read prior to the June session, enables instruction, discussion
and debate to begin at a higher level of common knowledge.
Book Discussion
Participants will read Good to Great by Jim Collins and will apply the
concepts to a real case. Past academy participants found this book to be
applicable, provocative and well-organized.
Learning Environment
The academy draws upon nationally respected speakers who will share their
experience and knowledge. Participants and instructors will have ample
time to work together, to debate, and to connect ideas and actions. Academy
leaders Carol and John Nalbandian will be present throughout the academy
and will help participants integrate the six days of learning.
Leadership Academy Schedule
Friday, May 9, 12:00–3:30 p.m.
MARC Conference Center
600 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri
Orientation and Setting Learning Goals
Wednesday-Friday, June 18-20, 9:00 a.m.–5:00
p.m.
Kansas City Public Library, Helzberg Auditorium
14 West 10th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
Contemporary Trends in Local Government • Leadership
Styles
Leading at the Public Square • Community
Engagement
Politics/Professionalism • Organizational
Change • HR in Transition
Wednesday-Friday, July 18-20, 8:30 a.m.–4:30
p.m.; Thursday evening, 5:30-9:00 p.m.
MARC Conference Center
600 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri
Leading by Instinct • Emotional Toll of Decision Making
Transforming Organizations • Building Accountability
Leadership Academy Faculty
Peter Block • Peter is an internationally known consultant and teacher who brings insight into empowering employees. He has developed workshops to help professional staff maximize their efforts and impact on organizations.
Joe Harkins • Since retiring as director of the University of Kansas Public Management Center, Joe has been asked by Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius to lead efforts to develop and implement new policy in water, natural resources and an energy plan. Over the course of his career, Joe has served three different Kansas governors in several high-level capacities, including as Secretary of Health and Environment.
Carol Nalbandian • Carol works with governing bodies, management teams and executives — from the private, public and nonprofit sectors — in strategic planning, goal setting and team building. She was the director of the Menninger Leadership Center in Topeka and director of management programs for the University of Kansas School of Business.
John Nalbandian • John chairs the Department of Public Administration at the University of Kansas. He speaks internationally about the relationship between professionalism and politics. He is a member of the National Academy of Public Administration.
James Keene • James Keene is the director of Strategic Issues and ICMA West for the International City/County Management Association. He is also a fellow at the Center for Urban Innovation in Phoenix. He served also as executive director for the California State Association of Counties; city manager of Tucson, Ariz., and Berkeley, Calif.; and county manager of Coconino County, Ariz.
Terry Woodbury • Terry is president of Kansas Communities, LLC, former president of the Wyandotte County United Way, and a long-time neighborhood activist. Raised in western Kansas and educated in the Ivy League, he brings a unique perspective to community building, uniting urban and rural America, and inspiring others to share his passion for bringing people together for dialogue and action.
Plus additional faculty:
Rick Ginsberg • Marilu Goodyear • Jared Llorens
For complete details about the academy, contact Georgia Nesselrode.