A group of city employees recently graduated from the Emerging Leader Academy, a new program intended to provide leadership skills necessary to lead Sugar Land in the future. They were recognized by the City Council at their regular meeting Jan. 18.
The efforts of ELA members culminated with their graduation at a City Council meeting on Jan. 18. Pictured (front row) are Assistant Director of Human Resources Paula Kutchka, Utilities and Public Works Administrative Manager Reena Varghese, Chief Accountant Alka Shah, Parks/Recreation Event Production Manager Teresa Preza, Code Enforcement Coordinator Brittany Rychlik, (back row) Mayor James Thompson, Fire Battalion Chief Javier Crespo, Budget Manager Bryan Guinn, Senior Engineeer Shashi Kumer, Information/Technology End User Support Manager Heath Burg and City Manager Allen Bogard.
The year-long professional development program provides comprehensive exposure and apprenticeship opportunities in all areas of the city’s organization with a focus on management and leadership skills.
Under the supervision of seasoned, senior staff, ELA participants gain a hands-on understanding of city operations, policy/procedures, management techniques and leadership, particularly in the areas of strategic planning, accountability, personnel issues, budgeting, communication and collaboration.
“As all organizations are concerned with the eventual departure of experienced ‛Baby Boomers’ from key leadership positions, many organizations are developing leaders from within,” said City Manager Allen Bogard. “That is the purpose of the ELA.”
2010 ELA members attended the Franklin Covey Leadership series, met in round table discussions and individually with their mentors and learned how to work together as a team on a city-wide project assigned to them by the City’s executive team.
A second ELA class recently began to provide another group of employees opportunities for growth and development.
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