The newest class of participants in the Flagler County Local Government Leadership Academy have graduated, the organization announced last week. A group of enrolled Flagler County and city government employees from a variety of different roles participated in the academy together, and are now preparing to re-enter their respective roles within local government.
The academy was put on in partnership with Daytona State College, and the newly-elected Flagler County Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson. Also key to the success of the academy is Dr. Joe Saviak, who built on years of experience training government employees to teach the curriculum in the course.
“The knowledge you have gained and the skills you have sharpened are being utilized now to best serve residents and develop more leaders,” Dr. Saviak said. “We are especially proud of our graduates. We are grateful for your devotion to public service.”
L-R: Dr. Joe Saviak and Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson. ⓒ Flagler County Local Government Leadership Academy
The skills taught over the course of the academy, according to organizers, include leadership, human resources, budgeting and risk management, customer service, program evaluation, teamwork, and organizational culture. Those who were enrolled went through two books unpacking the nature of leadership, before using what they’ve learned to complete challenges that apply these concepts to real-life situations.
“This leadership academy is one of the most valuable things we can do for our employees and residents,” Edmonson said. “It sustains strong partnerships across local governments. We teach best practices in successful leadership to help ensure that local government always operates effectively and efficiently for our citizens.”
The graduating class is as follows:
- Mike Baldwin (City of Palm Coast)
- Karen Callahan (Flagler County Board of County Commissioners)
- Althea Civil (Flagler County Sheriff’s Office)
- Robert Dalton (City of Palm Coast)
- Jonathan Dopp (Flagler County Sheriff’s Office)
- Doreen Gleason (Flagler Schools)
- Roxana Godfrey (Office of the Flagler County Tax Collector)
- Jordan Martin (Office of the Flagler County Tax Collector)
- Daniel Nicholas (Flagler County Board of County Commissioners)
- Crystal Nobre (City of Flagler Beach)
- Darlene Seaman (Office of the Flagler County Tax Collector)
- Brandon Seminara (Flagler Schools)
- Crystal Wray (Office of the Flagler County Tax Collector)
