Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
Twenty-five municipal officials received a Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management at Suffolk University Law School on June 22.
Gathered in front of 85 friends, family members, professional colleagues and officials from Suffolk University and the MMA, the graduates were recognized for completing the five graduate-level courses during the 2014-2015 academic year.
Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash, the graduation speaker, called the graduates role models and the next generation of leaders who are rising through the ranks. They distinguish themselves by seeing their roles in local government as a true public service, not just a job, he said.
“You represent me, the governor, and all state and federal officials because you are on the front lines with the residents of Massachusetts,” he said. “How the public perceive you – their experiences with local officials – form their opinions of other levels of government.
“By participating in this marvelous MMA-Suffolk University program, you have made a clear statement that you intend to make a real difference at the local level.”
The MMA-Suffolk program now has a total of 125 graduates, from programs in Natick in 2011-2012, Reading in 2012-2013, Barnstable and Watertown in 2013-2015, and Duxbury in 2014-2015.
The program is designed exclusively for municipal employees interested in furthering their professional career in local government and pursuing a graduate degree.
In partnership with Suffolk University’s Moakley Center for Public Management, the MMA program offers five graduate-level courses taught by Suffolk faculty in all-day sessions over the course of 25 Fridays.
Participants earn a Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management from the Moakley Center for Public Management. Participants who wish to continue their studies in the MPA program at Suffolk earn up to 12 graduate credit waivers.
Two programs, already fully subscribed, will be offered during the 2015-2016 academic year – one in Barnstable and one in Burlington.
For more information on the program, visit www.mma.org/certificate.
Written by MMA Administration and Finance Director Paul Bockelman