Managers participate in leadership program

Every Friday, 24 municipal officials make their way to the Police/Fire Training Center in Natick to participate in graduate level courses offered through a partnership between the MMA and Suffolk University’s Moakley Center for Public Management.

The new Certificate in Local Government Leadership & Management program links contemporary public management theory with “real world” practice, providing a practical graduate education experience.

The pilot program is being offered in 2011-2012 to the 21 communities that participate in the West Suburban Managers Group. The program offers five graduate-level courses taught by faculty from Suffolk University’s nationally accredited master’s in public administration program.

“This program is a tremendous opportunity for us to further our knowledge, make new connections with colleagues in other communities, and gain knowledge that we can put to use in our respective communities,” said Needham Assistant Town Manager Christopher Coleman. “Our class is comprised of talented individuals from departments such as community development, facilities, finance, information technology, libraries, parks and recreation, public safety, public works, and administration. This diversity provides a wide range of expertise, making for thorough and thoughtful discussions. Our instructors have opened our minds to a higher level of management.”

Participants receive a Certificate in Local Government Leadership & Management upon completion of 150 hours of classes. Participants who wish to continue their studies in Suffolk’s MPA program may also earn graduate credit waivers.

Since 1973, Suffolk’s Moakley Center for Public Management has offered graduate and undergraduate programs in public administration and management, while conducting research studies and providing technical assistance to public service endeavors.