Municipal Leadership Institute sets record attendance
A record number of 43 elected officials attended the 2007 Robert E. Knox, Jr Municipal Leadership Institute held July 25-28 at the University of Georgia's Center for Continuing Education in Athens. The focused leadership development program is carried out by the Vinson Institute in partnership with the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA).
The instructional program, in its 20th year, was renamed in honor of Mayor Robert E. Knox of Thomson during a special session at the June 2007 GMA convention. Knox, who recently announced his decision not to seek re-election in November after having served 33 years as a councilmember, mayor, and former GMA president, was commended for his leadership qualities by Jim Higdon, GMA executive director, who said that "he is an individual who people listen to and respect because he is bright, authentic, motivated by serving others and never lets self-interest or ego get in the way of doing what's right."
Mayors and councilmembers from a wide variety of municipal governments attended the institute, which focuses on individual leadership, council/commission leadership, and community leadership. Sessions are highly participatory and include a mix of simulations, discussions, and lectures, and networking time. Mayor Jay Powell of Camilla challenged the participants to remember the importance of listening to the many different perspectives present in any community and stated his belief that effective leaders know how to navigate those perspectives in order to make decisions that are good for the community as a whole.
"This was one of the most inspiring and informative leadership sessions that I have taken in years," said Johnnie Miller, City of Pembroke councilmember. "Every leader should take this class."
In a continuing commitment to meet the instructional needs and demands of city elected officials, the Robert E. Knox Municipal Leadership Institute will be held on two occasions in 2008, according to Janice Eidson, GMA director of conferences and training. The dates and locations are April 9-12, 2008 in Columbus; and October 22-25, 2008, in Athens.
Stacy Jones, standing, adjunct Vinson Institute instructor, takes Municipal Institute participants through an exercise about city councils creating a shared vision for their communities.
"This class was the best that I have ever attended and the most fun." Mayor Diane Hirling, Flowery Branch
