New strategies and new perspectives were two of the outcomes for participants attending the recent Advanced Leadership Institute in Athens. The two-day program, coordinated by the Vinson Institute and the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, is a requirement for those enrolled in the Certified Commissioners Advanced Program.

An important component of the leadership institute is a full-day simulation geared toward helping commissioners and other county officials better understand the complex dynamics of a community and to learn strategies for negotiating a maze of social and political issues, according to Gordon Maner, Vinson Institute local government training program manager. On the second day, participants enhance their abilities to lead in times of rapid growth, complex technologies, demographic changes, and revenue flow fluctuation.

The Certified Commissioners Advanced Program is open to officials who have completed the Commissioners Training Program.