What is the Leadership Academy?

I had the honor of meeting the 2015-16 Leadership Academy Graduation class in March. This program was launched in 2012 with the intention of building great leaders and strengthening agencies. Just take a moment and look through the instructor biographies! The many professionals are truly our "Industry Leaders." Let me give a list of some of the sessions:

Personal Level

Understanding the Internal & External Customer: Having a strong understanding of current and future customer needs is critical for continued success.
Risk Management: Learn the essential components and commitment required to implement and sustain an effective risk management program.
Leading with Personal Accountability: Develop methods to create accountability in the workplace.
Diversity Still Matters: Learn ways to address diversity issues.
Integrated Learning: This small group setting will provide an opportunity to learn from the experiences of Superintendents and Directors.

Team Level

Speed of Trust: Learn how a culture of trust can positively (or negatively) impact your team and organization.
Leadership through Community Alignment: What does it take to be a leader in today’s day and age?
Leading Your Team in the Budget Process: Define and explain Finances as they pertain to the Park District setting.
Leading the Team in a Fast Paced, Innovative Environment: Understand how and why leadership depends not only on experience and knowledge, but also who you are.
The Three I’s of Success: Discover how brand has an impact on your agency.

Agency Level

Operate Your Agency Strategically With or Without A Strategic Plan: Strategic or Chaotic; Understand the difference between a strategic plan and your master plan.
Tax Levy & Bonds: Learn about PTELL and EAV impact on districts and communities.
Comprehensive Master Planning: Learn to define and explain Comprehensive Master Planning.
Moving from a Culture of Customer Service to Hospitality: Learn how to be more customer-focused from a hospitality industry expert.
Position Yourself and your Agency to do Great Things: Create the culture your agency deserves -happy staff= happy agency.

How does it work? Leadership Application is completed for one of three levels.

Personal Level: learn skills such as networking and decision making to help you grow.
Team Level: leading your team where the focus will be developing your team and maximizing results.
Agency Level: engage at leading your agency with an intense focus on developing a positive work culture where excellence is the norm.

Participants attend six sessions at Naperville Campus of NIU. Once completed, University of IL sponsored certificate of completion is awarded.

Click here for more information on the Academy!

Facebook page for the Academy

Congrats to all our Leadership Academy Graduates, and thank you to all of our Regents for their never ending support in this program.

Mary Jeanne Hutchison, Director

O'Fallon Parks and Recreation Department

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