Executive Services

Supporting County Leadership Excellence

The California Counties Foundation offers specialized executive services designed to support county elected officials and senior executives in their critical leadership roles. Our customized approach addresses the unique challenges and opportunities facing county leadership, providing tailored support that enhances governance effectiveness and organizational and professional successes.

Our Executive Services

Executive Coaching:

Our executive coaching services pair county leaders with certified, experienced coaches who understand the unique dynamics of county government and executive demands. Through individual or team sessions, leaders and coaches work as one to enhance effectiveness and address specific challenges.

Benefits:

  • LeafPersonalized leadership development aligned with individual goals and challenges
  • LeafObjective perspectives from experienced executive coaches who specialize in C-suite clients
  • LeafStructured accountability for professional growth and performance improvement
  • LeafConfidential space to work through complex leadership challenges
  • LeafEnhanced self-awareness and emotional intelligence development

Examples of Coaching Focus Areas:

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Strategic decision-making and priority setting

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Communication effectiveness with boards, staff, and constituents

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Managing complex stakeholder relationships

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Navigating political environments while maintaining effectiveness

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Work-life balance and leadership sustainability

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Transition support for newly elected or appointed leaders

Board & Executive Team Retreats and Workshops

Our professionally facilitated sessions provide structured environments for leadership teams to align priorities, strengthen relationships, and develop shared vision and strategy.

Examples:

  • LeafBoard of Supervisors Retreats: Focus on governance, priority-setting, and board effectiveness
  • LeafExecutive Leadership Team Retreats: Build cohesion among department heads and senior staff
  • LeafJoint Board-Executive Retreats: Align vision and improve board-staff relations
  • LeafNewly Elected Officials Integration: Onboard new board members and build effective working relationships

Customized Retreat Elements:

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Strategic planning and priority setting

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Role clarification and governance frameworks

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Team building and relationship strengthening

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Communication protocols and conflict resolution

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Policy development and implementation frameworks

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Performance evaluation and accountability systems

Executive Seminars

Targeted seminars bring together county executives to explore specific leadership topics, share best practices, and build valuable peer networks. Presenters are drawn from the CSAC Foundation network of over 75 practitioners, subject matter experts, consultants, and scholars.

Examples:

  • LeafCrisis Leadership: Preparing for and navigating emergencies and public challenges
  • LeafFiscal Leadership: Strategic financial management in changing economic conditions
  • LeafInnovation and Change Leadership: Leading organizational transformation
  • LeafMedia and Public Communication: Effective messaging and stakeholder engagement
  • LeafCollaborative Governance: Building partnerships across agencies and sectors
  • LeafStrategic Thinking and Planning: Developing and implementing comprehensive county vision
  • LeafSelf-Care: Focusing on self before leading or taking care of others

Seminar Formats:

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Half-day intensive workshops

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Full-day immersive experiences

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Multi-session leadership cohorts

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Regional collaborative learning events

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In person and virtual sessions

Additional Resources

Executive services include additional resources to facilitate individual, team, and organizational successes. These include self- and multi-rater assessments such as 360s, Meyers Briggs, DiSC, emotional intelligence assessments, Personal Values Assessments, among more.

Our Approach

Tailored to Your County’s Needs

We recognize that each county has unique circumstances, challenges, and goals. Our executive services are never one-size-fits-all. They are carefully designed in partnership with county leadership to address specific needs.

Our Design Process:

  • LeafAssessment: We begin with a thorough understanding of your leadership needs, organizational context, and desired outcomes
  • LeafCustomization: Services are tailored to address your specific challenges and goals
  • LeafImplementation: Expert delivery of services with ongoing adjustments as needed
  • LeafEvaluation: Measurement of outcomes and impact
  • LeafFollow-up: Continued support and resources to sustain progress

Expert Facilitators & Coaches

Our services are delivered by professionals with extensive experience in county government leadership, ensuring relevance and practical applications.

Our Executive Services Team Includes:

  • LeafFormer county administrators and elected officials
  • LeafCertified executive coaches with public sector expertise
  • LeafProfessional facilitators specialized in government settings
  • LeafSubject matter experts in county operations and governance
  • LeafLeadership development professionals with public sector experiences
  • LeafDistinguished practitioners and scholars, including National Academy of Public Administration Fellows

Request Executive Services

Ready to explore how our executive services can support your county's leadership? Contact our team to discuss your specific needs and develop a customized approach.

The California Counties Foundation is committed to strengthening county leadership through targeted, relevant, and impactful executive services.