Professional Development

NACo High Performance Leadership Academy

County Master Certificate In High Performance Leadership

National Association of Counties (NACo)

In collaboration with the National Association of Counties, the Institute offers the following credential opportunities to those who complete a designated number of credits:

  • LeafMaster Certificate in High Performance Leadership
  • LeafCertified by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) for 54 hours
  • LeafCertified by the Society for Human Resource Managers (SHRM) for 45 hours

What if General Colin Powell, Fortune 1000 CEOs, County Officials, and other executives from industry-leading organizations and government agencies came together with professional coaches and professors from the most prestigious universities to develop and mentor your leaders? They created the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy program; designed to enable existing and emerging county managers to achieve their fullest potential; make them smarter, more effective, and better leaders. Unlike other webinar-based distance learning programs that emphasize solo learning, HPLA is built around interactivity and community, while retaining the convenience of self-paced learning. The program is guided by an expert moderator to help keep participants on track, and a world-class faculty of prominent public, private and academic sector leaders deliver engaging and thought-provoking sessions. The experience has been described as “unprecedented” by many graduates and the results are similarly unmatched. Consider the following feedback.

This leadership program is a game changer! It creates in you an appetite to be the best leader you can be. And it leaves you feeling empowered with tools you can implement immediately.

HR Supervisor

This program has given me the knowledge to be more confident in my ability to lead. It has strengthened the abilities I have and helped point out the things I need to work on. I would highly recommend this course to anyone!

Administrator

This was an exceptional opportunity to gain insights into leadership skills and concepts that can be readily used by public officials, public servants, business leaders and others to help meet the needs of diverse audiences.

Commissioner

Who should participate?

Anyone in county government can participate, but HPLA is designed for entry- to mid-level county professionals, particularly those who manage teams or are preparing to in the future.

What is the time commitment?

HPLA is built to accommodate busy work schedules with self-paced learning. Each 12-week HPLA course is divided into weekly modules. Each module includes a one-hour live webinar and one-hour breakout discussion, plus daily assignments ranging from 3 to 35 minutes. (Live webinars are recorded - so don't worry if you miss one!)

In addition to videos, reading, writing and reflection, participants are placed in a small group cohort where they'll build their network, receive support from peers facing similar challenges and opportunities and celebrate successes.

For HPLA enrollees' managers

Managers will receive regular dashboard reports outlining the progress of their HPLA enrollee(s). We encourage managers to meet with participants and review the program content as it relates to individual development plans.

When is the next cohort?

NACo is continually enrolling participants. Email moderator@pdaleadership.com to learn about the next program start.

What is the cost?

The retail cost is $2,995, but NACo and CSAC scholarships can make California County cost per enrollee as low as $1,995.

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