Leaders in Alaska's Business Industry
Giving the employees of today the skills and training they need to become the business leaders of tomorrow is the goal of the UAF Tanana Valley Campus Certified Public Manager program.
The Certified Public Manager (CPM) program is a nationally accredited management development program created by the American Academy of Certified Public Managers and is currently being administered by the University of Alaska in partnership with the Alaska Municipal League and the State of Alaska Division of Personnel. The program is designed to develop management, supervision and leadership skills in the public and private sectors.
To complete the program, students must complete 300 hours of training modules chosen from a variety of topics ranging from entry level supervisory skills to executive management skills and complete a practicum with a local organization. While the subjects being taught are diverse, program participants say it all comes down to learning how to better lead people.
"This program is all about people, and how it is vital to have the skills to lead and also follow well," said program graduate Sonia Schumacher, office manager for Design Alaska.
Schumacher, who was the student speaker for the inaugural graduating class in May 2003, said the program would greatly benefit anyone in the role of manager, supervisor, or leader in an organization or community.
"In
the business world, the current thinking seems to be that the
bottom line always revolves
around the dollars and cents," she said. "In reality, it is crucial
that business leaders are aware of current trends in the workplace,
and that they have an understanding of what motivates their employees
to achieve success. If you do that, then the dollars and cents
will come naturally."
In addition to Schumacher, the inaugural graduating class include Alicia Berka, executive director, Play-N-Learn; Debbie Ganley, general manager, The Alaska Club; Cheryl Laudert, right of way agent, Golden Valley Electric Association; Donna Rose, operations assistant, Golden Valley Electric Association; Patricia Thomas, capitol credits supervisor, Golden Valley Electric Association; and Christine Vaughan, administrative manager, State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
For information on the CPM program, or for a complete listing of fall seminars, visit the CPM website at www.tvctraining.org or contact Program Coordinator Michelle Renfrew at (907) 455-2833.