Program starts 16th year of building local leaders
Kettering Leadership Academy, created in 2003, still going strong.
A nine-month city KETTERING — of Kettering program focused on building community leaders is beginning its 16th year, and city officials say it helps build what can be challenging: citizen investment in the community.
Mary Lou Randolph, the volunteer administrator for the Kettering Leadership Academy, said the program was created in 2003 by Councilman Bruce Duke and city staff and is designed for people looking for leadership roles within the community, such as serving on a board or commission for the city or at area nonprofit organizations.
“Case in point, Councilwoman Jacque Fisher (2007) and Vice Mayor Bill Lautar (2010) are both KLA graduates,” Randolph said.
The academy begins in September with an overnight retreat. Training sessions are held once a month throughout the year until graduation in May. The training includes information on history, local government, community organizations, education, health care, businesses, service clubs and volunteering.
The nine-month program, which costs $600, is designed for citizens to learn about every major aspect of community life through presentations, discussions and direct experience.
Laura Arbor, Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Advisory Board vice chair, is a graduate of the academy.
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“I went through the KLA and learned about all the opportunities to volunteer for the city,” Arbor said.
KLA grads say the program has enhanced their leadership skills, broadened their understanding of community issues and is a resource for leadership opportunities in Kettering.
“The greatest thing I will take away from the experience is the connection and friendship I have developed with so many intelligent, creative and caring people,” said graduate Pamela Caffrey. “I was also impressed with how meaningful the sessions were and how much impact this class has had on my perception of the community and what I can do to contribute.”