Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/39006
AROUND AEA Recent graduates (pictured L to R) Clara Kerr, Kyla Kushner, and Jessica Mahan Future leaders from across the state participate in 3-session program. New Graduates from AEA Leadership Academy A new crop of Association leaders gradu- ated in June from the AEA Leadership Academy. This intensive, three-session program is de- signed to develop skills and increase par- ticipants’ confidence and effectiveness in an up-front role. Recent Leadership Academy graduate Clara “I would recommend it to others who are dedicated to the Association and want Kerr has been involved and active in her local association for the 13 years she has been a member, but was looking for a way to do more for her local. “At first I never thought I would be an officer. This training taught me how to be a more effective leader.” Kerr is the newly elected secretary for Marana EA. This year’s 29 graduates are the ninth to get more involved.” —Jessica Mahan class of Leadership Academy since the program began in 1998. They join the more than 300 previous graduates of the successful program, which includes AEA’s current officers, AEA President Andrew F. Morrill, AEA Vice-President Joe Thomas, and AEA Treasurer Nidia Lias. During Leadership Academy, participants learn about organizational growth and develop- ment and building a team-based organization. The program also provides excellent network- ing opportunities for participants as they build relationships with other Academy participants. “Leadership Academy gave me the skills and strategy to make me an effective leader,” says 10 Fall 2011 ❘ AEA Advocate recent graduate and Washington District EA member, Kyla Kushner. “I learned about how everybody and their roles work together.” “Attending Leadership Academy has made me a better member,” says Cartwright EA member Jessica Mahan. “I got to know other members and about other roles within the Association I didn’t know about. It showed me other aspects of the Association and how to get involved.” Participants are chosen to attend this unique leader training program by local association leaders. Participants must be familiar with and knowledgeable about AEA, have a desire to be a leader, be open to new experiences, be will- ing to share what they’ve learned and mentor other new leaders, and be committed to con- tinuing in their local association for at least five more years. “I would recommend it to others who are dedicated to the Association and want to get more involved,” says Mahan. Leadership Academy is one of several pro- fessional development opportunities offered by AEA to help members gain new skills and knowledge. This program also helps local asso- ciations grow stronger by continuously seeking out and grooming the next generation of lead- ers. If you would like more information about the next Leadership Academy, please contact AEA Manager Renae Costa at renae.costa@ arizonaea.org or 602-264-1774 ext. 111. ✒