ATLANTA – State Representative Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) recently completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. This three-week Executive Education program, offered at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, focused on the development of conceptual frameworks for addressing policy issues, explored the relationship between citizens and their government, and examined the ethical and professional responsibilities of leadership.
“I’m truly honored to have been able to participate in Harvard’s government leadership program,” said Rep. Drenner. “Governments at all levels need to work together in order to effectively serve their citizens. While we all recognize this simple concept, philosophical issues have plagued government cohesion and collaboration ever since our founders first took up the issues more than 200 years ago. To move forward and serve Georgians in the best way possible, we must recognize that no one party or group has all of the answers, move past philosophical issues, and work together in a united effort to improve our state – this program provided me with the tools to help make that happen.”
Rep. Drenner was one of 55 participants from across the country to participate in the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. This national group of leaders included three state legislators and the Secretary of State of Colorado, as well as elected county officials, city managers, and fire and police chiefs. During the program, Rep. Drenner took 50 classes, including Leadership and Authority, Data Causation, Collaborative Governance, and Rural Democracy.
“We are proud of the leaders who attend our Executive Education programs. They are a dedicated group of professionals who are committed to working for the public good across various sectors of society,” said Harvard Kennedy School Dean David Ellwood. “We are confident that they will help create effective solutions to public challenges and inspire others with their ideas and their talent.”
“This class of participants was a tremendously diverse group chosen through a highly competitive application process,” said David King, Program Faculty Chair. “The Senior Executives in State and Local Government program is an intensive and challenging program. We use the range of geographic, political, and cross-sector perspectives in the class to encourage participants to stretch beyond the boundaries of their everyday work environments and form networks of lasting friendships and professional connections.”
The John F. Kennedy School of Government is the graduate professional school at Harvard University dedicated to training people for excellence in government and public service. Harvard Kennedy School has emerged as a forum for passionate debate about the past, present, and future of public service and governance. Executive Education programs at Harvard Kennedy School serve senior public officials, nonprofit executives, and corporate officers whose work directly affects the lives of their fellow citizens. Their mission is to advance the public interest by training skilled, enlightened leaders to solve public problems using best practices, world-class scholarship, and practical management techniques.
Representative Karla Drenner represents the citizens of District 86, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2000, and currently serves on the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Health & Human Services, Natural Resources & Environment, and Rules committees. She also serves on the Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation.
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