What is the Leadership Track?

Posted February 23, 2009

Opportunity Village created the Leadership Track in 2004 to help employees develop leadership skills. Five people are selected each year from staff who indicate interest. The participants meet once a month with Team Advisor Gary Clark to cover a busy course of study, including the following activities:

Meet with CEO John Severtson, Services Director Jim Aberg, Chief Development Officer Michael Mahaffey, and Personnel Specialist Malinda Loge to get a broader perspective on what the Village is all about.
Do a presentation to either an All Supervisors or All Staff meeting. Local Toastmasters members come in to teach a unit on public speaking.
Meet with the Board of Directors.
Develop a personal mission statement, based on Steven Covey teachings.
Read and discuss two books on leadership.
Attend two classes on leadership at the local community college or other outside agency.
Meet with an Outcome Coordinator to learn how the Village's Life Plan process works.
Perform a service project with the Development Office, participating in a Village public event.

The 2008 group included Melissa Dorenkamp, Jason Peterson, Dana Lunning, Andrea Lowe, and Robin Hanson (withdrew due to moving out of town). "I was very impressed with this class," Clark said. "They showed really good growth and initiative and developed skills. It's an exciting program. I'm really pleased to be connected with it."