Alachua County Celebrates New Graduates of Prestigious Leadership Program

Newberry, Florida, USA - The Alachua County Commission recently celebrated the accomplishments of a new cohort of graduates from the Certified Public Manager (CPM) program, a renowned initiative aimed at enhancing leadership and management skills among public sector professionals. This program, which has gained national recognition, was designed to build effective public managers through a rigorous curriculum and real-world applications. The graduates of this year’s cohort are Mehdi Benkhatar, Elisha Cash, Amy Childs, Johnathan Criswell, Brian Kauffman, Gary Kendall, Gina Peebles, Nadia Penelton-Scott, Elizabeth Reyes, TJ White, and Misty Woods. County Commission Chair Charles “Chuck” Chestnut IV praised the graduates for their commitment to excellence in public service and ongoing professional development, emphasizing that this designation is more than just a badge—it’s a promise to improve community governance and services.

The CPM program, offered in 42 states and by the federal government, comprises 31 days of intensive classroom instruction, homework, and exams that cover eight levels of topics—from core leadership skills to complex organizational challenges. As participants advance through the program, they directly apply learned concepts to their roles, fostering a practical learning environment that enhances organizational effectiveness.

Cultivating Local Leaders

In a parallel development, six employees from the City of Newberry recently completed their own CPM journey, underlining the community’s commitment to bolstering public management skills. City Manager Mike New acknowledged the hard work and dedication of Jamie Jones, Dallas Lee, Travis Parker, Judy Rice, Tammy Snyder, and Bryan Thomas. He expressed confidence that the skills gained during their training would not only benefit residents but also significantly contribute to local community development.

The Newberry cohort highlights how cities are investing in their internal talent to better serve the public. This two-year program is focused not just on theory but on actionable practices that anticipate and address contemporary public management challenges. With topics ranging from budgeting to ethical decision-making, graduates emerge ready to tackle the complex issues facing their communities.

A Trusted Framework

The CPM program is administered by the Center for Public Service at Texas Tech University and has been accredited by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium since 1996. Its structured approach, which includes 21 sessions over fourteen months, ensures participants gain a comprehensive understanding of management principles. Each cohort is deliberately kept small, with a limit of 30 participants, to maintain high-quality learning experiences.

The program covers an array of vital topics through various tracks, including Human Resource Management and Performance Measurement. These subjects empower public managers to enhance team dynamics, improve service delivery, and facilitate strategic decision-making. Participants also engage in applied research projects, allowing them to delve into specific areas of interest and contribute original insights to public management.

Graduates from the CPM program, whether from Alachua County or Newberry, represent a wave of knowledgeable leaders who are poised to drive change in their communities. As they take on new challenges, their commitment to growth reflects a broader dedication to public service excellence that benefits all Floridians.

For more information about the achievements of the recent graduates, visit Alachua Chronicle or see details from Alachua County Today. Further insights into the CPM program can be found at Texas Tech University’s Center for Public Service.