Rowan County's First Annual Civic Leadership Class wrapped up on Tuesday, with a special nod at the Rowan County Board of Commissioners meeting. Aaron Church, the County Manager, highlighted the program's maiden voyage, emphasizing its weekly sessions that started in October and covered a gamut of topics from leadership to various county services. As detailed in a county press release, the program was a collaborative effort, with directors and staff from an expansive 20 departments leading the educational charge over the nine-week course.
The course's finish line was marked by a reception, where graduates rubbed shoulders with the commissioners before each received a certificate and a token of recognition. Participants like Lori Ciquemani and Melinda Daniel used the platform to share their newfound insights into the inner workings of government, with Daniel acknowledging, “To actually be in the department and see what it takes to run it, it's a lot more than it looks," according to the county's announcement.
The course seems to have peeled back the curtain on the day-to-day dedication of county employees. Susan Sessler and Alex Holshouser shared their realizations about the distinct responsibilities of city versus county operations. Sessler noted, "To see how much Rowan County does for this City…a lot of people think the City is doing what the County is doing," she commented in the county's report. In the same vein, Dr. Corrie Connolly, a Rowan County Health Board member, found the segment on landfills surprisingly educational.
Others found different aspects of the county's operations enlightening. Gemale Black stumbled upon the bustling Mid-Carolina Regional Airport, while Kaisha Brown gripped a better understanding of the Department of Social Services, thanks to the program. Kevin McClain, fresh with a master's in public administration, now views the County Manager's role through a lens tempered by practical experience. Carrington Willis shared a similar sentiment, declaring, “Seeing how much impact the County has on the community” was his favorite part, according to the same press release.
With 138 vacancies across 79 boards and commissions in Rowan County, Board Clerk Sarah Pack and Chairman Greg Edds encouraged the fresh graduates to step forward and apply. “We have a strong need for community input. You are the heartbeat for what we do in decision making. We are governed by you the people and so we would ask you to go on Rowan County's website and apply. We would love to see your application come through," Edds urged. Those interested in learning more about the Civic Leadership Program or engaging with the county's boards and commissions can reach out to the County Manager's Office at 704-216-8180 for further information.
