A Note from the Director

Inevitably in the opening remarks for each new LGFCU Fellows cohort, I say some version of: “Local governments and your communities need strong leadership now more than ever. They need YOUR leadership now more than ever.”

The repetition of this sentiment is not because of a script, but rather because it remains so true and the need for leadership continues to be critical. Every time I look out on the faces in an LGFCU Fellows class, I am struck by how lucky our North Carolina communities are to have these dedicated and wonderful people giving their talent and passion to their local governments. They are the diverse faces of our state representing a range of regions, professional backgrounds, and the varied positions that make up our local governments. These faces are managers, finance directors, public safety officers, HR professionals, DSS officials, engineers, and more. These individuals are working tirelessly to create, protect, and enhance the resources and lives of all of those who live in their communities. It is truly inspiring to work with such dedicated leaders and an honor to be part of their leadership journey.

A DSS director talks about protecting children in foster care while evacuating homes in a hurricane, a manager talks about economic development plans for their economically depressed township, a police officer discusses building a more trusting relationship with Latino and Black youth in their rural community, and an IT director explains training plans to prepare their staff to be ready to ensure continuity of service should their government be the next to face a ransomware attack. These examples are a handful of so many, which makes listening to the LGFCU Fellows talk about what they are striving to achieve inspiring and a source of hope. I am glad to know that in this unprecedented time in history, these committed public servants are serving our North Carolina communities.

For the 2019 LGFCU Fellows cohorts, we again designed the program with the tenants of “Know self, Lead self, Know others, Lead others” and “Leadership is everyone’s business” at the forefront. The program continues to focus on building skills and competencies as well as enhancing people’s public service motivation, commitment, and confidence. While much of the curriculum remained consistent with previous years, for the 2019 cohorts, content on diversity and inclusion was added which proved to create powerful and engaging conversations. These are conversations that I know are continuing and are being pulled upon as communities respond to our current social and racial challenges and concerns.

We continue to work to build a strong and committed network that LGFCU Fellows can lean into and be supported by in the main program and through alumni events. This year’s alumni workshop focused on, “Leading Through Conflict and Skills for Bridging Divides in Public Life.” To provide critical context and ground the topic, Dr. Jim Johnson, William R. Kenan Jr., Distinguished Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center at the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at UNC-Chapel Hill, provided insights and implications into the demographic trends facing our state and communities. This demographic work set the stage for Mark Gerson, president of Mediators Foundation and a veteran trainer and practitioner in the field of conflict transformation, to work with the group to promote a deeper understanding of how to bridge economic, cultural, and political divides.  Gerson recognizes that in a time of unity and civic cohesion, leading in the public sector is challenging but rewarding. In times of division and polarization, however, it can move from challenging to completely overwhelming. Participants were invited to share their own leadership challenge, to witness and discuss the challenges of their peers, and to strengthen and expand their skills in dealing with conflict. The workshop concentrated on practical tools for dealing with real situations that public officials in North Carolina face. In addition to the timely and relevant content, the alumni event allowed LGFCU Fellows to reconnect with individuals from their cohorts as well network with Fellows from other cohorts. In doing so, they are continuing to build upon the 381-strong LGFCU Fellows network across North Carolina.

I, along with the Fellows, continue to be grateful for the support from LGFCU and for their vision and commitment to support those of you who work for and in North Carolina communities. LGFCU is making a fundamental and transformational impact on individuals, their organizations, their communities, and the state of North Carolina.

Thank you,

Willow S. Jacobson
Robert W. Bradshaw Jr. Distinguished Professor of Public Administration and Government
Director, LGFCU Fellows program