New Experiences for Seasoned Leaders
Regina Youngblood
Human Resources Director, City of Durham
Even for an experienced leader like Regina Youngblood, the LGFCU Fellows program was something new.
Youngblood arrived in her current role as human resources director for the City of Durham by way of positions with the Fort Worth Transit Authority, Dallas School District, and District of Columbia Public Schools. Like many municipalities, City of Durham employees have participated in School of Government courses and leadership develop opportunities for years.Youngblood became interested in the School’s leadership development opportunities after attending the flagship Municipal and County Administration course.
Youngblood has taken advantage of a variety of training opportunities in past positions but says the School of Government’s offerings stand out because of their grounded, practical approach. The Fellows curriculum is developed to offer connection and tangible, real-world applications for participants.
“Because the program is associated with a university and the approach that the teachers take, the instructors are able to teach us these things and go back to the source documents,” Youngblood said. “It’s not just made up or focused on the buzzwords of the day. It’s credible because you learned it at the School of Government.”
Fellows cohorts are structured to bring a diverse array of individuals together; each gathering represents a wide variety of professional backgrounds and community sizes.
“So much professional development surrounds you with people in the same discipline,” Youngblood said. “Fellows offers a broadening of horizons without losing that depth of conversation.”
These deep conversations with other Fellows offered a distinctive experience for Youngblood. She interacts with a variety of city officials on a daily basis, and she credits the Fellows program with changing how she relates to them.
“I work with a wide array of people, because many individuals in a city have exposure to human resources,” Youngblood said. “You develop close working relationships, but they are often limited. In the Fellows program, you almost live with your cohort for two weeks. It changes your perspective on how difficult or complex a job is, and I have more insight now into the challenges those people are facing.”
I’m extremely grateful this program exists and that LGFCU has provided funding for it. It has made me better for the City of Durham and the residents we serve.
— REGINA YOUNGBLOOD
Public service can be a thankless job, and to help keep herself motivated, Youngblood still implements the education she received on resiliency and “encouraging the heart.”
“Just because you’re in leadership doesn’t mean you’re invincible. You need to be refreshed and engaged so that you can be your best for others.”
The simple practice of recounting three good things she’s accomplished each day reminds her of the meaningful work she does for her organization and her community. By encouraging the heart, or communicating encouragement to her team, Youngblood can spread that sense of value to the employees she supervises. Those skills have been particularly critical as Durham officials responded to a cyberattack and COVID-19 in 2020 alone.
The work of our public officials isn’t getting easier. In an era of shrinking budgets and tightening belts, Youngblood recognizes the critical importance of LGFCU’s support for the Fellows program.
“I’m extremely grateful this program exists and that LGFCU has provided funding for it,” Youngblood said. “I never could have afforded such a valuable and enriching program without their sponsorship. It has made me better for the City of Durham and the residents we serve.”