County Employees Complete Leadership Development Program

COURT HOUSE – Nineteen county employees and two municipal employees completed the county’s second Leadership and Management Program and were acknowledge at the Freeholders’ Meeting Jan. 28, 2014. The employees were selected to be the part of the eleven-week training and development program that was developed through a partnership with Atlantic Cape Community College.
Director Thornton said, “ This program that focuses on how county government operates – is part of our plan for sustainability. We believe it is important to invest in our employees to ensure that they are properly trained so that they are prepared for future advancement opportunities in county government.”
Cape May County’s Training and Development Program was designed to complement in-house training already in existence. This program equips supervisors with the skills and knowledge to manage people and functions effectively. The program’s focus is on specific skills essential for managers and supervisors to succeed as leaders in a constantly changing work environment.
Eight of the sessions were developed and taught by Atlantic Cape Community College personnel. These sessions included: Transition to Supervision, Management/Supervisory Skills, Managing Employee Performance & Coaching, Coaching, Leadership Skill and Practical Leadership. Three sessions focused specifically on county government functions such as Planning, Finance and Budgeting, Procurement and Human Resources and were taught by Cape May County Government Officials.
Director Thornton added, “There are many benefits of this program for both the county and employees. The county will be better prepared for the future by developing a plan for advancement within each department and for our employees it boosts morale and gives them the confidence they need to lead.”
The following employees completed the Cape May County Leadership and Management Development Program: Bridge Repairs, Gordon Adams, General Supervisor ,Engineering, Robert Church, Principal Civil Engineer, Facilities & Services, Joanna Landers, Office Manager, Facilities & Services, William Miller, Construction Department, Facilities & Services, Ken Martin, Grounds Supervisor, County Clerk, Diana Hevener, Deputy County Clerk, Rutgers Extension Services, Marilou Rochford, Extension Department Head, Purchasing, Kevin Lare, Confidential Assistant, Tourism, Debbie A. Bass, Marketing and Public Relations Representative, Consumer Affairs, Dolores A. Rambo, Investigator, Health Department, Mary Ellen Curley, Senior Physical Therapist, Health Department, Joseph M. Harney, Division Director, Health Department, Judy Startare, Mosquito Commission, Matthew C. Diem, Assistant Superintendent, Park/Zoo, Alex Ernst, Veterinarian (not pictured), Treasurer’s Office, Lisa Burkhead, Principal Account, Treasurer’s Office, Kristine Wiechert, Principal Accounting Clerk, Board of Social Services, Susan Cushinotto, Human Services Specialist, Crest Haven, Rachanda Fitzpatrick, RN, North Wildwood Recreation Department, Jean Elizabeth Golden (Not Pictured) and Lower Township Police Department, Patrick Greene
Employees received a certificate of participation plus Continuing Education Units for completing the program. The County is working with Atlantic Cape Community College to develop a college credit class for the future.
The County plans to continue this training and development program to include additional county employees. Also, in the future, the county hopes to expand the program to offer advanced training and development courses.