Building the Next Generation of Local Government Leaders

One challenge that is shared across the Commonwealth is preparing the next generation of municipal leaders. And one part of the solution is the partnership between the MMA and Suffolk University. In this episode, we hear from three members of the MMA-Suffolk Fellowship class about their experiences in local government and why they’re investing in their leadership skills: Robert Craig, special projects and grants manager in Rockport; Chad Hunter, harbormaster in Plymouth; and Thomas Dalton, communications and events manager in Melrose. Plus, MMA Deputy Executive Director Katie McCue explains why the MMA and Suffolk partnered back in 2011, in response to concerns about a coming wave of municipal retirements across the Commonwealth. She discusses how the range of MMA-Suffolk programs are helping build a pipeline of local government professionals — and identifies three key benefits participants gain: practical skills, leadership and confidence, and a lasting network of peers. For Further Reading: More about the MMA-Suffolk programs: https://www.mma.org/about-mma/services/mma-suffolk-certificate-in-local-government-leadership-management/   To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org