FORMER GOVERNOR MICHAEL DUKAKIS ADDRESSED FIRST GRADUATING CLASS OF MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS
Boston – “The Commonwealth doesn’t succeed unless local government succeeds and vice versa,” former Governor Michael Dukakis told the first graduating class to receive the Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management offered at Suffolk University.
The Massachusetts Municipal Association, in partnership with Suffolk University’s Moakley Center for Public Management, developed this pilot program last year.
“The Certificate program was designed exclusively for municipal employees interested in furthering their professional career in local government and pursuing a graduate degree,” said Geoffrey Beckwith, MMA Executive Director.
Every Friday during the 2011-2012 academic year, 24 municipal managers traveled to the Police/Fire Training center in Natick to participate in 5 graduate level courses taught by the faculty from Suffolk University’s master’s in public administration program. Among the graduates were Recreation Director Nancy McShea and Deputy Fire Chief David Houghton.
“The men and women who have earned the Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management are to be applauded for their commitment to bringing their public service careers to an even higher level,” said Suffolk University President James McCarthy. “The University is proud that many of its alumni choose public service, and we are pleased that government managers can hone their skills through this unique learning experience offered through the Sawyer Business School’s Moakley Center for Public Management.”
The graduates represented a diverse cross-section of municipal functions: community development, facilities, finance, IT, libraries, park and recreation, public safety, public works and administration. Graduates were from the following communities: Ashland, Framingham, Hopkinton, Medway, Natick, Needham, Southborough, Sudbury, Walpole, Wayland, Wellesley and Weston.
“The program is a high-quality academic offering that links contemporary public management theory with ‘real world’ practice, providing a practical graduate education experience,” Beckwith continued. “It is an excellent opportunity to provide a valuable critical learning experience for new and seasoned managers and other key employees,” he concluded.
The graduates received their certificates at a ceremony on Tuesday, June 19, at Sargent Hall - Suffolk University in Boston.
Congratulations to both Nancy and Dave!
Fred Turkington
Town Administrator
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