Belfast, Maine - Midcoast Leadership Academy (MLA) isproud to announce that it will begin its fifth program year in September 2012, and is currently seeking nominations.
MLA brings together a dynamic group of Midcoast leaders –both existing and emerging – to participate in a program that expands their knowledge of issues affecting our region, helps to further develop and refine their leadership skills, and builds an effective network of citizen leaders throughout Knox and Waldo Counties.
MLA started in 2006 and is run through the University ofMaine’s Hutchinson Center in Belfast. Modeled after successful community leadership programs held throughoutthe country, MLA was created as an initiative by a group of regional and statewide leaders led by Jim Patterson, Hutchinson Center Founding Director; state representative Chris Rector; and Cheryl Miller, Senior Program Officer of Maine Development Foundation.
Central to the founding of the program is the belief that the Midcoast is a unique region, rich with spirit, creativity, andtradition. MLA’s mission is topositively impact the economic and cultural quality of life in the Midcoast by enhancing the professional and personal development of its existing and emerging community leaders. Our distinguished guest faculty is drawn from the worlds of academia, business, government, consulting, and the non-profit sector.
Past graduates have stated, “The program has been hugely useful and personally galvanizing,” “I am very proud to be a part of this class. It is great that this group brings together both Waldo and Knox, working together on common goals,” and “The program introduced me to tools for fostering economic development and opened my eyes to a substantial community network with a desire for regional cooperation.”
Program co-coordinators are Lori Roming (MLA1) Research & Program Officer with the Unity Foundation and Robin McIntosh (MLA3), Director of Development at Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce. Hutchinson Center Assistant Director Nancy Boyington serves as liaison with the Hutchinson Center, and the program is advised by Dr. Jim Patterson and Dr. Sue McCullough.
We are pleased that Bangor Savings Bank will once again be the lead sponsor for this class. “Bangor Savings Bank is proud to support the Midcoast Leadership Academy. We understand the importance of bringing together leaders and emerging leaders to enhance their leadership skills and build relationships that will help create stronger, healthier and more prosperous communities”, said Skip Bates, Vice President and Regional Market Manager.
In seeking applicants for the current year, past MLAgraduates are encouraged to nominate people who they feel would both benefit from the program and contribute to our network of effective community leaders. Self nominations will also be accepted.
The deadline for application submittal is July 15, 2012. This year’s cohort will be announced in early August.
Each program participant will be responsible for $250 of the $1,000 enrollment fee. Grant and donation income will pay the difference. A limited number of partial scholarships may be available. Employee sponsorships are welcome and encouraged. For
more information or for anapplication to MLA5, please contact Nancy Boyington at 338-8002 or email nancyb@maine.edu
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