Hamilton County Receives National Award for High-Performance Leadership Training

Pictured (L-R) - Professional Development Academy CEO Dr. Tim Rahschulte, Human Resources Director Frank Spataro, Commissioner Denise Driehaus, NACo Chief Public Affairs Officer Brian Namey, County Administrator Jeff Aluotto

Hamilton County, Ohio was one of three Ohio counties recognized today by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO) for its commitment to strengthening the leadership skills of elected officials and the county workforce. The inaugural Award of Excellence for High-Performance Leadership was presented to county leaders from Fairfield, Franklin and Hamilton Counties at an awards ceremony in Columbus.

"NACo gave us the tools to invest in the next generation of County Leaders at a critical time for local governments throughout our country," said Jeffrey Aluotto, Hamilton County Administrator. "Developing these crucial management skills in the ranks of our emerging leaders has a tremendous and long-lasting effect on empowering our entire workforce."

Forty-one Hamilton County participants successfully completed NACo's High Performance Leadership Academy, a 12-week, online program that equips public servants with practical leadership skills to achieve results for county residents. The program features a robust curriculum developed by NACo and the Professional Development Academy in partnership with Fortune 1000 executives, public sector leaders and world-renowned thought leaders, including General Colin Powell and Dr. Marshall Goldsmith.

"I admire Hamilton County’s decision to commit leaders to the program in an effort to address succession planning needs, professional growth and workforce development," said CCAO Executive Director Cheryl Subler. "Without their work, those vital components to a successful future would be a distant afterthought, and leadership readiness to address our next-level challenges would not be ready at all. At CCAO, we believe in leadership development to build even Stronger leaders for stronger counties for a stronger Ohio."

"We applaud Hamilton County leaders for their commitment to sharpening leadership skills that help build healthy, safe and vibrant counties," said NACo Chief Public Affairs Officer Brian Namey. "By strengthening the skills necessary to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities, Hamilton County officials are building a brighter future for county residents."

Professional Development Academy CEO Tim Rahschulte said, "Fairfield, Franklin and Hamilton Counties have enrolled over 100 existing and emerging leaders. We commend them for strengthening personnel management and training."

The High Performance Leadership Academy focuses on five essential skills: leading, organizing, collaborating, communicating and delivering. It emphasizes real-time instruction, small-group learning and knowledge exchanges.