The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance is a voluntary certificate program founded by MACo and the Maryland Municipal League (MML), sponsored by the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT), and facilitated by the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Academy Fellows include county and municipal elected officials and employees, who are dedicated to building a strong foundation of local governance knowledge, best practices, and ongoing professional development.
The certificate program requires county officials to complete 8 Core Courses and 6 Electives within a 5-year period. Following their graduation from the Academy, Graduated Fellows can then pursue graduate courses through the Academy: 1-day or 2-day courses focusing on deeper aspects of governance, like leadership and consensus-building.
To provide even more opportunity to build on the foundation of the Academy certificate program, the Academy proudly announces its newest graduate designation: TORCHBEARER.
A “Torchbearer” is a leader in government who continuously seeks knowledge
and inspires others to strive for excellence in public service.
Once an Academy Fellow graduates from the Academy program, they may become a Torchbearer by participating in this annual program. Graduate Fellows are encouraged to reach at least 100 Torchbearer points annually for their service within the Academy. Points are given for participation in Graduate courses, retaking Academy Core workshops, or participating on various Boards and Committees. Graduate Fellows who reach and maintain this level are recognized as Torchbearers at the MACo and MML
Summer Conferences. Learn more.
For more information on the Torchbearer program – or the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance certificate program – contact Academy program coordinator, Aisha Washington. MACo Summer Conference participants can stop by the University of Maryland/School of Public Policy booth on the upper level of the Ocean City Convention Center, August 15-18, 2018, for more information.
Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference:
