Flagler County Local Government Leadership Academy
The Flagler County Local Government Leadership Academy is a premier leadership development program dedicated to preparing the next generation of public service leaders. Built on a partnership among Flagler County's local government agencies and Daytona State College, the Academy equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and professional relationships needed to lead with integrity, innovation, and excellence.
The Academy's first class graduated in August 2020, bringing together employees from the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, and the Flagler County Tax Collector's Office. The program was originally developed using graduate-level curriculum and leadership principles facilitated by County Administrator Jerry Cameron and Dr. Joe Saviak, Executive Director of the Flagler Sheriff's Leadership Institute. Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson, then serving as Operations Manager, was a member of the inaugural class and was recognized as its Valedictorian, demonstrating an early commitment to leadership development and lifelong learning.
In October 2022, the Flagler County Tax Collector's Office assumed responsibility for administering the Academy, ensuring the program would continue to grow and serve future generations of public servants. Under the leadership of Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson, the Academy has expanded its reach and strengthened its impact by increasing participation across local government and fostering a culture of collaborative leadership throughout Flagler County.
Since 2023, the Academy has partnered with Daytona State College, elevating the program into a recognized educational initiative. Through this partnership, graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from Daytona State College, recognizing their successful achievement in this distinguished leadership program.
Today, the Academy proudly includes participants from every local government organization in Flagler County, creating a collaborative learning environment that strengthens relationships across agencies while fostering a shared commitment to exceptional public service. With 11 graduating classes, the Leadership Academy has become a cornerstone of professional development and a model of intergovernmental collaboration.
Believed to be one of the few programs of its kind in Florida, the Flagler County Local Government Leadership Academy is unique in bringing together employees from multiple local government agencies to learn, collaborate, and grow as leaders. This one-of-a-kind partnership encourages the exchange of ideas, strengthens cooperation across organizations, and builds lasting professional relationships that ultimately benefit the citizens of Flagler County.
The success of the Leadership Academy demonstrates what can be achieved when local governments invest in their greatest asset—their people. By developing ethical, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking leaders, the Academy is helping build stronger organizations, stronger partnerships, and a stronger future for Flagler County. Together, we are preparing today's public servants to become tomorrow's leaders, ensuring our community continues to receive exceptional service for generations to come.
Flagler County Local Government Leadership Academy
The Flagler County Local Government Leadership Academy is a premier leadership development program dedicated to preparing the next generation of public service leaders. Built on a partnership among Flagler County's local government agencies and Daytona State College, the Academy equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and professional relationships needed to lead with integrity, innovation, and excellence.
The Academy's first class graduated in August 2020, bringing together employees from the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, and the Flagler County Tax Collector's Office. The program was originally developed using graduate-level curriculum and leadership principles facilitated by County Administrator Jerry Cameron and Dr. Joe Saviak, Executive Director of the Flagler Sheriff's Leadership Institute. Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson, then serving as Operations Manager, was a member of the inaugural class and was recognized as its Valedictorian, demonstrating an early commitment to leadership development and lifelong learning.
In October 2022, the Flagler County Tax Collector's Office assumed responsibility for administering the Academy, ensuring the program would continue to grow and serve future generations of public servants. Under the leadership of Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson, the Academy has expanded its reach and strengthened its impact by increasing participation across local government and fostering a culture of collaborative leadership throughout Flagler County.
Since 2023, the Academy has partnered with Daytona State College, elevating the program into a recognized educational initiative. Through this partnership, graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from Daytona State College, recognizing their successful achievement in this distinguished leadership program.
Today, the Academy proudly includes participants from every local government organization in Flagler County, creating a collaborative learning environment that strengthens relationships across agencies while fostering a shared commitment to exceptional public service. With 11 graduating classes, the Leadership Academy has become a cornerstone of professional development and a model of intergovernmental collaboration.
Believed to be one of the few programs of its kind in Florida, the Flagler County Local Government Leadership Academy is unique in bringing together employees from multiple local government agencies to learn, collaborate, and grow as leaders. This one-of-a-kind partnership encourages the exchange of ideas, strengthens cooperation across organizations, and builds lasting professional relationships that ultimately benefit the citizens of Flagler County.
The success of the Leadership Academy demonstrates what can be achieved when local governments invest in their greatest asset—their people. By developing ethical, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking leaders, the Academy is helping build stronger organizations, stronger partnerships, and a stronger future for Flagler County. Together, we are preparing today's public servants to become tomorrow's leaders, ensuring our community continues to receive exceptional service for generations to come.
