Dear Graduates,

You have learned, grown and worked hard.

You have made time, even when you had none to spare, and you have engaged with the lessons and material deeply.

You have taken risks, shown your vulnerability, become empowered and formed new relationships.

You are more confident. More collaborative. And more accountable.

You are the first graduating class of CHS University, and I could not be more proud of you!

As you know, CHS University was created as a unique, customized program specifically for our organization, in step with our Five-Year Plan, which includes a Culture of Leadership and Development.

This year, we celebrate the 130th anniversary of the founding of CHS. While the essence of our mission has not changed, leadership has changed significantly! We live in a time of highly sophisticated service delivery, operations, finances, communication and management.

By investing in you—our leaders—we are responding to change, transforming our culture and setting up CHS, and our clients, for continuing success.

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations!

Michelle Lavallee CEO

Our Coach

Dear CHS Leaders,

In early 2020, a new strategy was coming together to build on the legacy and historical mission impact of Children’s Home Society of SD (CHS). The strategy process revealed that some organizational “renovation” was needed to ensure the organization remained relevant and vibrant in the future. As the new vision formed, Michelle Lavallee, the executive team, and the CHS Board of Directors shared a conviction that the organization must strategically invest in its leaders to achieve a big strategic vision.

CHS University (CHSU) was a bold bet on the future of CHS. And, you know what? It’s working.

We set out to create a program that would empower CHS leaders to…

• Collaborate as a community to develop the mindsets, skillsets and toolsets needed to lead and manage people effectively.

• Create alignment across the organization using common language and behaviors.

• Secure a foundation of trust, healthy conflict, commitment, accountability and results.

• Increase engagement and retention throughout the organization.

Each component of the curriculum was selected under the initial guidance of the CHSU Steering Committee. Sessions were created and customized by Sagency specifically for the culture, needs and current context of CHS.

I’ve personally witnessed significant leadership growth in each of you. The meaningful achievements of CHS over the past three years wouldn’t have been possible without your progress and effectiveness. Congratulations and cheers to your continued growth, development and success as leaders.

It has been a highlight of my career to navigate this leadership development journey with you through CHSU. Members of our team at Sagency feel the same. Thank you for embracing us as an extension of your team and your vital mission.

As you continue your leadership journey, don’t forget what great leaders do. Our job as leaders is to cultivate an environment where others can flourish. Cheers to your continued success in helping others achieve their greatness.

With

Gratitude, Mike Meagher Founder and CEO Sagency