Leadership Development Committee Report

MENTORING FUTURE LEADERS

By Jim McKenzie

The Leadership Development program has gone through a small overhaul. While the focus of developing and mentoring future AKFCF EC and Regional leaders has not changed, some of the tools and programs we utilize have. There are improved processes, guidelines, and structure to the program.

The Leadership Development program has two, separate components: educating and training Regional 1st VPs; and identifying, training, and mentoring AKFCF EC candidates. Most of overhaul work has come under the leadership of Keith Cole, our current 1st VP of the AKFCF.

Regional 1st VPs

All Regional 1st VPs are part of the Leadership Development program. Per our bylaws, the pool of qualified candidates for the AKFCF EC comes from these regional leaders. Therefore, the development of this group serves both the regions and the AKFCF. Ten learning modules have been identified that will be presented and discussed throughout the year. Well-qualified presenters go through these modules with the Leadership Development Committee. Time for questions and clarification is always allowed at the conclusion of the presentations. To date, the modules covered have been: The history of the AKFCF (presented by Ron Gardner), the structure and workings of the NCAC (presented by Cynthia Koplos), and the RSCS (presented by Justin Stewart and Brandon Robertson).

AKFCF EC Candidates

The continued success of our Association relies a great deal on identifying and developing future leaders of the AKFCF. The goal of the Leadership Development Committee is to always have a “bench” of qualified candidates who are capable, willing, and ready to serve. Each year, this committee will identify up to three candidates who meet outlined criteria to be considered for the AKFCF EC. These candidates will be presented to the Nominating Committee, who ultimately will make a nomination to the Board for approval. A specific improvement made to this process is the addition of a “shadow” to the 2nd VP. This year, Leslie Sharp is shadow to the AKFCF EC behind Justin Stewart, who is serving as our current 2nd VP. Another improvement to this process is the formal structure of a mentor/mentee relationship for the 2nd VP and the shadow. The AKFCF Immediate Past President will mentor the 2nd VP, and a Past President will mentor the shadow. So this year, I am mentoring Justin and Joan Bowling is mentoring Leslie.

The foundation of our Association rests on the shoulders of some great, past leaders. The willingness of our members to serve as leaders — and our commitment to develop them — will enable us to remain a great Association into the future! n

The continued success of our Association relies a great deal on identifying and developing future leaders of the AKFCF. The goal of the Leadership Development Committee is to always have a “bench” of qualified candidates who are capable, willing, and ready to serve.