Earlier this summer we announced the graduation of 16 employees who participated in our 2012-2013 Staff Leadership Program. See Announcing 2013 Staff Leadership Program Graduates.

We focus on staff development for very good reason. Three essential elements required for the pursuit of our mission are exceptional facilities, sound finances and excellent staff. Like the legs of a three-legged table, all three – facilities, finances and staff – must be solid.

Our Staff Leadership Programs are led by Mr. Gary Rambin, who is Director of our Staff Development Department. The goal of these Staff Leadership Programs is to broadly enhance our staff by sharing content, skills, experiences and perspective with employees who are willing to commit to the extra time and effort the program requires.

Every effort and investment in staff development pays huge dividends in enhanced quality of care, increased organizational strength and improved resiliency. (As an aside, I smiled recently when I heard a comment about Dr. Steven Franks, Director of Methodist Children’s Home of Southwest Louisiana, “He’s always training staff.”)

With that background, you can understand why I am excited to report we have kicked off two new Leadership Programs for the 2013-2014 year!

This week we launched a new Leadership Program I class (with 22 members) and a new Clinical Leadership class (with 15 members). In addition to these two new Leadership groups, Leadership Program II will begin soon for our employees who have completed Staff Leadership I. This is good stuff!

Rick Wheat, President and Chief Executive Officer
Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services