The Clinton County Leadership Institute is a rewarding experience that not only informs participants about our community, but also gives you an edge when interviewing for jobs.

A county is a dynamic region with diverse issues and many social, civic, corporate, government, and non-profit stakeholders. Thanks to Leadership Clinton, I now have a whole systems perspective on who these stakeholders are, what roles they play, and the opportunities and challenges they face.

The 2017 cohort learned about many things, including the histories of the Murphy Theatre, the Clinton County Veterans’ Memorial, and the Clinton County History Center.

We gained insight from speakers such as local mayors, county judges, school principals, the school superintendent, the director of CCYC, and hospital administrators and care givers.

Taylor Stuckert and Mark Rembert explained the roles of Main Street Wilmington, Energize Clinton County, and the Clinton County Regional Planning Commission. We also learned about the Wilmington Public Library, Southern State Community College, and the Laurel Oaks Career Campus.

We were introduced to principles of community policing, the treatment of citizens in custody, and leadership issues in community law enforcement by the Chief of Wilmington Police and the Clinton County Sheriff.

Tony Nye (Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, County Chair of the OSU Extension’s Clinton County Office) reviewed the history and current state of agriculture. We learned about modern day hog farming, certified organic farming, and technology in farming from Willie Murphy and Milton Murphy.

Highlights for many LC 2017 participants included visiting an alpaca farm; riding along with a sheriff’s deputy; and attending the “Think Regional! Conference” in Cincinnati.

When I arrived in Clinton County two years ago, I had not heard of county leadership programs. Now that I’ve seen the value in participation, I would recommend such a program to anyone and everyone who wishes to understand his or her community, learn about and meet the stakeholders, build a valuable network of friends and partners, and have an important item to add to one’s resume.

Organizations want employees who understand the big picture and who are prepared to be actively engaged in their community.

Thanks to CCLI, I am.

Brian A. Hickam

Member, 30th cohort of CCLI