Writer: Staff Reports
Published June 8, 2023
Franklin County Citizen
Franklin County Manager Derrick C. Turner was one of more than 125 government leaders from across Georgia recently recognized as a Certified Public Manager by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. Graduates of the Institute of Government's Certified Public Manager program completed their final hours and were recognized at the Certified Public Manager Conference on the UGA campus in Athens.
"Our Certified Public Manager graduates are interacting with Georgia residents as well as the future leaders of our local government and state agencies," Leadership Development Unit Manager Walt McBride said. "We are honored to serve them through this course to enable them to grow as managers, create space for innovation and problem solving, and encourage them for their longterm positive impact on the state." Turner has served as Franklin County's manager since early 2021. To be certified, he attended 300 hours of instruction three times each month for nine months. UGA's Certified Public Manager program, with 300 hours of curriculum, helps state and local government managers enhance their skills through in-class learning, independent study and a capstone project that addresses an issue affecting their individual agencies.
Courses explore how self-awareness impacts leadership and collaboration, effective ways to establish a collaborative work culture and proven methods to improve performance and engagement. In addition to completing class readings and assignments, candidates of the program were required to conceive and execute service learning projects to benefit their communities. Participants earn nationally recognized certification. Participants came from both city and county governments and other public agencies around the state. Turner said pursuing certification was important to show his commitment to his profession and to learn and grow in the public management field. The classes provided a good chance to network with other managers from across the state and to share ideas, Turner said. The certification work included a project, which Turner did on the benefits of the county's new online permit application system. To learn more about the Institute of Government's leadership development programs including the Certified Public Manager program, visit www.cvio g.ug a.edu/training-and-education/leadership-development/. The Carl Vinson Institute of Government informs, inspires, and innovates so that governments can be more efficient and responsive to citizens, address current and emerging challenges, and serve the public with excellence.
