Hall County Government celebrates first-ever LEADS graduating class

Hall County Government graduated 19 of its staff members last Friday at the first-ever LEADS (Leadership Education for Advancing and Developing Staff) graduation, held at North Hall Community Center.

"Our Board of Commissioners supported and made this program possible," Hall County Communication and Strategic Engagement Manager Sarah Crowe, who spearheaded the program, said. "Workplace culture starts at the top, and the Board of Commissioners demonstrates a culture of serving always. This program is another excellent example of the Board's vision to support and invest in leadership in service to the Hall County citizens."

Hall County LEADS is a 12-month program designed to invest in rising Hall County leaders. Participants attend a class a month, with each session focused on leadership topics, such as trust in the workplace, growth, change management and self-assessments. Each session is led by County leadership, including department directors, and are followed by tours of various departments and facilities throughout the County.

"Not only are you learning more about leadership, but you are also learning about all the different departments and functions of government that we have because it's very impressive, and what we do matters to this community." Hall County Administrator Zach Propes said. "When citizens wake up in the morning, whether or not they know it, they are directly impacted by the work that we do."

Graduates were recognized with a customized plaque and treated to lunch alongside their supervisors and co-workers, who attended in support of the leadership qualities they bring to their teams and their accomplishments. Four of the 19 graduates were from the Hall County Sheriff's Office.

"I looked forward to our folks being a part of this program," Sheriff Gerald Couch said. "We are a part of a very large organization, and it takes a lot to move together, but like I tell my folks every time I swear in a new deputy, 'never forget who you work for,' and that is the Hall County citizens, and that's true with every single agency and department within the County government. We all have the same mission statement in mind: to serve our citizens and serve them well. "

The second class of LEADS students will kick off in August.