Two Richland County officials earned special certification related to their positions during the recent annual conference of the S.C. Association of Counties (SCAC).

District 11 Councilwoman Chakisse Newton graduated from Levels I and II of the Institute of Government for County Officials. The Institute of Government is a training program designed to equip county leaders with tools to enhance their skills and abilities, enabling them to function more effectively in their positions and better serve the public.

“Public service requires constant learning,” Newton said of the program. “I’m thankful for the Institute of Government and the opportunity to put that knowledge to work for my constituents and the County.”

County Administrator Leonardo Brown also graduated from Level II, having previously graduated from Level I of the program.

“I believe in continuous improvement and striving for excellence,” Brown said. “Participating in professional development programs, like the one offered by SCAC, allows me to enhance my abilities to better serve the public. I am grateful for the opportunity to attend the training sessions.”

County officials must complete 27 hours of instruction, consisting of 18 hours of required topics and nine hours of elective topics, to graduate from Level I of the training program. Required classes in Level I cover topics including: public speaking, managing and conducting meetings, strategic planning, leadership skills, and employment law.

To graduate from Level II, participants must complete an additional 18 hours of instruction. Courses available at Level II include: economic development, financial management, effective communications, property taxation, and current issues facing County government.

The nonpartisan and nonprofit SCAC is the only statewide organization representing county government in South Carolina. SCAC provides the institute in cooperation with the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston.