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Leadership Academy

The Leadership Academy is designed to serve as the region's foremost public sector leadership development program. It consists of critical topics such as leadership styles, change management, generational dynamics in the workplace, negotiations, knowledge transfer, strategic planning, crisis communications and other pertinent subjects.

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About the Program

This flexible and engaging program offers monthly, full-day virtual workshops that help public sector professionals develop practical leadership skills and strategies. Through a combination of expert instruction and peer collaboration, participants deepen their expertise in areas such as talent recruitment, data-driven decision-making, and stakeholder engagement. The academy culminates with a capstone project that enables participants to apply their learning to real-world challenges, fostering immediate impact in their organizations.

Program details

The cost of the Leadership Academy is $3,300.

Key Program Details:

 

The Leadership Academy is a comprehensive, immersive experience designed to equip public sector managers with the knowledge and practical tools needed to excel in government agencies, nonprofits, and related organizations.

  • The program includes 14 full-day sessions, convening once a month for in-depth learning.

  • Curriculum covers a wide range of leadership topics, including strategic planning, collaboration, change management, and contemporary public sector challenges.

  • Participants demonstrate their skills through a community engagement project focused on a local or state issue.

  • The Leadership Academy begins following the conclusion of the Public Management Academy.

The journey

Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Program also includes self-paced (asynchronous) assignments.

Orientation: Zoom

What it looks like:

Leadership Academy Topics for Management

The workshop sessions cover leadership styles, change management, generations in the workplace, power and persuasion, knowledge transfer, strategic planning, crisis communications, and other essential public sector leadership skills.

  • Executive Presence & Personal Branding

    Executive presence is more than how you look or speak—it’s the ability to project confidence, clarity, and authenticity in every interaction. This course helps mid- to senior-level leaders refine the skills and behaviors that shape how they are perceived, ensuring they can inspire trust, command attention, and influence outcomes in high-stakes situations.

    Participants will explore the three pillars of executive presence—communication, gravitas, and appearance—alongside strategies for building a personal brand that aligns with organizational goals and personal values. Through self-assessments, interactive exercises, and real-world scenarios, learners will practice delivering messages with authority, managing perceptions under pressure, and cultivating a leadership style that is both impactful and authentic.

  • Talent Recruitment and Selection

    Finding and selecting the right talent is one of the most critical responsibilities of any leader. This course provides mid- to senior-level leaders with the strategies, tools, and insights necessary to attract, assess, and secure top talent in competitive markets. Participants will learn how to align recruitment efforts with organizational strategy, define success profiles for key roles, and apply evidence-based selection methods to ensure fair, consistent, and high-quality hiring decisions.

    Through a blend of interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, the course explores workforce planning, employer branding, sourcing strategies, competency-based interviewing, and the integration of inclusion into the hiring process. Learners will also examine how data, analytics, and structured decision-making can reduce bias and increase the accuracy of selection outcomes.

  • Strategies for Effective Followership

    In today’s complex organizations, leadership excellence depends as much on effective followership as on strong leadership itself. This course redefines traditional views of followership by exploring its strategic role in driving organizational success, shaping leadership outcomes, and fostering a culture of trust and accountability. Designed for mid- to senior-level leaders, the program examines how intentional, proactive followership enhances decision-making, strengthens team dynamics, and supports mission achievement.

  • Data Storytelling & Visualization

    In an era where data drives strategy, leaders must go beyond simply presenting numbers—they must transform analytics into stories that inspire understanding, alignment, and action. This course equips mid- to senior-level leaders with the skills to interpret complex data, identify the insights that matter most, and communicate them in ways that resonate with diverse audiences.

    Participants will learn best practices for designing clear, impactful visualizations and integrating them into persuasive narratives that influence decision-making. Through hands-on exercises, case studies, and peer feedback, learners will explore how to match the right visualization techniques to their message, avoid common pitfal

  • Strategies for Effective Succession Planning and Management

    This course equips mid- to senior-level leaders with the tools, frameworks, and strategies necessary to build a robust succession planning and management process that drives organizational continuity and long-term success. Participants will explore how to identify and develop high-potential talent, align succession plans with strategic business goals, and create a culture that supports leadership readiness at all levels.

    Through a combination of case studies, interactive discussions, and practical exercises, learners will examine best practices for assessing critical roles, mapping talent pipelines, and mitigating leadership gaps. Special attention will be given to integrating inclusion into succession strategies, leveraging data-driven assessments, and balancing immediate needs with future growth.

  • Coaching & Mentoring for Talent Development

    Strong leaders don’t just manage performance—they actively develop the potential of others. This course equips mid- to senior-level leaders with practical coaching and mentoring strategies to unlock individual and team growth, foster engagement, and build organizational bench strength.

    Participants will learn how to create a supportive environment that encourages learning, risk-taking, and professional development. The course explores key distinctions between coaching and mentoring, effective questioning techniques, structured feedback models, and goal-setting frameworks that drive measurable progress. Through interactive exercises, role-plays, and real-world application, learners will practice building trust, guiding career growth, and overcoming common barriers to development.

  • Business Acumen for Leaders

    Effective leaders make better decisions when they understand the full business landscape. This course builds the financial, operational, and market awareness mid- to senior-level leaders need to align decisions with organizational strategy and long-term success. Participants will learn how to interpret key financial statements, assess operational performance, and evaluate market trends to make informed, data-driven choices.

    Through interactive discussions, real-world case studies, and applied exercises, learners will explore how financial metrics, operational efficiency, and competitive positioning intersect to shape strategy. The course also covers scenario planning, risk assessment, and the role of cross-functional collaboration in achieving business goals.

  • Integrated Consulting and Stakeholder Engagement

    The Consulting Skills Intensive (CSI) is an advanced, immersive program designed for mid- to senior-level public sector leaders who want to strengthen their consulting and advisory expertise. This program equips leaders with the tools to analyze complex challenges, apply strategic thinking, and influence decision-making across organizational systems. Through hands-on exercises such as executive role plays, team collaborations, and real-time feedback, participants refine their ability to frame issues, engage stakeholders, and deliver actionable insights that drive meaningful results.

    Rooted in the realities of public sector leadership, CSI integrates case studies and simulations drawn from organizational and external factors. Participants will deepen their skills in collaboration, communication, and adaptive leadership, ensuring their consulting approach aligns with organizational and community goals. By the end of the program, leaders emerge better prepared to guide teams, shape strategy, and deliver impactful solutions in a dynamic and complex environment.

  • Principles of Effective Leadership: Integrating Transformational and Servant Leadership

    Exceptional leadership is rooted in both vision and service. This course equips mid- to senior-level leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the core principles of effective leadership, with a special focus on transformational and servant leadership models. Participants will explore how transformational leadership inspires innovation, commitment, and change through vision and influence, while servant leadership emphasizes empathy, empowerment, and the growth of others.

    Through interactive discussions, self-assessments, and applied exercises, learners will examine how these two approaches can be integrated to create a leadership style that is both results-driven and people-centered. The course also addresses essential leadership competencies such as emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, strategic thinking, and communication. By combining research-based frameworks with practical application, participants will learn to lead with authenticity, adapt to evolving challenges, and foster an environment where individuals and organizations can thrive.

  • Building High-Performing Teams

    High-performing teams don’t happen by chance—they are built through intentional leadership, clear goals, and a culture of trust and accountability. This course equips mid- to senior-level leaders with the strategies and tools to develop, lead, and sustain teams that consistently deliver exceptional results.

    Participants will explore the dynamics of team performance, including role clarity, psychological safety, collaboration, and effective conflict resolution. The course examines evidence-based frameworks for assessing team strengths and gaps, aligning individual contributions to collective goals, and maintaining motivation over time. Through case studies, group exercises, and self-assessment tools, learners will practice techniques for enhancing communication, fostering innovation, and managing challenges that can derail team success.

  • Emotional Intelligence and Resilient Leadership

    Emotional intelligence (EI) is foundational to effective leadership, especially in the public sector where empathy and accountability intersect. This course helps leaders strengthen self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and resilience. Participants will learn how EI contributes to better decision-making, stronger relationships, and improved performance under pressure. Practical exercises focus on stress management, adaptive leadership, and fostering psychological safety within teams.

  • Competency Modeling in the Public Sector: Building Capacity and Performance Alignment

    Competency modeling is a cornerstone of effective public management—linking organizational strategy with the skills and behaviors that drive success. This course provides public sector leaders with a framework for identifying, developing, and implementing competency models that enhance hiring, training, performance management, and succession planning.

    Participants will explore how to define core, technical, and leadership competencies that reflect public service values and organizational goals. Through applied exercises and case studies, learners will practice mapping competencies to specific roles, developing assessment tools, and aligning professional development initiatives with strategic priorities. The course also examines how inclusive and data-driven competency models can strengthen equity, transparency, and talent mobility within government organizations.

Meet the Instructors

  • Dr. Virlena Crosley

    Virlena Crosley

    Virlena Crosley joined ÃÛѨÊÓÆµ in 2009, where she teaches management and accounting courses, both on-campus and online. During the 2021-22 academic year, she became associate dean for undergraduate programs in the School of Business. She served as the interim provost for the university in spring and summer 2023.

    Previously, Virlena held management positions with the State of Oregon, the last of which was director of the employment department. During her five-plus years as director, she was responsible for 47 field offices across Oregon and more than 1,500 employees. She has also taught at other higher education institutions in either the role of adjunct instructor or visiting professor, including universities in Shanghai, China and Nürtingen, Germany. Her academic interests include workforce development, human resources management, and other employment-related laws and managerial and tax accounting.

    Education

    • B.S., Management, ÃÛѨÊÓÆµ College (magna cum laude)
    • M.P.A., Lewis and Clark College
    • D.B.A., George Fox University
  • Dr. Enrique Washington

    Enrique Washington

    Enrique Washington is an executive talent leader with over 25 years of experience in leadership acquisition, development, and diversity initiatives. His purpose is to help guide others to achieve their full potential, so they will feel inspired to do the same.

    Enrique has built his career and honed his expertise by working for some of the most groundbreaking brands globally, including Electronic Arts, Nike, ESPN, and Pinterest. He is dedicated to fostering inclusive leadership as a board member, consultant, and former professor. His expertise includes competency modeling, executive onboarding, and creating systems to attract and secure top-tier, diverse talent on a global scale.

    Enrique earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Master of Science in Corporate and Public Communication from Seton Hall University. He also holds a Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Kansas State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Southeastern University.

    Enrique is the co-author of "Competencies at Work: Providing a Common Language for Talent Management." He enjoys traveling and has visited 48 of the 50 states in the United States. Enrique is also an accomplished athlete and a track and field All-American, having been selected for the 1995 Olympic Festival Track & Field team. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor of business and sport management at ÃÛѨÊÓÆµ and is a co-founder of The Talent Project.

    Education

    • B.S. in Marketing, Seton Hall University
    • M.S. in Corporate and Public Communication, Seton Hall University
    • M.S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Kansas State University
    • Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Southeastern University

    Academic Interests

    His research aims to enhance representation in leadership roles within the professional sports industry.

  • Dr. Christa Washington

    profile Christa Washington

    Dr. C. Ellen Washington serves as Senior Associate Faculty and Area Faculty Chair at the University of Phoenix and as a Contributing Faculty at Walden University, the University of Arizona Global Campus, and Dunlap Stone University. Previously, she held core faculty positions in the BA Psychology Program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and served as Director of STEM Continuing Education at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California. Her administrative leadership experience includes roles as Assistant Director of Leadership Development and Scholar-in-Residence at North Carolina State University, and seven years as Chair of the Department of Psychology and Chair of the IRB Committee at Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    Dr. Washington's scholarly work focuses on leadership development, with particular emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic and organizational contexts. She has completed multiple prestigious leadership development programs, including the African American Board Leadership Institute, Leadership Raleigh, Emerging Leaders (Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce), the Leadership Triangle Goodman Fellowship, and the OURS Fellowship Program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she earned a postdoctoral certificate in Academic Leadership.

    Her research interests center on leadership development for underrepresented minorities in STEM fields, organizational change, women in leadership, and social competencies in professional settings. Dr. Washington has published in the Oxford University Public Policy Journal and the International Journal of Business and Social Science, and has presented her work at the Oxford University Roundtable (2010) and London's Women's Leadership Symposium (2012). In recognition of her commitment to inclusive pedagogy, she received the 2020-2021 Multicultural Excellence in Teaching Award at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

    Dr. Washington earned her PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Walden University, MA in Counseling Psychology from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology, and BA in Psychology from the University of Arkansas. Beyond her academic work, she enjoys reading, watching sports, collecting art, international travel, attending music festivals, and following contemporary fashion.

  • Dr. Erik Bennett

    Profile Erik Bennett. 
    Dr. Erik Bennett has over 20 years of experience advancing organizational growth across corporate, nonprofit, and academic sectors. His expertise includes leadership development, operational strategy, and mentoring emerging generations. He has served professional athletes, faith-based organizations, and universities through strategic program design, organizational leadership, and culture development. Dr. Bennett’s work is distinguished by a proven record of fostering collaboration, building high-performing teams, and achieving measurable institutional impact. He also hosts The Leadership Lounge Unfiltered, a social media platform dedicated to equipping and inspiring next-generation leaders.

  • Captain Bruce Griffiths, US Coast Guard (Ret)

    profile Bruce Griffiths

    Bruce Griffiths is an organizational consultant and founder of Organization Systems International (OSI). For the past 40+ years, OSI has specialized in assisting organizations choose and develop leaders and leadership teams. Bruce personally has 44 years of experience in leadership and consulting roles.

    After graduating from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1969, Bruce served for five years as an active-duty officer in both the United States Coast Guard and Navy. His interest in leadership was sparked during duty on two ships on missions in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Viet Nam conflict. After transitioning to reserve officer status, he obtained his M.S. in Industrial / Organizational Psychology from San Diego State University. Following graduate school, he joined The Wickes Companies, a large multi-national conglomerate, as a staff industrial psychologist and ultimately became the Manager of the Human Resources Planning Group. He left Wickes in 1980 to form OSI and retired from the US Coast Guard Reserve as a Captain in 2006.

    Bruce has consulted with over 250 public and private organizations. Public sector clients have included the United States Departments of Energy, Defense, Interior, and Transportation. He has also worked with city and county governments, as well as non-profit and charitable organizations. Recent private clients have included Nike Inc., The Walt Disney Company, Siemens, AT&T, Wendy’s, Dow Corning, American Greetings, Callaway Golf, PetSmart, Starwood Hotels, and Crayola.

    His specific consulting expertise includes:

    • Executive Coaching
    • Competency Modeling
    • Multi-rater (360) Surveys
    • Leadership Learning Programs
    • Leadership Selection (Tests, Interviews, Simulations/Assessment Centers)
    • Executive Team Building
    • Strategic Planning

    Bruce has published numerous articles on leadership and strategy and was the co-founder of the San Diego chapters of the Organizational Development Network (ODN) and the Personnel Testing Council (PTC). He is also the co-author of “Competencies at Work” and “Reinventing Competency Based Education” published by Business Expert Press. Local chapters of OD Network, ASTD, and the City of San Diego have recognized him for his professional contributions. He has been awarded two American Society of Training (now ATD) Excellence in Practice Citations for innovative programs combining behavioral simulations and computer modeling to teach strategy, finance, and business systems thinking.

    Bruce holds a B.S. in Marine Engineering from the United States Coast Guard Academy (1969) and an M.S. in Industrial / Organizational Psychology from San Diego State University (1977). He has served on faculty at several San Diego universities, including University of San Diego, San Diego State University, Chapman College, and UC San Diego’s College of Extended Studies. Bruce has helped establish outreach and academic programs, contributed to the University of San Francisco’s Masters in OD Program in San Diego, and served on the design committee and as core faculty for San Diego State University’s basic leadership training program, “Action Management.” He also currently serves as an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s mentoring staff.

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Take the next step in your professional journey by joining the Oregon Certified Public Management Leadership Academy. Gain the skills, connections, and experience needed to lead with confidence and make a lasting impact in your community.
Dr. Virlena Crosley
Dr. Virlena Crosley
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs
Associate Professor
503-883-2447
business@linfield.edu