State Representative Holly Raschein Graduates From Good Government Initiative’s Leaders of Excellence Program

Representative Holly Raschein

Coral Gables, FL-  The Good Government Initiative (GGI) congratulates Representative Holly Raschein on her graduation from the third Leaders of Excellence class.  Representative Raschein was among sixteen elected officials from 15 jurisdictions in 3 counties plus two state representatives who participated in this year’s program.

The Leaders of Excellence program is the Good Government Initiative’s cornerstone effort to provide elected officials with educational opportunities that they can then apply towards their public service.  It fills the gap between formal education in academic careers with life experience to create more effective decision-makers.  Additionally, the Leaders of Excellence program creates a network of peers who elected leaders can turn to for shared ideas and support.

“I am so appreciative of the opportunity to participate in the Leaders of Excellence program,” said Raschein.  “It was an amazing experience and I look forward to using what I learned to better serve my constituents.”

By participating in the Leaders of Excellence program, a voluntary 60-hour certificate, those accepted in the program are making an extra commitment to their duties in office.  In understanding that there are aspects to effective public service that are not automatically conveyed to candidates once they are sworn in, these leaders are reaching for the additional knowledge needed to be their best.

This year’s curriculum included topics on principled leadership and service, ethics, growth and planning issues, diversity and inclusion, budgets and finance, community involvement, redevelopment strategies and more. Presenters included a bi-partisan array of dignitaries from all levels of government, subject matter experts and plenty of first-hand accounts from former elected officials who learned from their successes:  and mistakes.

“In a year that has seen some low points for some government officials, I think it is encouraging to see these public servants going the extra mile to absorb as much information about good government as they can.” said Katy Sorenson, the program’s founder.  “Representative Raschein has taken the time in a very busy life to listen and learn more about key areas of her responsibility.  That’s something that a lot of people don’t think elected officials are willing to do, so, through leaders like her, we have real reason to be believe that there are still many dedicated public servants who are working on behalf of their constituents.”

The Good Government Initiative offers programs for elected officials, candidates and interested citizens all year.  Through Community Forums that delve into topical issues facing South Florida to candidate education and the Leaders of Excellence Progam, GGI works to enhance the culture of our government to strive for excellence.  The Initiative is independently incorporated with its own board and advisors and is housed and supported by the University Of Miami, The Miami Foundation and valued donors and volunteers.