Two charter center staff members to attend state leadership program

• Tweet
• 

Two Central Michigan University employees at the Center for Charter Schools have been selected for the 2009 class of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Michigan program.

Special Adviser for External Relations Scott Ray and Deputy Director Cindy Schumacher were among the 28 professionals from around the state accepted to the program.

The program aims to inform various leaders about challenges and opportunities in the state of Michigan, encourage collaboration to face these challenges and provide opportunities to network.

Ray, the director of external relations at the Center for Charter Schools, was “very pleased” when he received a phone call informing him of his acceptance to the program.

“(It is) something of an honor,” said Ray, who is eager to broaden his understanding of the experiences of others.

Schumacher said she is looking forward to the program, which will consist of five monthly sessions from April to October.

“(I want to) meet people outside my profession with the same or different ideas and learn from them,” Schumacher said.

Each session will take place in a different region of the state and will focus on topics specific to that area.

At each session, program participants will be able to meet local government and business leaders and attend seminar lectures on various topics.

To be selected for participation, candidates must submit an online application. The program looks for people who can use leadership abilities for the long-term benefit of Michigan.

Both Ray and Schumacher have been eyeing the program as something they would like to participate in for several years, and this is the first year either of them have applied.

Ray said they haven’t been able to attend in the past because of time restraints.

“The time was never quite right,” he said. “(I’m eager to) see what’s going on in different parts of the state.”

Because she works in education, Schumacher is particularly interested in discussing it during the program, especially the impact of the current economy on family school choices.

university@cm-life.com