3:43 p.m.
ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Florida Association of Counties (FAC) presented Alachua County Commissioners Rodney Long and Lee Pinkoson with the Advanced County Commissioner (ACC) designation following their completion of "The Florida Forum for County Leaders," a comprehensive study program developed by the association. Commissioners Long and Pinkoson received the designation along with 24 other county commissioners on June 14 during an awards ceremony held at the FAC Annual Conference in Orlando, FL.
ACC certification is not a requirement to serve as a county commissioner in Florida. However, county commissioners who have completed the Certified County Commissioner program may voluntarily enroll in the advanced program and complete a three-part series of courses totaling 27 hours. The coursework is designed to provide information and enhance leadership skills relevant to a commissioner's duties and responsibilities as an elected official.
"This inaugural year of the Leadership Forum was a success," said FAC Executive Director Chris Holley. "These commissioners are committed to advanced education and becoming the best to better serve their county and citizens."
The ACC program coursework is covered in three intensive sessions focused on leadership with emphasis on growth and development in Florida. FAC has announced that the 2007-2008 Florida Forum Program will be sponsored and hosted in conjunction with the University of Florida, IFAS Extension.
Commissioner Pinkoson commented, "The inaugural class of the Advanced County Commissioners gives us an opportunity to be better Commissioners. At the same time it gives us a chance to mingle with other County Commissioners throughout the state to learn how they do things."
For more information about the Advanced County Commissioner and the Certified County Commissioner program and courses, visit the FAC web site at
www.fl-counties.com.