Shared Services from AML
NACo High Performance Leadership Academy
In partnership with the National Association of Counties, Professional Development Academy offers practical and empowering leadership training to government officials.
The 12 week, 100% online program is a mix of independent learning and virtual group discussion focused on essential leadership skills for employees in local government. The Academy is designed for current or emerging leaders, particularly those who manage teams or are preparing to in the future. The NACo High Performance Leadership Academy is a resource that connects your staff with practical leadership training. HPLA uses an innovative, interactive online learning platform that combines real-time webinars, recorded sessions and small group discussions to deliver effective training without traveling away from the city or borough – saving money and maximizing time.
Who should participate?
Anyone in local government can participant, but HPLA is designed for entry- to mid-level municipal staff, especially those currently are, or planning to be, in management roles.
What is the time commitment?
HPLA is built to accommodate busy work schedules with self-paced learning. Each 12-week HPLA course is divided into weekly modules. Each module includes a one-hour live webinar and one-hour breakout discussion, plus daily assignments ranging from 3-35 minutes. The live webinars are recorded, so there is no need to worry if you can’t make them all.
Participants will join small cohorts of those in similar positions from elsewhere in the country. They will be able to build their professional network, receive support from peers facing similar challenges and opportunities and celebrate successes.
2024 Cohort Dates
| Launch | Credentials | Last Day to Register / On-Boarding | Kick-off | Graduation |
| January | 12/15/23 | 12/20/23 | 1/8/24 | 4/12/24 |
| April | 4/5/24 | 4/10/24 | 4/22/24 | 7/26/24 |
| August | 7/19/24 | 7/24/24 | 8/5/24 | 11/8/24 |
| September | 8/30/24 | 9/4/24 | 9/16/24 | 12/20/24 |
2025 High Performance Leadership Academy Dates
| Launch | Credentials | Onboarding | Last Day to Enroll | Kick-off | Graduation |
| January | 12/17/2024 | 1/7/2025 | 1/10/2025 | 1/13/2025 | 4/18/2025 |
| April | 4/11/2025 | 4/16/2025 | 4/25/2025 | 4/28/2025 | 8/1/2025 |
| August | 7/25/2025 | 7/30/2025 | 8/8/2025 | 8/11/2025 | 11/14/2025 |
| September | 9/5/2025 | 9/10/2025 | 9/12/2025 | 9/15/2025 | 12/19/2025 |
Interested in enrolling? Contact our Academy representative, Sarah Bruck to discuss further, to ask for an enrollment form, or to request regular updates for your team.
HLPA Graduates can earn continuing education credits eligible for the following institutions:
- (45) Society for Human Resource Management
- (24) International Association of Assessing Officers
- (48) International City/County Management Association
- International Institute of Municipal Clerks
- (8) Certified Municipal Clerk Experience
- (8) Master Municipal Clerk Advanced Education, or
- (8) Master Municipal Clerk Professional Contribution
For HPLA enrollees’ managers
Managers will receive regular dashboard reports outlining the progress of their staff. Managers are encouraged to advise and support participants with content as it relates to individual development plans.
When is the next cohort?
NACo is continually enrolling participants. Email Sarah Bruck to learn about the next program start.
What is the cost?
Alaska Municipal League Members can enroll staff at a discounted rate of $1,995.
- First-time Enrolling County/Borough: first participant can enroll for $1,000 rather than $1,995.
Testimonials from Alaskans
Haines Borough, Fire Chief: “I did not know how desperately I was treading water as a department head until this course. I was so busy trying to keep everything afloat that I could not see the gage was bouncing on empty. This Academy has been a Godsend! I am soaking everything in and am eager to advance on a new vector, raise the bar and aim for excellence.”
Petersburg Borough, Parks & Recreation Director: “For me, this was affirmation as to how I lead – plus a lot more!! It was also helpful in so many ways (networking, new ideas, hearing others with the same issues), and every course was completely relevant to current happenings – it could be used all the time, anytime.”
Saint Paul, City Manager: “I think the most valuable aspect of the program was the focus on ‘it’s all about people’. Sometimes we get wrapped up in reports, data, and other aspects of our jobs and forget to connect with our people. This program reminded me to take the time to focus on working with my team.”
