POUGHKEEPSIE — Twenty-five executives, with newly sharpened skills that advocate regionalism to improve the Hudson Valley’s quality of life, comprise the latest class of graduates from Hudson Valley Pattern For Progress’ Fellows Leadership Program.
The program, which culminated its 10th anniversary year with its June 22 graduation, marries professional responsibilities with a mindset that urges thinking beyond the enclosures of a municipal border. The reward of regional thinking is clear: A strong community and strong Hudson Valley mean smart growth that results in great places to live and conduct business, said Pattern For Progress President and CEO Jonathan Drapkin.
Participants included corporate managers, academic leaders, government officials and those who hold top positions at nonprofits with a mission to enhance their communities. They come from the fields of finance, government, economic development, law, land conservation, human services, health care and academia. The program has had more than 240 graduates.
Drapkin also said that applications are being accepted for the program’s next class, which kicks off in September.
“Pattern’s Fellows are trained to become the region’s best advocates, problem solvers and creative thinkers,” Drapkin said. “As lessons emerge, there’s a deeper resolve to think with innovation and sophistication. Regional possibilities crystallize. The mission becomes purposeful.”
At the graduation, held at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel, the Fellows presented an audience of 120 with results of year-long projects in three areas: sustainability, police/community relations and education/business partnerships. Their solutions-driven research was undertaken with collaboration at its heart, seeking out and promoting best practices and suggesting innovative ideas to further the “public good” of such efforts.
The graduation featured a keynote address from Chris Gibson, who led thousands of troops into combat during a distinguished 24-year United States Army career and spent six years in Congress. Currently a visiting professor of leadership studies at Williams College in Massachusetts, Gibson called for bipartisan collaboration to end political disputes and advocated numerous principles of leadership while blending anecdotes from his military and political career with insights on contemporary politics.
Sponsors were D.J. Consulting, Inc. and the State University of New York at New Paltz. To apply for the next Fellows class, starting in the fall, call (845) 565-4900. View the names of the most recent graduates, learn more about the curriculum and see class projects at Pattern-For-Progress.org.
