Walker County had a small contingent at the recent Alabama League of Municipalities Municipal Leadership Institute / Graduation Ceremonies, held in Orange Beach.
Over 200 municipal officials attended the annual fall training with national, regional and statewide experts providing updates and resources to assist with professional development and the quality of life in their communities.
Those attending from Walker County included Nauvoo Mayor Terry Burgett, Parrish Mayor Bubba Cagle, Cordova Mayor Jeremy Pate and Jasper City Council member Jennifer Williams Smith.
Smith earned the Alabama League of Municipalities’ prestigious professional designation of Certified Municipal Official (CMO) Emeritus, a highly regarded honor awarded to officials who have excelled beyond the requirements of the Basic and Advanced CMO Programs.
To achieve this third level of the League’s CMO training program, a municipal official must earn the designation of Certified Municipal Official by completing 40 training credit hours conducted or endorsed by the League followed by an additional 40 training hours to receive an advanced certification. Attaining CMO Emeritus entails a minimum of 120 credit hours of Continuing CMO Education plus 15 points. Points can be earned by serving on and attending meetings for a League Policy Committee; attending the League’s annual convention, municipal legislative advocacy day, and the Municipal Leadership Institute; and by attending the Congressional City Conference for the National League of Cities.
Smith is a member of the 9th graduating class of the CMO Emeritus level and was recognized for her accomplishments during graduation ceremonies held Nov. 8. This year, 11 municipal leaders earned the CMO Emeritus designation.
Burgett was honored by completing the requirements for the Alabama League of Municipalities’ professional designation of Certified Municipal Official after completing 40 credit hours of training conducted or endorsed by the League. Burgett is a member of the 28th graduating class of Certified Municipal Officials and was recognized for his accomplishments during graduation ceremonies on Nov. 8. This year, 39 municipal leaders earned the CMO designation.
Cagle and Pate have both started the Certified Municipal Officer program. The City of Cordova was also chosen as a participant in the 2004 Economic Development Academy.
