The Robert J. Thompson Eastern Leadership Academy (ELA)

Click here to download our ELA 2010 application!

Click here to download our ELA 2010 application!

About ELA

Each year, as many as 30 state and provincial officials from the 19 Eastern region member jurisdictions gather in Philadelphia, PA for the Robert J. Thompson Eastern Leadership Academy (ELA). This select group of state officials, from all three branches, will receive training to enhance their leadership skills and will study the most significant policy issues facing the states today. Participation in ELA is a unique opportunity to learn with the best and the brightest policymakers from across the region.

CSG/ERC is pleased to invite you to apply for the 2010 ELA and be a member of what is sure to become the preeminent leadership development program for state officials in the region. If you strive to be an effective leader, an informed decision-maker and an astute policy analyst, ELA is the program for you.

Senator Robert J. Thompson was a beloved and respected state and local government leader whose 30 year career was a model of personal and professional integrity, fairness, optimism and humility whether working on behalf of his constituents of West Chester, the citizens of Pennsylvania or the members of CSG/ERC. As a devoted advocate and Founding Member of the Eastern Leadership Academy (ELA) Board, we are proud to name the ELA in his memory to honor both his commitment to the highest standards of public service and his key role in having the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania become the host for this unique regional program.

Why Apply to Participate in ELA?

Develop Leadership Skills: Through a series of hands-on and group workshops ranging from consensus-building to media relations, ELA provides training to sharpen and develop the skills you need to become an effective leader.

Improve Understanding of Key Regional Public Policies: ELA is the only leadership academy designed exclusively for eastern regional officials from all three branches. By focusing on the most important regional trends facing state government officials today, scholars from the University of Pennsylvania and outside experts provide a context for you to effectively analyze policies and programs, evaluate the information you receive, and communicate your message successfully with constituents and colleagues.

Network with the Best and Brightest: During the ELA Academy, you will come together with some of the most promising state officials from across the region to share your knowledge and to learn from each other’s experiences. 

What does the program include?

ELA will convene at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Participants are
treated to a four-night, five-day stay—meals and program fees included—at the Inn at Penn. Participants are responsible only for their transportation to and from Philadelphia. The schedule includes a lineup of dynamic speakers, university professors, leadership training, and countless opportunities for networking and relationship building.

Who Should Apply?
The Leadership Academy is designed for legislators, as well as legislative staff, executive branch and judicial branch officials, primarily in the early-mid stages of their government careers. Members of the ELA Application Review Committee will look for applicants who demonstrate:
1. Leadership potential, including problem-solving and consensus-building skills
2. Dedication to public service
3. Commitment to improving government institutions and respect for state government

Contact: Michelle Shiwamber, mshiwamber@csg.org

Conducted by:
The Council of State Governments’ Eastern Regional Conference 
100 Wall Street, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10005
phone 212.482.2320 fax 212.483.2344
www.csgeast.org