WISCONSIN DELLS, WI, September 2025 – Eighteen individuals were recognized this fall for their completion of the Wisconsin Local Government Leadership Academy. Their graduation took place at the Wisconsin Counties Association annual conference in the Wisconsin Dells.
The Local Government Leadership Academy is a collaborative effort between UW-Madison Division of Extension, Wisconsin Counties Association, and Leadership Wisconsin, Inc.
During the 9-month program participants focus on four primary skills that contribute to an effective local government leader: relationship-building, communication, decision-making, and vision. Each of these four topics are grounded in the idea that we lead in service of the community and can accomplish more when we work together.
“Participating in the Academy has made me more intentional about how I lead in local government. The program helped me shift toward explaining the “why” behind what we do and connecting it back to protecting public health and building trust. It also gave me tools to approach challenges with a bigger picture mindset, whether it’s working across agencies, managing grants, or guiding my team. I feel more confident stepping into conversations as a leader, not just as a subject matter expert, and I use what I’ve learned to create stronger partnerships and clearer communication with both staff and the community,” says Ben Rodenberg, an Environmental Health Specialist from Jackson County.
The graduates, who work and serve in a variety of local government positions, gathered from across the state and gained skills they can apply immediately.
Rebecca Rohan, who works in the courts system said, “Participating in this class helped me home in on why I actually enjoy my job so much and re-filled my cup with motivation and inspiration. The class allowed me the space to step back from my day-to-day duties and really think deeply about tangible things I can do to take my ideas and transform them into action, which is always the tough part of a leadership class…I [am now] more successful at communicating with my deputies by staying mindful and giving clear directions. This has increased their confidence and motivation. Things that felt impossible last year now feel possible.”
This is the sixth class that has graduated from the Academy. The Local Government Leadership Academy serves:
- elected officials who understand the basics of their role and are ready to take on new leadership challenges.
- department heads, directors, and managers who are new to leadership roles, as well as those aspiring to or preparing for leadership roles.
- anyone interested in becoming a more effective leader in local government.
Registration for the 2026 Academy is now available. Learn more about the Local Government Leadership Academy at http://www.go.wisc.edu/lgla, or contact Elizabeth McCrank, Local Government Leadership Academy Lead Facilitator, UW-Madison Division of Extension at (715) 436-0704 or lgla@extension.wisc.edu.
2025 Local Government Leadership Academy Graduates:
- Kendell Cooper, Public Health Program Manager, Jefferson County
- Dr. Cristina Figueroa Soto, Director of Operations, Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office
- Dr. Monique Hassman, GIS/Land Information Officer, Vernon County
- Colin Iwanski, Facilities Maintenance Technician, Portage County
- Sarah Lakewood, Register in Probate, Portage County
- Aerial Lopez, Assistant to the County Board Chair, Milwaukee County
- Allison Haase, County Board Supervisor, Waushara County
- Lucas Meddaugh, County Engineer, Portage County
- Laura Myers, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, Village of Lake Delton
- Mollie Olson, Public Health Strategist, Jackson County
- Sara Raikowski, Risk Management Specialist, Portage County
- Ben Rodenberg, Environmental Health Specialist, Jackson County
- Rebecca Rohan, Register in Probate, St. Croix County
- Natasha Schmid, Human Resources Director, Douglas County
- David Sletten, County Administrator, Douglas County
- Leah Walrack, Public Health Nurse, Iowa County
- Pamela Williams, Assessor’s Office Division Manager, Milwaukee County
- John Young, City Administrator, City of Baraboo
Photo Credit: Ann Ilagan Photography
