The Florida Certified Public Manager (CPM) program is honoring its 300 newest graduates in three ceremonies around the state, with the first held July 27 in Tallahassee.
The CPM program is a nationally recognized leadership development program currently delivered in 38 states. Its purpose is to develop more effective public managers, thereby improving services to taxpayers.
In honor of the new graduates, Florida Gov. Rick Scott has designated the week of Aug. 12-18 as “Certified Public Manager Recognition Week.”
Florida has one of the largest and most successful CPM programs in the country, with more than 4,000 people statewide having completed it. The program is administered by the Florida Center for Public Management at Florida State, which is part of the Reubin O’D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy.
The 300 graduates have completed a rigorous two-year program, including 32 days of training in addition to required projects and exams. More than 100 government agencies — including city, county, state and constitutional offices — have participated in the Florida CPM program. The Florida Cabinet has recognized the program as a “preferred management development program.”
There will be three separate graduation programs this year. The first was held on July 27 at the Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center in Tallahassee. The final two will take place at the following locations and dates:
- BARTOW — A second three-day leadership conference will be held Aug. 14-16, with the graduation ceremony taking place at 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at the Bartow Civic Center.
- PALM BAY — The final three-day leadership conference will run from Aug. 28-30, with graduation scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, at Palm Bay City Hall.
For more information on the CPM program, visit www.fcpm.fsu.edu.