NEW PORT RICHEY, FL -- Some are already leaders, and some aspire to be—but all twelve teammates in the Saint Leo Leadership Development Program are preparing for a valuable learning journey.
Since 2022, the Pasco Clerk & Comptroller’s Office has partnered with Saint Leo University to provide this unique leadership training. The most recent two cohorts are blended, bringing together teammates from both the Dade City and New Port Richey offices. Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles believes that mix adds an extra layer of value.
“What I love is the mix that we have in this group,” Clerk Alvarez-Sowles shared. “You may not know each other, but now you’re going to have someone in another area of our Office that you can pick up the phone and call as you’re developing your relationships and your leadership community.”
Ms. Tiffany Anderson, Saint Leo’s Manager of Community Engagement & Special Projects, encouraged teammates to embrace the challenge of leadership.
“Your title may open doors, but your character, your integrity, and your presence create your echo,” Anderson told the class.
Facilitating the program is Mary Owens, Managing Partner at Black Diamond Associates, who reminded participants of the value they bring.
“You have your areas of expertise. You know what’s going to work here and what’s not,” Owens said. “You’re going to start bouncing ideas off of each other.”
Since the program began, 82 teammates from the Clerk’s Office have graduated from the Saint Leo Leadership Development Program—each carrying forward lessons that strengthen both their leadership skills and the Clerk’s Office as a whole.