Mission Objectives Program Board Development

Mission To foster the development and engagement of emerging and existing leaders for the advancement of St. Lawrence County and its communities. Top Objectives & Goals Created in 1993, St. Lawrence Leadership Institute is an apolitical, not-for-profit organization based in Canton, New York. The objectives of this organization are as follows: Issues Education To offer a structured program that creates an informed citizenry aware of critical issues facing the county Leadership Development To advance the region with well-informed and energized individuals willing and capable of being inspiring leaders by engaging class members in discussion and hands-on learning of leadership best practices Networking To develop a network of leaders who represent the diversity of our county, and who are willing to work together for the common good Top Program St. Lawrence Leadership Institute is ... Available to individuals living or working in St. Lawrence County A nine-month series that runs from September to June, focusing on issues education, leadership development, and networking opportunities A valuable experience for lifelong or long-time residents or workers in St. Lawrence County as well as newcomers to this area SLLI works to accentuate the interconnectedness and interdependency of all challenges facing our region and the need for aspiring leadership. Top 2008-2009 Board of Directors Elisabeth Cain '06 Associate Director of Alumni Relations, Clarkson University   Patricia (Patti) Fisher Model Schools Coordinator, St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES   Joseph Kardash Microcomputer Coordinator/Athletic Director, Colton-Pierrepont Central School   Bess Kirnie Superintendent, Norwood-Norfolk Central School District Josh LaFave Assoc. Dir. Graduate Business Programs, Clarkson University Lisa McKeel '04 Supervisor, Adult Education, St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Patricia (Pat) McKeown, President Executive Director, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce CEO, Vanguard Communications & Consulting   Fred S. Morrill '05 Controller, St. Lawrence Zinc & St. Lawrence County Legislator Ellen Nesbitt '01, Secretary Associate Director, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Barbara O'Keefe '00 Retired, Special Education Teacher, St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Joann Sevick Director, St. Lawrence County Youth Division Chris Westbrook Director and Professor, SUNY ESF, The Ranger School, Wanakena Robert Zimmerman '06, President Manager, Dining Services, St. Lawrence University   Top Development One of the most important aspects of SLLI's growth in the last few years has been the generosity of businesses and organizations in our region. The Sweetgrass Foundation has graciously provided tuition assistance, first in 2004 with a direct grant, and a year later with a matching grant for a scholarship endowment. Executive directors of not-for-profit organizations, small business owners and employees, and working non-traditional students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees, among others, have benefited immensely from participation in the program made possible by scholarship support. SLLI is grateful to Alan and Kate Newell for this ongoing support. In 2005, the Development Authority of the North Country (DANC) awarded a grant to help fund alumni initiatives, including our Leadership Speaker Series. Each fall, SLLI sponsors a speaker of national renown to address some aspect of leadership. In 2006, SLLI hosted Michael Shuman, a lecturer, attorney, economist, entrepreneur, and author. His talk, "Small-Mart Leadership: The Key to Economic Prosperity" was co-sponsored by DANC, Clarkson University, St. Lawrence University, and the County Chamber of Commerce. A donation from Alcoa - Massena Operations made it possible for the event to be free and open to the public. This year, plans are to present a program on the issue of health care for children. In addition, SLLI has received general operating and scholarship support from such diverse businesses and organizations as Penski Inc. and United Way as well as from its generous alumni. Anyone wishing to support the advancement of leadership in St. Lawrence County is welcome to contact SLLI President Pat McKeown at info@slli.org or 315-386-4000. Top