Alachua County congratulates graduating Certified Public Manager cohort

Press release from Alachua County

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – The Alachua County Commission proudly congratulates the latest cohort of public service professionals who have successfully completed the rigorous Certified Public Manager® (CPM) program and earned their national designation.

Graduates in this year’s class include Mehdi Benkhatar, Elisha Cash, Amy Childs, Johnathan Criswell, Brian Kauffman, Gary Kendall, Gina Peebles, Nadia Penelton-Scott, Elizabeth Reyes, TJ White, and Misty Woods.

The CPM program is a nationally recognized leadership development initiative for public managers and supervisors, currently offered in 42 states and by the federal government. Designed to elevate the standards and effectiveness of public sector management, the program consists of 31 days of intensive classroom instruction, supplemented by real-world homework assignments and exams.

Participants advance through eight levels of instruction. Levels 1 through 4 focus on core leadership skills, team development, and strategies for improving organizational effectiveness. Levels 5 through 8 build on that foundation by examining complex organizational systems, strategic policy formation, and high-level decision-making. Outside the classroom, participants are challenged to apply concepts directly to their roles and agencies, reinforcing the practical value of the training.

“This designation represents more than a certificate; it symbolizes each graduate’s commitment to excellence in public service and to continued professional growth,” said County Commission Chair Charles “Chuck” Chestnut IV. “On behalf of the entire County Commission, we are proud of their accomplishment and confident they will continue to lead with integrity, innovation, and impact.”

  • Congrats! I guess.

    Next question would be did they take time off for the 31 days of intensive classroom instruction.

    If not, guess there’s no reason for people to wonder what County employees are doing while they’re working from home.

    • Good for them!

      The class work is done on company time. But the papers and reading are done on your own time.

      I thought it was excellent training.

      However, no one put out a press release when my class graduated.

    • It’s often referred to as “Professional Development.”

      Maybe you should.

  • Job well done.

    Thank you for accomplishing the CPM Course to better serve the Community.

    Congratulations & Blessings.

    • Hateful title, shame on you!
      These folks deserve to be applauded

  • Hopefully this group is brighter than our current city commissioners, CPAs, and city manager.

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