Local government certificate program graduates 24

Twenty-four yellow roses sat on 24 chairs at the Law School at Suffolk University in Boston on the evening of July 9. The roses were for municipal officials from various communities and departments who had successfully completed the one-year Certificate Program in Local Government Leadership and Management.

The graduates of the program, a partnership between the MMA and Suffolk University’s Moakley Center for Public Management, were surrounded by family, friends and colleagues. The program is designed to help its participants succeed in their local government endeavors.

The graduates managed to pass the five graduate-level classes offered by Suffolk University while conducting their full-time jobs.

In addressing the graduates, Moakley Center Director Sandra Matava acknowledged the support they received from family, friends and colleagues.

“Though you did the major part,” she said, “you didn’t do it all on your own.”

MMA Executive Director Geoffrey Beckwith encouraged the graduates to continue their “passion for government.” Their service, he said, “is an investment … in the difference people can make.”

Commencement speaker Charles Baker, a former selectman in Swampscott and candidate for governor in 2010, congratulated the students for their hard work and tenacity in pursuing their careers in local government and public service.

In addition to some humorous anecdotes about his service in government, including as Massachusetts secretary of Administration and Finance, he gave genuine advice. He said he learned that “it is important to be tough on issues, but to be soft with the people.”

Baker emphasized the importance of forming and keeping relationships.

“Most things about life is about relationships,” said Baker as he looked around the room.

Faculty speaker and Lexington Human Resources Director Denise Casey echoed this theme when she advised the class to maintain the bonds they formed over the course of the program.

Middleton Selectman Christine Lindberg, a program participant, was picked by her class to give a speech.

“It wasn’t easy,” she said. “We will look back at this program to help make future decisions.”

By Glenda Fuentes