The Care Providers of Minnesota Foundation has as one if its initiatives the “Leadership Fellowship: Leading 4 Life.” The year-long Fellowship program is in its fourth year.

The Leading 4 Life Leadership fellowship is funded primarily by the Rick E. Carter Leadership and Governance Fund, and the James B. Swanson Fund.  The curriculum was developed in partnership with Dr. Charles Weinstein, President, Ethical Leaders in Action, LLC. 

The fellowship program builds on leadership strengths by engaging practicing professionals in a coordinated curriculum with an array of practical and experiential learning experiences, to include: 

• In-person collaborative learning experiences;
• Assigned self-study;
• Mentorship experience;
• Group discussions; and
• Individually-tailored quarterly enrichment

 The development of the Leadership Fellowship program led to some specific goals, as well:

• Teaching leadership skills that are practical and relevant to the profession.
• Stimulating thought leadership on the changing landscape and effective ways for the profession to respond to— and proactively influence—changes for the good of customers, institutions, and practitioners.
• Supporting the application of emerging leadership techniques in a group setting
• Creating an environment where enduring professional and personal relationships can develop.
• Identifying and fostering emerging leaders in the field.

Here are a few comments about the Leading 4 Life Leadership fellowship from previous class members:

This has been a brilliant opportunity to step out of the day-to-day scene and take time to really focus on and collaborate on being better leaders. The group is very interactive and I have personally been able to take away something very positive after each meeting.

It has been even more enriching than I had imagined. Chad has created a group dynamic where we really have personally invested in the process and are sharing and trusting in open ways.

I feel that it is very well run and organized and a good use of time. It has help enrich my thinking and experiences/decisions at work and home.

The introspective nature of the beginning courses really helped me look at myself as a leader and what within myself is driving my leadership abilities. Also, looking inside myself to understand the barriers that are present, which may prevent me from being a great leader.

2012 Fellows

Allan Barr	Administrator	Woodlyn Heights Health Care Center
Jarod Champeaux	Director Adult Day Services	Benedictine Health Center
Lorna Craig-Paulson	Administrator	Truman Senior Living
Bobbie Jo Dahl	Quality Management Coordinator	Cedarview Care Center
Christina Gamaldi	Administrator/CEO	St. Mary's Care Center
Heidi Holste	Director of Government Affairs	Care Providers of Minnesota
Andrew Huhta	Administrator	Parkview Care Center - Wells
Colleen James	Director of Nursing	Benedictine Health Center At Innsbruck
Keith Karg	Dietary Director	Good Samaritan Society - Ambassador
Lisa Kern	Director of Social Services	Cedarview Care Center
Nathan Pearson	Administrator	Good Samaritan Society - Stillwater
Robert Rossbach	Director of Social Services	Good Samaritan Society - University Specialty Center
Melissa Rozsa	Director of Activities & Wellness	Madonna Towers of Rochester
Kathy Ryan	Housing Manager	Woodbury Villa
Stephanie Solberg-Williams	Assistant Director of Nursing	Good Samaritan Society - Ambassador

Click here for 2011 Leading4Life Project: Everyday Heroes True Stories to Inspire Leaders in Older Adult Care

Click here for 2010 Leading4Life Project: “Seasons of Self Care,” a collection of ideas, advice, reflections, and resources designed to help you provide for your own self-care. 

Click here for 2009 Leading4Life Project: A virtual basted approach for organizational development in older adult care.