Nemacolin Woodlands will host a special graduation dinner later this month. But the graduates won’t be seeking an entry level job – most of them already have middle management positions and are successful professionals. They will be graduates of Leadership Washington County. The goal of the program is to “strengthen county leadership by helping class members develop an in-depth understanding of a wide variety of issues effecting Washington County. It also helps coordinate leadership skills, motivation and involvement among class members,” according to the mission statement for Leadership Washington County. The leadership development program included 16 professionals from throughout the county. Most are nominated for the program by their company, although they can also nominate themselves for inclusion. The program is designed to get professionals more involved in their community and “cultivate young leaders,” said Natalie BonAnno, vice president for community services for the United Way of Washington County. Leadership Washington County was started three years ago. After administering the program for the first two years, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce handed over the reigns of the program to the United Way of Washington County. A board of 27 oversees the program. Now completing its third year, the program begins with a two-day retreat. That’s followed by day-long programs held once a month. The programs, designed to introduce the participants to a variety of topics, included: September – business and economic development; October – labor and management; November – education; December – local government; January – the justice system; February – health and human services; March – board membership; April – regional leadership day; and May – quality of life. During the regional leadership day, officials from leadership programs in neighboring areas such as Pittsburgh and Butler gathered. They discussed regional transportation needs. The sessions are hosted by professionals who specialize in the field being talked about in any particular month. For example, the Western Area Career and Technology Center in Canonsburg hosted the education program, while Serro Corp. in Washington hosted the labor and management session. The business and management program was held at California University of Pennsylvania. Each program includes guest speakers and roundtable discussions. More than just lectures, the program consists of field trips and special projects, too. A class project is completed, and may include anything from community service to conducting a leadership program with high school students. For example, classmates toured the Washington County Jail in January. There is also homework. The participants have occasional reading assignments before a program. They also were assigned to interview a school superintendent. Lisa Hruby, nurse manager for the coronary care department at Mon Valley Hospital, put together a booklet honoring the emergency crews who responded during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Hruby acknowledged she was initially intimidated by the other professionals dressed in suits. But she soon learned they all play an equal role in society. “It gave me a broader perspective of Washington County,” Hruby said. “I learned there’s a lot more out there than just health care. “It brings people together from different jobs. It’s an opportunity to learn about the different county and business functions.” Hruby and Paula Bassi became the latest Mon Valley Hospital employees to complete the leadership program. John Bogdan, nurse manager for the mental health ward, and Scott McCorkle, corporate compliance officer, attended the sessions in 2000 and 2001. Hospital spokesman Ron Paglia said Mon Valley Hospital supports the program, noting it provides employees a chance to exchange positive ideas with professionals in other fields. “We try to get our people involved in those programs which not only benefit the community, but benefit the hospital,” Paglia said.

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