"SEI was a transformative experience for me. It connected the dots between my job as a local government manager and the higher moral purpose served by the democratic process. SEI made one of the hardest jobs in the world fun and fulfilling by transforming frustration with a political process into excitement over a governance process. It has helped me empower my departments and staff, not by managing them, but by needing, challenging and trusting them. I still have high expectations, but they are now accompanied by an authentic connection to all of my staff that goes beyond the job. I think I am a far better manager in all capacities because of SEI. This includes enabling our elected body to govern, building community and creating a world class organization. A true testament to SEI is the number of chief administrative officers who send members of their staff through the program after attending it themselves. I and one of my staff received a partial scholarship to attend SEI which enabled our small organization to reap the program’s leadership benefits. Without the scholarship, a small community would struggle to send staff to such a rewarding program."