Thanks to Megan O’Leary Photography for use of her event photos in this post.
The Leadership Development Academy (LDA), recently had the honor of being named Forward Janesville’s 2020 Educator of the Year. This is awarded to an individual or organization that has actively encouraged partnerships between the business and education communities in Janesville and our neighboring communities with training that creates acute awareness of community needs, civic responsibilities and an understanding of how economic development is intrinsically tied to strong leadership role models and sustainable partnerships.
‘Together, we are changing the course and culture of Rock County’
Linda Ross, Executive Director of the LDA, had this to say, as she accepted the award for the organization:
“17 years ago, a group of local leaders had the vision to start the Leadership Development Academy of Rock County. Recently, John Beckord, President of Forward Janesville, told me that, as he was reflecting on his retirement, the Leadership Development Academy was one of the top 10 accomplishments he was most proud of. We are thankful to John for his vision and leadership in starting the organization and we wish him well in his retirement.
We have listened to area leaders who want youth to be involved in with workforce development and this fall we are launching a youth leadership program. We are looking for community members to partner with us on this pilot project, so please reach out to me if you are interested in hearing more.
At this time I would like to ask a few people to stand and stay standing. Would those who had the vision to start this program 17 years ago, please stand? Would our board of directors, current and past, please stand? Would our sponsors and session sponsors, please stand? Would our current participants, please stand? Would our alumni, please stand?
I am honored and humbled to accept this award on behalf of myself and of all of these people who are standing, who are making an impact on our community. They are our leaders, and together, we are changing the course and culture of Rock County. Please give them a hand!
(Side note: there were well over 100 people in the room who received a large amount of applause.)
Again, thank you for selecting us for this award and thank you for partnering with us to make Rock County a better place to be.”