Shackleford to attend two prestigious leadership programs

For immediate release:
May 14, 2014

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis), recognized by many Statehouse observers as one of the rising new voices in Indiana government, has been selected to take part in two prestigious programs designed to help emerging leaders across the country develop their skills.

Shackleford, first elected to the Indiana House in 2012, will take part in the State Legislative Leaders Foundation’s 2014 Emerging Leaders Program in July, then participate in The Council of State Governments’ 20th annual Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD) in August.

“These appointments simply confirm what has been obvious to many of us over a very short time: Robin Shackleford will be among the wave of young, energetic people who will lead our state government into the next generation,” said House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath from Michigan City.

“Her common sense, humane approach to governing and representing her constituents has become a model for others to follow, and I am pleased to see that she will get a chance to refine those skills and share her abilities with other, like-minded lawmakers from around the United States,” Pelath added.

The July conference, co-sponsored by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business Administration, is designed to develop the leadership potential of emerging political leaders for the challenges of the 21st century.

Through a series of interactive workshops, participants will be able to focus on developing a personal leadership style, helping show the importance of values and ethics in public service, gaining a greater perspective on the role that state legislatures play in American politics, and recognizing the need to build a consensus and reach compromises on crucial issues.

The August BILLD conference—which takes place at the University of Wisconsin in conjunction with that school’s Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs—includes seminars on development of leadership skills and provides participants with opportunities to analyze a series of public policy issues, including the economy, education and health care policy.

“I am honored to be selected to take part in both of these events, which are open only to a select few lawmakers from across the country,” Shackleford said.

“I hope to use these experiences as a means to gain a greater understanding of the issues that are important to the people I represent in the Indiana House, and work to find new solutions to make their lives a little better,” the legislator concluded.