Current year program

Orientation...

Orientation is held prior to the first program. The Orientation is designed to provide the class with an advance opportunity to meet and greet each other as well as board members and program coordinators in attendance. Dinner is provided for this event, as meals and transportation from site to site are provided for this and each program.

Leadership Skills...

One of the more popular programs, Leadership Skills Day provides participants with information about, and exercises in, team & leadership building. This class will allow you to determine your own leadership style, understand the leadership styles of others, determine the impact of different leadership styles on day to day operations and illustrate how the practical application of the knowledge gained during this session can be used to improve organization and time management skills. Volunteer coordinators facilitate discussions and activities on how to apply learned leadership styles when making difficult decisions and how understanding leadership styles can affect the art of negotiation.  
Coordinators: Liz Benuscak, Executive Director, Bi-Coastal Resumes; Lizanne Fiorentino, Owner, Ignite the Flame, LLC and Jonathan Fanning, President, The Growth Coach.

Historical Rockland...
Be prepared to be active during the morning and afternoon sessions as many of the day's locations have paved walkways and "rolling landscape". You will learn about and experience life in Rockland County as it evolved from the 18th century to present day. This day is educational, mostly outdoors and interactive. Many of Rockland's historical experts and sites will be on the agenda. You will walk away with a comprehensive overview of the rich history of Rockland County. Activities will address the revolutionary history of Rockland, explore the history and settlement of different communities throughout the County, and highlight the development of roadways, industry and transportation systems.
Coordinators: Erin Martin, Executive Director, The Historical Society of Rockland; Julia Warger, Executive Director, Stony Point Battlefield; Steven Porath, Director of Economic Development, Rockland Economic Development Corporation and Thomas F. X. Casey, Rockland County's Historian.

Diversity Dimensions...

This program provides participants with an overview of the experience of living in today's culturally diverse society. This session will discuss the cultural demographics of Rockland County, demonstrate how and when different cultures came to the County, and explore what diversity brings to different aspects of life in Rockland. Time will be spent delving into the myths and the realities of cultural diversity and identifying the challenges that arise from having such a diverse community in the context of education, economic development, public policy and community development.
Coordinators: Ram Nagubandi, Rockland County Commissioner of Human Rights and Sabrina Vargas, Director of Operations, Town of Clarkstown.

Education and Developing Human Capital...

Strong debates, interactive activities, and educational speakers lead the agenda for this session. This day will provide you with a balanced socioeconomic overview of education in Rockland County today and its role in developing the future workforce. The program will discuss the impact of the growth rate on the school system, explore the impact of our culturally diverse population on the education system and illustrate the interconnectivity between education and economic development, public safety, public policy and employment issues. The session will also explore how schools are addressing workforce development and work readiness, and discuss what we as a community can be doing to better prepare our youth for the work force. Participants will be given a tour of Rockland County public schools, obtain insights into current programs available to students, discuss funding in the public education system and receive an overview of the higher educational opportunities in Rockland.
Coordinators: Gail Koss, Board Member, Rockland B.O.C.E.S.; Debra Thomas, Executive Director, Rockland Teacher's Center; Marcia Scheer, Deputy Director, Child Care Resources of Rockland; Anne Byrne, Board Member, Nanuet Union Free School District Board of Education; Dr. Cliff Wood, President, SUNY Rockland Community College and Dr. Eugene McMahon, Educational Consultant, McMahon Advocacy Group.

Criminal Justice and Public Safety...

This session will provide an insiders look at law enforcement, the judicial system, and the correctional system in Rockland County. The agenda will include representatives from the offices of the District Attorney, the Public Defender, Probation, the Police and Sheriff's Department and an inside tour of the Rockland County Correctional Facility. The program provides participants with an overview of the criminal justice system and public policy issues facing Rockland County today. Activities will explore how law enforcement has evolved to address the changing needs and demographics in the County, discuss emergency planning and precautions taken, and illustrate how County agencies interact with one another in the event of an emergency.
Coordinators: Tim O'Neill, Detective Sergeant, Clarkstown Police Department; Dan Weisberg, Lieutenant, Clarkstown Police Department; Jim McCormick, Sergeant, Clarkstown Police Department; Hilda Kogut, Director of Public Safety, County of Rockland; Louis Falco, Captain, Rockland County Sheriff's Department and Michael Greco, Senior Investigator, New York State Police.

Economic Development and Tourism...

This session will provide an overview of the issues and challenges of Economic Development in Rockland County today. Activities will include information on the Open Space Plan, Smart Growth, zoning laws, and strategies of business attraction. The program will also look at tourism in Rockland County, tourism as an economic engine, and the marketing of Rockland County. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss key issues in a seminar setting consisting of panel discussions, role playing and brief presentations, all which will have Q & A sessions.
Coordinators:  Steven Porath, Director of Economic Development, Rockland Economic Development Corporation; Steven Yassky, Vice President, Rockland Realty and Al Samuels, President/CEO, Rockland Business Association.

Environment & Transportation...

This session will address today's environmental challenges. The program will explore the growth rate and it's impact on the environment. It will address the implications of the limited amount of land currently available for use, the environmental impact of land, water, sewer and recycling issues, as well as public transportation ­ pros, cons and improvements both inter and intracounty.
Coordinator: Doug Brusa, Associate Director of Development, Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory; Bob Baird, Columnist, The Journal News; Andy Stewart, Executive Director, Keep Rockland Beautiful.

Healthcare, Non-Profits and Community Development...

Informative discussions and Q & A panels with experts from Good Samaritan Hospital, Nyack Hospital, Helen Hayes Hospital, and the County Hospital Center will be on the agenda. Participants will explore the economics of healthcare, how services offered by the healthcare and non-profit communities are evolving to meet the needs of the changing make-up of Rockland County and how private healthcare, non-profit agencies and county agencies integrate to serve our community. The program will also explore the issue of duplication of services within the County and current strategies in place to keep those who live in the County from seeking services elsewhere.
Coordinators: Gary Kogut, Vice President of Revenue Cycle Management, Sonix Healthcare Solutions; Bonnie Walsh, Assistant Director, United Hospice of Rockland; Maureen Hyatt, Director of Recovery Services, Mental Health Association of Rockland County and Diane Serratore, Executive Director, People to People.

Participants tour the Meals on Wheels facility in West Nyack during a mini day of caring program as part of the Leadership Rockland Healthcare, Non-Profits and Community Development Day

Arts, Culture & Media...

Traditionally, participants enjoy discussion and interactive programming which provides an overview of the arts, theatre, and activities available in Rockland County. The second part of the day is spent exploring and addressing the media presence in the County. Art, culture and media will be explored and discussed as an important part of our lives and community. The evening session will take place at the Rockland County Executive's Arts Awards at Rockland Community College. Your ticket is included in your tuition and this program is partially funded by Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.
Coordinators: Mark Judelson, Executive Director, Arts Council of Rockland and Bob Baird, Columnist, The Journal News.

Mark Judelson, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Rockland, speaks with a recent class during an exercise at the Hudson Valley Children's Museum. Mr. Judelson is the coordinator of Arts, Culture & Media Day. The class meets at a number of sites during the day, and then attends the Rockland County Executive Arts Awards - a program coordinated by Mr. Judelson as well!

Politics Day & Public Policy...

Participants are given the unique opportunity to discuss many of Rockland's key issues directly with political leaders during this session. Representatives from political parties along with representatives from town, village and county governments are on the agenda throughout this interactive program. You will be provided with an overview of the structure of County government, the relationship between County, Town and Village governments and how they interact with one another.
Coordinators: Frank Borelli, Principal, The Ducey Insurance Agency; Mark Rothenberg, Rockland SCORE; Alden Wolfe, Attorney, Alden H. Wolfe, P.C. and Judith Bachman, Attorney at Law.

Essay...

Participants are required to complete a one page essay on their experiences relative to the Leadership Program.

Graduation...

Graduation is held within a month of the final class date and participants are invited to bring along a guest. As the Leadership Rockland year comes to a close, you will be welcomed into the ranks of the alumni, numbering just over 400. Board members, coordinators and participants mingle and recount many of their favorite programs and speakers. Certificates are awarded.