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Stan Keasling graduates from NeighborWorks® Achieving Excellence in Community Development Program
West Sacramento, CA —Stanley Keasling, Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) chief executive officer (CEO) recently graduated from the NeighborWorks® Achieving Excellence in Community Development program offered in association with Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Keasling is one of 49 leaders to graduate this year. Achieving Excellence is an 18-month educational program for seasoned executive directors and senior level staff in community organizations that focus on affordable housing, community revitalization or community economic development. Through this program, Keasling addressed critical challenges facing his organization, and identified and implemented solutions that dramatically changed how the organization does business to foster lasting community change.
Stanley Keasling, RCAC CEO completed
Harvard program for executives
Photo taken by Sharon Wills
“The opportunity to participate in this program as I assumed the responsibilities of CEO at RCAC was extremely helpful. It provided numerous tools and regular coaching as I worked with staff to forge a new process for engaging with local partners,” said Keasling.
According to NeighborWorks® America CEO Ken Wade, only the most experienced and sophisticated executive directors and senior level staff participate in this program.
“Stan’s successful completion of the Achieving Excellence program is a testament to his exceptional skills and long-term commitment to improving our nation’s communities and the lives of their residents,” said Wade.
The only comprehensive, intensive training of its kind, Achieving Excellence included three formal sessions at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, as well as executive coaching, intensive peer learning and guidance from Douglas K. Smith, a principal designer of the program and renowned expert on performance, learning, innovation and change. The graduation was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the NeighborWorks® Training Institute on March 4, 2010.
“We are so pleased that RCAC’s own CEO, Stan Keasling has completed the Harvard School of Government Leadership Class. In reaching this milestone, Stan serves as a critical role model for RCAC employees, and for RCAC clients and supporters. RCAC has already benefitted directly from his commitment to this program and we look forward to increased success in the future,” said Florine Raitano, president, RCAC board of directors.
For more information about the NeighborWorks Achieving Excellence program, please contact Erin Angell Collins, 202/220-6317 or ecollins@nw.org.
NeighborWorks® America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. Since 1991, NeighborWorks has assisted nearly 1.2 million low- to moderate-income families with their housing needs. Much of NeighborWorks’ success is achieved through its support of the NeighborWorks network, which is comprised of more than 230 community development organizations working in more than 4,400 urban, suburban and rural communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $15 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals.
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