Political Leaders Program
Jun 7 2013 - 12:05am
College Leaders Program Class of 2013
Day 6: Thursday, June 6
Reported by: Richard Pantele, Hampden-Sydney College and Rachel Brooks, the College of William and Mary).
Today’s programming was insightful. We began the day by splitting up into focus groups comprised of one member from each policy area. The purpose of doing this was to present our preliminary ideas to the other groups in order to receive constructive criticism and strengthen our policy proposals. We all found this process useful. Many of the groups found that the greatest weakness was a lack of statistical information. After the combined groups met, we brought the information we gained in the focus groups to the class as a whole. This enabled the class and the Youth Program Managers to sit and discuss each individual project. After speaking with many people in the class, I found that the general consensus was that the session enhanced the substance and direction of each group’s policy.
After a brief break, Mr. Jeff Britt and Mr. Felix Sarfo-Kantanka visited the class. Mr. Britt serves as a vice president of grassroots issues management at McGuireWoods Consulting. Mr. Sarfo-Kantaka also works at McGuireWoods and serves as their assistant vice president in the state government section of the firm. Both of these gentlemen provided valuable insight about working in the world of public affairs. I found these presentations to be useful because I aspire to obtain a career in political consulting. It was clear that the class enjoyed their enthusiasm and willingness to be honest about the sensitivity of their positions as well as their willingness to share their story about how they got to where they are. They provided a realistic view of what it takes to have a successful career in the field of public policy. One of the greatest strengths of their lecture was their description of how people who identify with opposing political parties can come together and make a strong, valuable team in organizations like McGuireWoods Consulting. It is always nice to hear from people who started their political careers at the Sorensen Institute and are now experts in their fields.
In addition to the speakers from McGuireWoods Consulting, we had a two other guests visit the Sorensen College Leaders Program classroom. Ms. Connie Jorgensen, an assistant professor of political science at Piedmont Virginia Community College, gave an enthusiastic and effective presentation on the legislative process. After trying to start a rousing rendition of the "I'm Just a Bill" song from Schoolhouse Rock, she explained the details of how a bill really becomes a law and how to improve the likelihood that a piece of legislation will pass. Doing research, finding a legislator to carry the bill and getting voter support are a few key components to success in the legislative process. Considering many people in the College Leaders Program plan to run for office, the legislative process was a relevant topic to the group’s interests and ambitions.
While we ate lunch, Ms. Barbara Kessler, the director of human resources and workforce development programs at the University of Virginia, presented a resume workshop. Ms. Kessler’s advice was constructive for all of us regardless of age or class year. We received input about what to include and leave off of our resumes as well as what common mistakes to avoid. Since we all have varying degrees of experience and different accomplishments, she collected our resumes to individually edit and return early next week. Sorensen activities like the resume workshop will benefit us in applications, interviews, and other career-oriented endeavors.
After Ms. Kessler’s presentation, we had a class session with Dr. Quentin Kidd on “The Informed and Thoughtful Citizen” in which we went over the Constitution of Virginia and discussed different articles. Despite some rain, the overall opinion of the day was that it was productive and interesting. The College Leaders Program will start off another productive day tomorrow at 9 a.m., and I am excited to see what the rest of the program brings.
Dec 18 2012 - 11:41am
The Sorensen Institute is delighted to announce the names of those Virginians who have been accepted to the Political Leaders Program Class of 2013. The 2013 PLP will enjoy its first session together March 14-16 in Williamsburg. Each of these Virginians has been recognized as an emerging community and statewide leader. Congratulations to them all!
Katherine Acuff, Charlottesville
Lawrence Anderson, Richmond
Lettie Bien, Charlottesville
Jon Chasen, Locust Grove
Lee Coburn III, Glade Spring
Jacob Colley, Haysi
Tom Cosgrove, Williamsburg
Elizabeth Dietzmann, Virginia Beach
Frank Fannon, Alexandria
Tom Fitzpatrick, Richmond
Howard Foard III, Fairfax
Kimberly Geiger, Big Stone Gap
Danna Geisler, Chesterfield
Ross Grogg, Virginia Beach
Natalie Hart, Blacksburg
Carrie Hileman, Richmond
Mehmood Kazmi, Great Falls
Spencer Kimball, Alexandria
Patrick Knightly, Glen Allen
Lovely Lall, Leesburg
Ruth Larson, Williamsburg
Christopher Lindsay, New Kent
Andria McClellan, Norfolk
Suyong Min, Arlington
Barry Moore Jr., Chesterfield
Ashley Reynolds, Roanoke
Megan Rhyne, Williamsburg
Alejandra Santaolalla, Arlington
Thomas Scanlon, Arlington
Brandon Schall, Fairfax Station
Brian Schoeneman, Fairfax
Kanwar Singh, Richmond
Clarence Tong, Alexandria
Osmay Torres, Virginia Beach
Peg Willingham, Falls Church
Michael Wooten, Woodbridge
Sep 18 2012 - 5:50pm
The 2012 Political Leaders Program class visited Southwest Virginia last weekend, where they attended sessions on "Energy and Public Policy in Virginia" and "Heathcare Issues in Southwest Virginia." Beyond the classroom, they descended 3,000 feet into the McClure deep mine and attended Bristol's annual Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival.
You can view larger versions of these photos by choosing the fullscreen icon in the bottom right, or by clicking the Flickr logo to view the set on Flickr.
Dec 21 2011 - 8:00am
The Sorensen Institute is delighted to announce the names of those Virginians who have been accepted to the Political Leaders Program Class of 2012. The 2012 PLP class will enjoy its first session together March 15-17 in Williamsburg. Each of these Virginians has been recognized as emerging community and statewide leaders. Congratulations to them all!
Rich Anderson, Woodbridge
Jenni Aulgur, Harrisonburg
Rick Batten, Williamsburg
Demas Boudreaux, Richmond
Julie Brown, Danville
Anjan Chimaladinne, Chantilly
Heather Cordasco, Williamsburg
Ryan Dunn, Goochland
Hunter Fairchild, Palmyra
Evan Feinman, Richmond
Todd Gathje, Mechanicsville
Clay Gravely, Martinsville
Phil Griffin, Winchester
Ann Harbour, Manakin Sabot
Lani Hay, Vienna
Mark Keam, Vienna
Charles Kelley, Richmond
Tammi Lambert, Woodbridge
Jamie Lockhart, Arlington
Brent McKenzie, Virginia Beach
Jeremy McPike, Woodbridge
Willa Neale, Charlottesville
Doug Palmore, Richmond
Jeffrey Pennington, Portsmouth
Tony Pham, Henrico
Cass Rasnick, Richmond
Cornelia Robinson, Alexandria
Amelia Ross-Hammond, Virginia Beach
James Schroll, Arlington
Stewart Schwartz, Richmond
Gerrie Smith, McLean
Catherine Tobin Mika, Glen Allen
Joe Topham, King William
James Toscano, Norfolk
Mick Vollmer, Chesapeake
Chris West, Alexandria
Jun 1 2011 - 5:31pm
The PLP Class of 2011 met for the third time on May 20 when they paid a visit to Southside Virginia.
After tours of the Green Rock Correctional Facility and the Martinsville Speedway, the class headed to Ward Armstrong's house for a BBQ picnic and some Q&A with the House Minority Leader.
Saturday's session at Martinsville's Virginia Museum of Natural History focused on industry and workforce development, as well as Southside regional issues.
The class will reconvene on June 10 for the PLP's first-ever Lynchburg weekend.
You can view larger versions of these photos by choosing the fullscreen icon in the bottom right, or by clicking the Flickr logo to view the set on Flickr.
Apr 11 2011 - 9:40am
The Sorensen Institute would like to welcome the Political Leaders Program Class of 2011 to the Sorensen family! We recently updated our website to include their class under the Political Leaders Program Alumni section. On the PLP 2011 class page, you'll find detailed biographies for each of our 34 participants. The class has already met in Williamsburg and Richmond. They will next meet in Martinsville this May.
Apr 11 2011 - 9:28am
Political Leaders Program Class of 2009 alumnus Art Major currently serves as President of GearClean, Inc. This past week, GearClean was recognized by Governor Bob McDonnell as a recipient of one of the 2011 Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards. GearClean, headquartered in Winchester, was recognized in the Environmental Project Small Business category for their work in the Deepwater Horizon response. GearClean introduced a revolutionary decontamination process to help clean contaminated vessels. During the project, GearClean was able to remove contaminates from vessels without the use of solvents and cleaners and without producing secondary waste.
The Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards recognize significant contributions of environmental and conservation leaders in three categories: environmental projects, environmental programs and land conservation. They can be awarded to businesses and industrial facilities, not-for-profit organizations, government agencies and individuals. Additional information on the Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards is available here. Sorensen congratulates Art and GearClean!
Jan 21 2011 - 12:10pm
Joe Walton, a member of the Political Leaders Program Class of 2008, has been elected Chairman of the Powhatan Board of Supervisors by his colleagues on the board. Walton was nominated to the position by Supervisor Robert Cosby and was elected in a 3-1 vote and abstained from voting on his own nomination. Walton has served as the board's Vice Chairman during 2010 and will succeed Cosby; who served as Board Chairman for 30 years.
For more information, please read the article posted on Powhatan Today.
Jan 20 2011 - 4:39pm
Chris Fairchild (PLP 2008), Chairman of the Sorensen Institute's Charlottesville Regional Alumni Chapter, has been named to the Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors to fill the vacant Rivanna District seat. Elected unanimously, Fairchild will serve out the remainder of the term until December 2011.
Fairchild was nominated by Supervisor Joe Chesser. When asked why he wanted the postition, he stated, “I’m here because I care a great deal about our county.” In December 2010, the Rivanna Disctict seat was left vacant by Gene Ott. The Board of Supervisors voted yesterday, 5-0, to seat him. His first meeting will be Feb. 2 at 2:00 p.m.
Congratulations Chris!
Dec 21 2010 - 7:03pm
The Sorensen Institute is delighted to announce the names of those Virginians who have been accepted to the Political Leaders Program Class of 2011. The PLP Class of 2011 will enjoy its first session together March 10-12 in Williamsburg. Each of these Virginians have been recognized as emerging community and statewide leaders. Congratulations to them all!
Mary Alex, Lynchburg
Jonathan Baliles, Richmond
Matt Calkins, Great Falls
Saundra Cherry, Newport News
Anjan Chimaladinne, South Riding
Jeri Fairchild Martin, Lynchburg
Bishop Garrison, Alexandria
Daniel Gecker, Richmond
Jonathan Hannah, Fishersville
Dak Hardwick, Alexandria
Deborah Harvey, Lovingston
Marcy Hernick, Blacksburg
Paul Holland, Arlington
Bryant Hood, Danville
Robert Jackson, Madison
Garrett Jackson, Abingdon
Amanda Johnston, Toano
Mary Pauline Jones, Vienna
Tiffany Joslyn, Arlington
Aubrey Layne, Virginia Beach
Rosemary Mahan, Hague
Brad Martin, Virginia Beach
Robert Mayfield, Glen Allen
Michael McEvoy, Roanoke
Michael Menefee Jr., Richmond
John Newby II, Richmond
Sara Okos, Richmond
Stephen Parker, Prospect
William Stacia, Vienna
Julie Strandlie, Alexandria
Anne Ferrell Tata, Virginia Beach
Leonard Tengco, Virginia Beach
Terri Thompson, Chesapeake
Cara Townsend, Arlington
Lisa Turner, Virginia Beach
John Hardy Willson, Mechanicsville
