County department head asks commission to endorse attendance in KU's Certified Public Manager program

Tammy Robinson, identified in the meeting as a department head, asked the Geary County Commission for a letter of support to attend the University of Kansas Certified Public Manager (CPM) program. Robinson said the program is an 11-month, competency-based management certificate that requires two on-site days per month and that the early-bird registration deadline is April 30.

Robinson told commissioners the program is “under the $5,000 limit that we have that a department head can actually approve themselves,” but she requested formal support rather than approving it unilaterally: “I feel like it is justifiable to come to you for support of this program and not me just assume that you support it.” She said the training could benefit other county staff and proposed nominating additional employees for future sessions.

A commissioner volunteered to write a letter of recommendation. Robinson said two other county employees — Jeremy and Charles — and possibly another staff member were candidates who could benefit from the program, and that the program is offered on two schedules (July–May or January–November). She told commissioners she would submit the application if the commission provided a supporting letter.

Why it matters: the CPM is a nationally accredited program aimed at strengthening public management skills. Robinson framed her request as a staff-development investment the county already has budget authority to approve at the department-head level but felt was appropriate to bring before the commission for formal endorsement.

What happens next: a commissioner agreed to provide the letter of support; Robinson will follow up with staff to finalize registration and distribute program materials to interested colleagues.