The Florida Counties Foundation recently recognized Escambia County Assistant County Administrator Matt Coughlin for his successful completion of the County Government Education program. Coughlin completed the foundation-developed program along with 11 other Florida county staffers, all of whom were recognized during an awards ceremony held at the Florida Association of Counties Annual Conference in Orange County.
This is the first year the foundation has offered the County Government Education program. In the past, county staff have had the opportunity to audit the foundation's Certified County Commissioner workshops, but with this program, staff participation is being tracked just like it is for commissioners.
Based on the Certified County Commissioner program, this voluntary program of study covers a variety of topics, such as ethics and Sunshine Law, county government roles and responsibilities, county government structure and authority, financial management, growth management, negotiation skills, economic development, and effective communication. County staff must take a total of 45 course hours to graduate.
The University of Florida/IFAS Extension sponsors the foundation's educational programs. For more information about the foundation or its programs and courses, visit the FCF website at factor.fl-counties.com.
For more than 85 years, the Florida Association of Counties has represented the diverse interests of Florida's counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule - the concept that government closest to the people governs best. The Florida Association of Counties helps counties effectively serve and represent Floridians by strengthening and preserving county home rule through advocacy, education and collaboration.