Summer is a great time to continue your professional development, and the purposes of the CSAC Institute for Excellence in County Government is to help you increase your capacity to serve your county with exceptional courses. Check out what we have coming up in August and September below. Read on about next month’s classes and join us! Download the complete schedule of Institute classes through December. We have a great line-up for you.We have a great line-up for you. Register Now! Seating is limited and classes fill quickly. 

The CSAC Institute provides county officials, senior executives and managers with consummate opportunities to expand your capacity to exercise leadership and governance in volatile and uncertain times. Classes are open to all county staff and elected officials. They are an affordable $149 each and include instruction, class materials and lunch.

August Classes

Information Technology Organizational Culture   

Thursday, August 2 – 10:00 to 3:30
Sacramento Campus

NEW! Despite all the expertise, training and consulting developed over the last 20 years, we continue to struggle to implement IT initiatives, adopt activities and processes to achieve business needs. We have challenges creating buy-in, overcoming resistance and embedding changes in organizational behavior and culture. This is due to the ABC’s (Attitude, Behavior and Culture) of IT. ‘ABC is like an Iceberg, much of it hidden beneath the surface yet capable of causing enormous damage’. In this session we will discuss how to recognize and address ABC issues within your organization.

Instructor is Valence Howden, Research Director in the CIO Advisory Group at Info-Tech Research Group. 

Engaging Employees for Success  

Friday, August 3 – 10:00 to 3:30
Sacramento Campus

In times of disruptive change and scarce resources, it is critical that employees from all levels of the organization are fully productive and engaged in adapting to change and addressing new challenges. This interactive workshop discusses the business case for employee engagement, the conditions fostering active engagement, and simple steps for supervisors, managers and co-workers to promote engagement.

Instructors are Dr. Frank Benest, former city manager of Palo Alto and a noted expert in organizational leadership; and Donna Vaillancourt, former San Mateo County Human Resources Director.

Art and Practice of Organizational Leadership 

Thursday, August 9 – 10:00 to 3:30
Shasta/Tehama County Campus

This interactive course designed for both experienced and new senior county managers explores the practical applications of leadership in creating a high performing county organization - especially in the difficult environments counties operate. Participants engage in discussions of key practices in formal and informal leadership, particularly in achieving sustainable change; employee engagement and team-building strategies; leadership when you’re not in charge; and techniques for developing a vital workplace culture which supports organizational members.

Instructor is Dr. Frank Benest, former city manager of Palo Alto and a noted expert in organizational leadership and management.

GASB Financial Reporting Requirements 

Thursday, August 16 – 9:30 to 3:30
Sacramento Campus

GASB 34, Basic Financial Statements – and Management’s Discussion and Analysis – continues to change the way counties prepare and review their financial reports. This course will build you understanding of GASB 34, and implementation of recent GASB pronouncements — including GASB 75, exposure drafts and future agenda items. Participants review key concepts such as basic financial statement formats, reconciliations of government-wide financial statements to the funds financial statements, note disclosures and infrastructure capital assets. The class also highlights accounting, financial reporting and disclosure issues; new pension standards: GASB 67 and 68; and review of the county Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Eligible for CPE credits for CPAs and MCLE credits for members of the California Bar.

Instructor is Kenneth H. Pun, CPA, CGMA, Managing Partner of the Pun Group Accountants and Advisors. 

Mastering Social Media Basics 

Thursday, August 16 – 10:00 to 3:30
Contra Costa County Campus

Confused about social media, which platforms are right for you, how to find time to manage it, what to post? This class will help you understand what to focus on, how to implement it, and ways to quickly create compelling content using the latest photo, audio and video techniques! You will explore popular social media sites along with concrete tips, tools, apps and hands-on interaction that will help you become a social media Ninja (or at least have more confidence!). Valuable whether you’re a newbie or seasoned practitioner you will go away with knowledge and techniques to implement immediately.

Instructor is Kerry Shearer, former Sacramento County Public Information Officer and a consultant specializing in social media. 

Intergenerational Leadership 

Thursday, August 23 – 10:00 to 3:30
Sacramento Campus

For the first time in history we find ourselves working with people from five generations. In today’s workplace we have to understand, communicate and interact with people from different eras, different values and habits, and fundamentally different ideas about life! This class focuses on understanding and practicing how to integrate deeper generational insights into practice. Participants do self-assessments of their eras and their own values. They profile their work environments to discern the complexity of the generational mix. Most importantly they learn a unique set of skills and processes to employ when encountering people whose values, habits and business practices may be at odds with their own. This workshop provides participants skills to blend generations to get the best from everyone.

Instructor is Larry Liberty, Ph.D., who works with Fortune 500 companies and teaches in MBA programs across the globe, and is author of “The Maturity Factor – Solving the Mystery of Great Leadership.”