Thirteen senior public servants came to Maxwell this September for a three-day program as part of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators’ (NFBPA) Executive Leadership Institute (ELI).

Syracuse University faculty and representatives of the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County led seminars on topics such as decision making and crisis management, leading change, Syracuse’s Autonomous Systems Policy Institute, and participation in civic infrastructures. Participants also toured downtown Syracuse. 

NFBPA is a national organization that provides training and professional development to black leaders in local and state governments. ELI was founded in 1987. The eight-month, competitive program’s selection process considers, among other attributes, participants’ demonstrated leadership experience and commitment to social responsibility. The program addresses issues including urban development, transportation policy, economic development strategies, and other public policies. 

Syracuse is one of ELI’s many university partners. Participants spend one long weekend from August through March at training sessions that combine academic perspectives with real-life issues that public servants address. ELI program expectations stress networking and peer exchange opportunities – core tenets of Executive Education’s diverse training programs.

NFBPA is partnering with the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) to offer this year’s ELI. The class will contribute to NAPA’s Grand Challenges in Public Administration and complete capstone projects, which will be published and shared with colleagues across the nation.

ELI participants hold a variety of jobs, including positions in human services, economic development, IT, neighborhood services, external affairs, housing, and public safety. Participants hail from cities in five states: Newport News, Virginia; Charlotte and Greensboro, North Carolina; Austin, Houston, Hutton, Missouri City, San Antonio, and Round Rock, Texas; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

The Maxwell School has partnered with NFBPA for more than 25 years. “Every new class adds something new to our relationship,” said Steven Lux, director of the Executive Education Program. “We love engaging these accomplished young professionals and are proud to be a part of their leadership development.”

Marcia L. Conner, NFBPA executive director, appreciates the professional organization’s long-term relationship with the university. “The Maxwell faculty are an incredible resource for our Executive Leadership Institute,” she said. 

10/07/19