Seminar Format

A total of four seminars will be held during the program year. Three seminars of approximately one week each will be held on site to reconstruct cases.  A fourth, two-day session in the Portland area will conclude the program with a review of leadership principles, techniques for policy resolution and a summarization of insights gained by the participants.  PSU faculty provide oversight and emphasize leadership principles, sound public administration practice and ways to improve policy outcomes.The Executive Seminar Program can also be taken for 3 graduate credits (by arrangement).

Who Should Attend?

Class composition reflects the diversity of players involved in natural resource policy issues. In previous seminars, participants have included federal, state, and local government administrators, tribal leaders, representatives from private industry and leaders of non-profit organizations.

Participants should be from the senior management level of their respective organizations. Class size is limited to 25, allowing participants to have the unique opportunity to personally engage and interact with case presenters and fellow participants.

Professional development of agency staff is a top priority for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Executive Seminar Program has provided an outstanding leadership training opportunity for agency employees.  The live case studeies allow participants to examine all aspects of highly controversial natural resource issues, and gain from the experiences of others in collaboratively resolving those issues.  ODFW often plays a key role in the outcome of major decisions affecting natural resources, and employees that have completed ESP are better equipped to provide the vision and leadership to help forge effective solutions and policy.  The Executive Leadrship Institute is providing a much needed service for the divers stakeholders involved in natural resource management.

- Roy Elicker
Director, Fish and Wildlife Programs
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife