::The MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation::

Background

While one could debate whether leaders are born or made, what is clear to the MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation is that leadership matters. Remarkable leaders are self-aware, communicate effectively, have vision, adapt well to change, and build strong coalitions. We believe that organizations in MetroWest that are run by strong leaders are better able to demonstrate positive health outcomes, utilize evidence-based best practice models and work collaboratively with other community agencies to achieve their missions.

The Foundation also acknowledges while organizations may currently have effective leaders, turnover can quickly change that. A recent study on executive director transition by the New England Executive Transitions Partnership found that a staggering 71% of nonprofit executive directors planned to leave their position in the next five years. The need to fill this impending leadership void in our area is a strong impetus for the program.

Program

The MetroWest Health Leadership Program is a six-month knowledge and skill-building program designed to change the way local health executives, managers and officials think and act as leaders. Through a curriculum that includes presentations, discussion and practicum work, participants will gain a better understanding of their own leadership style and how they can use their leadership skills to improve health and health care in their communities.

Ten individuals will comprise the class. Participants must make a commitment to attend one weekend retreat and six day-long sessions from January through June. Topic areas include personal leadership, communication, strategic thinking, negotiation and coalition building. In addition, students will participate in a project that seeks to build on classroom work through the creation of a strategic and creative solution to a local health issue.

Classes will be taught by leading experts in their respective fields of knowledge, capitalizing on the rich talents the region has to offer.

Eligibility & Selection

To be eligible for the Program, applicants must :

Work or volunteer in the health field in one of the 25 towns served by the Foundation.
Show strong evidence of leadership experience or potential.
Demonstrate a commitment to continuing to work in the MetroWest area.

A committee comprised of representatives from the Foundation’s Board of Trustees will select the ten participants. Selection is limited to those who live and work in MetroWest.