Ottawa County Commissioner Mark Stahl is again in the state and national spotlight, joining a select group of leaders in county government from around the country to participate in the 17th annual County Leadership Institute (CLI).

It is more than an award for Stahl, of Williston in western Ottawa County. The rigorous CLI program developed by the National Association of Counties and Beacon Leadership Collaborative will be held Nov. 7-11 in Washington, D.C. to equip county officials with practical leadership strategies as they explore innovative approaches to address key issues facing their counties and constituents.

Stahl’s work outside the county has been recognized. Earlier this year he was re-elected chairman of The Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments. It is a powerful group which helps to drive economic viability in Northwest Ohio.

About 30 leaders are nationally selected for the CLI program, and Stahl was selected by the County Commissioners Association of Ohio.

“The County Leadership Institute provides hands-on professional development experience that will help us accomplish our goals in Ottawa County,” said Stahl. “This is a unique opportunity to learn from experts and work with other county leaders as we strengthen our skills to tackle some of our greatest challenges.”

The program helps county leaders develop their approach to solving complex challenges. It provides tools to encourage innovation and creativity; resources for invigorating organizational culture; and best practices in effective communication, collaboration and decision-making, Stahl pointed out.

“County officials often address similar issues and can learn a great deal from one another,” said Executive Director Matthew Chase of the National Association of Counties. The CLI fosters peer-to-peer learning and encourages common sense solutions to challenges that counties and residents face every day.”

The CLI has graduated 351 leaders from more than 175 counties across 45 states. This year’s program will focus on the demands of personal leadership in the modern era of government and be led by Beacon Leadership Collaborative’s Jay Kaufman, a former member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and adaptive leadership expert Jill Hufnagel.