Leadership Skagit partnership between EDASC, SVC continues

Skagit Valley College (SVC) and EDASC are pleased to announce their continued partnership in Leadership Skagit, a program developing a network of business and community leaders.

SVC President Tom Keegan and EDASC CEO John Sternlicht in January signed a new cooperative agreement formalizing their continued commitment to providing vibrant, relevant, and innovative programming to continue to serve the community’s leadership needs.

Under the new agreement, SVC now provides a partial faculty position to update and manage the curriculum. EDASC will continue to operate the program.

“SVC’s partnership with EDASC in Leadership Skagit is an excellent example of two organizations working together to build a stronger community,” said SVC President Tom Keegan. “John Sternlicht and I are excited to build upon the exceptional successes the program has enjoyed with new engagement experiences, networking opportunities, and professional connections that will respond to our community’s future leadership needs.” 

Dr. Laura Flores Cailloux, who specializes in leadership development, filled the partial faculty position with SVC. She works collaboratively with EDASC's Leadership Skagit Program manager Mary Heffernan Trester. Trester leads program fundraising efforts, manages volunteers and recruit program participants.

The Leadership Skagit program works to strengthen and transform our community by developing individual, business, and community leadership that is informed, inclusive, and connected through shared learning experiences.

The program proudly counts more than 500 graduates since its inception in 2004. The intensive nine-month curriculum combines leadership skills development with in-depth information, study, and discussion on topics critical to the future of our region.

In addition, participants work in small teams to identify, plan, organize, and implement a service project that will provide a lasting benefit to our community.