Date: October 30, 2026

Loretto City Administrator Jesse Turner joined 35 local officials who were selected to complete the Local Government Leadership Program (LGLP), a premier program of the University of Tennessee Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership, part of the Institute for Public Service.

Each year, LGLP brings together city and county leaders from across Tennessee to strengthen their leadership capacity, exchange ideas, and explore innovative practices that are designed to positively transform communities. This year’s program, held in Jackson at The West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, was coordinated in partnership with the Naifeh Center’s sister agencies the County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) and the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS).

Participants engaged in a dynamic, multi-day experience that combined a leadership assessment, team-building activities, and small-group sessions focused on real-world challenges. According to Naifeh Center Training Specialist Keith McGee, the program was intentionally designed to help leaders discover their unique leadership genius, cultivate ethical cultures, and apply best practices in public service.

“The sessions offered opportunities not only to reflect on personal leadership approaches, but also to collaborate with peers in charting a vision for stronger, more resilient communities,” McGee noted.

Reflecting on the program’s legacy Naifeh Center Executive Director Macel Ely said: “Since its founding in 1991, the Local Government Leadership Program has sought to inspire growth, collaboration, and networking among Tennessee’s local government officials. Graduating from this program represents a deep commitment to serving with vision and integrity. We are tremendously proud of this newest class of graduates and confident that the skills they’ve gained will empower them to guide their cities and counties toward a brighter future.

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