“Things weren’t always like this…” This session will examine how an organization that was struggling financially with low staff morale and a poor image in its community was able to transform into a premiere, well respected behavioral healthcare organization at both the local and state level through workforce development and building leaders from within. The presenters will introduce Meridian’s Leadership Academy, a program that was implemented into the organization to help teach staff and potential leaders important aspects of the nonprofit business world including human resources, marketing, grant writing, budgeting, process improvement, and customer relations. They will also explain why these topics were selected and the impact they had on professional development.

• Identify, screen and prepare future leaders for advancement.
• Cite examples on how to create a culture that encourages employees to seek advancement, exposes them to potential opportunities and maintains employee retention.
• Develop structure and customize a curriculum for participant’s own leadership academy.