The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) and the Virginia Cooperative Extension recognized the 10th class of the Virginia Certified County Supervisors’ Program on Nov. 8 during VACo’s 81st Annual Conference in Bath County.

Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors member Pattie Cooper-Jones, who represents the 801 Farmville District, was one of four graduates of the 18-month program.

According to a VACo press release, the Virginia Certified County Supervisors’ Program is a partnership between the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech and VACo to provide training to enhance the leadership and decision-making skills of county supervisors in the Commonwealth.

The Virginia Certified County Supervisors’ Program was created to provide VACo members more in-depth knowledge about government operations.

“Congratulations to our four newest graduates on completing one of VACo’s premier educational programs,” said James D. Campbell, VACo executive director.

“We now have more than 50 graduates from 39 counties since the program’s first class in 2006. VACo offers a number of quality educational opportunities, and the Virginia Certified County Supervisors’ Program continues to be one of our best offerings.”

Newly elected VACo President David Hutchins is a 2008 graduate of the program. “I encourage fellow supervisors to enroll in this smart, challenging and fulfilling program that continues to help me as I serve the citizens of Carroll County,” Hutchins said.

Virginia Cooperative Extension partners with Virginia Tech and VACo to develop and deliver the program.

“This program is a great example of Virginia Cooperative Extension growing its partnership with an organization to strengthen the impact of our community viability efforts and to collaborate with other agencies to provide leadership education,” said Dr. Michael Chandler, professor emeritus at Virginia Tech and one the program’s instructor along with Dr. Martha Walker, extension viability specialist.

The Virginia Certified County Supervisors’ Program provides an overview of the issues, expectations and practices associated with serving as a county supervisor as well as detailed information about local government.

Each participant completes five core courses featuring both classroom instruction and self-directed learning on leadership development, duties and responsibilities of public officials, community planning, local government finance and collaborative governance.