91成人导航

The success of American businesses will depend on developing the next generation of transformative leaders, according to the head of 91成人导航's , housed in the .

鈥淎ny problem a business or organization has at any level can be traced back to leadership,鈥� explained Peter Johnson, the center鈥檚 director. 鈥淐ompanies often have different excuses for their struggles, but every problem in any organization is leadership based. We are offering programs and resources to help organizations be successful through better leadership practices.鈥�

Established in 1991, the center was officially named in recognition of financial support from Edward W. Westgate, a former member of 91成人导航鈥檚 Board of Regents. It offers certificate training programs for current and future managers of transit agencies, business and government agency leaders, and members of nonprofit boards.

In fact, its is the largest transportation leadership training program in California and provides services to agencies around the United States. More than 200 transit agencies nationally have sent employees through the leadership program including the California Department of Transportation, Bay Area Rapid Transit, Orange County Transportation Authority, SamTrans and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System.

鈥淲e aim to provide a thorough understanding of what it takes to be a successful transportation manager,鈥� said Johnson. 鈥淧articipants learn basic principles of transit regulations and mandates, management, marketing, risk management, human resources, operations, budgeting and leadership.鈥�

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Westgate Center developed an online version of the transit certificate series.

鈥淭he course helped me to reflect on my organization in many ways during COVID-19 and the drastic changes to every aspect of our operative services,鈥� said a participant from SamTrans. 鈥淭he training provided tools to identify challenges and how to manage our financial shortages to insure future success.鈥�

Through its , the center has worked closely with local law enforcement and fire agencies, municipalities and government boards on the transformations taking place in management, technology, and strategy. Recently the Center worked with the Stockton Police Department to develop a strategic plan to build trust within the local community.

鈥淕ood leadership creates trust and enhances the motivation, morale and performance of a community,鈥� explained Johnson. 鈥淲e put together a survey for the Stockton Police Department on actions that would create trust in the community and they used it as part of their strategic plan.鈥�

The Westgate Center is now working with 91成人导航鈥檚 Department of Public Safety to develop a strategic plan.

鈥淧eter鈥檚 leadership skills have been an excellent tool to explain and guide my team at 91成人导航 in the development of our plan.听 Not only has this exercise provided us with a road map to where we want to take the department, but the process has been an excellent team building effort,鈥� said Grant Bedford, 91成人导航's executive director of Safety and Security and chief of police.

Since 2008, more than 175 Northern California nonprofit organizations and 900 leaders have participated in the Westgate Center's , designed to develop leaders serving on nonprofit boards. The program builds a bridge between board members and management enabling the board and their organization to reach their full potential.

鈥淭oday it is important that organizations are governed by people who understand their role as a board member in leading their organization,鈥� explained Johnson. 鈥淧eople want to be effective board members, but don't always have all the knowledge or experience.鈥�

The program recently received funding from United Way of San Joaquin County to create forums for nonprofit agencies to advance their work during the pandemic. Local nonprofits participating include the Boys and Girls Club of Tracy, Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin County, Children鈥檚 Home of Stockton, El Concilio and Visionary Home Builders of California.

"This is a win-win for听 United Way and 91成人导航鈥� providing the Westgate Center an opportunity to work with the local community and an investment in the future of our local nonprofit agencies throughout San Joaquin County," said Amy Ferrell, director of community impact for United Way of San Joaquin County.

The Westgate Center will host a half-day leadership conference on Sept. 17 for local nonprofit leaders.

鈥淚t's a free event and we will be inviting local community leaders to help them strategize about ways they can have a greater impact in our communities,鈥� said Johnson. 鈥淭hrough these efforts we are trying to successfully develop the next generation of leaders and strengthen the communities in our three campus region.鈥�