For the second consecutive year, the Michigan Department of Human Services Leadership Academy has been selected as one of the Top 50 programs in the 2008 Innovations in American Government Awards competition. These honorees are among the top 5 percent of the initial applicant pool.

The DHS Leadership Academy selects high potential leaders and accelerates their development through a two-year intensive program to prepare them for high level positions at DHS. Academy participants are trained in a broad range of leadership competencies rather than groomed for particular positions.

"Investing in our staff to prepare future leaders is one way we can help put Michigan back on track," DHS Director Ismael Ahmed said. "We can provide better service to the people of Michigan when leaders are prepared to take on additional responsibilities."

A total of 88 DHS employees have graduated from the Leadership Academy since its inception in 2001. An additional 24 employees are currently enrolled in the 2006 academy. A selection process is under way to pick the candidates for the 2008 academy. A total of 32 academy members have been promoted since entering the program.

DHS, like most organizations, is projected to lose many of its top leaders to retirement in the next three to five years. Currently 45 percent of DHS top leaders are eligible for retirement, and 75 percent will be eligible within five years.

"To be included among the Top 50 innovative programs shows for the second year in a row shows our program is on the cutting edge of developing leaders of tomorrow," said Bill Patrick, director of the DHS Office of Professional Development.

The Innovations in American Government Program, administered by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, is a significant force in recognizing and promoting excellence and creativity in the public sector. By highlighting exemplary models of government's innovative performance, the program serves as a catalyst for continued progress in addressing the nation's most pressing public concerns. Each final winner is eligible to receive a grant of $100,000 to be directed toward replication and dissemination activities.

For more information about the awards program, go to www/ashinstitute.harvard.edu"