County officials across the state recently honored Madison County Supervisor Mary Cavanagh for graduating with a certificate from the County Government Institute (CGI).

The graduation was held during the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) recent Fall Seminar in Erie County. The ceremony honored 10 county officials for upholding the pillars of leadership, accountability, and integrity, according to NYSAC.

“The CGI program prepares rising and experienced county leaders for the challenges counties face, and equips them to engage in informed, constructive, and civil dialogue,” said NYSAC President Michael Zurlo.

The County Government Institute is a NYSAC educational program in partnership with Cornell University. According to officials, county leaders that graduate from CGI have earned a certification that demonstrates their dedication to good government and to upholding CGI’s high standards of county leadership.

The Institute’s curriculum reportedly includes extensive coursework on government ethics, building consensus in a political environment, principles of county budget and finance, and public sector labor/management relations. The courses are supplemented with electives, training sessions, and continuing education courses.

“The lessons learned through County Government Institute curriculum are used by county leaders across the state to better perform our duties as public servants,” Cavanagh said.

Cavanagh has served as county supervisor representing the City of Oneida for five years and is honored to be the first female chairperson of the Government Operations Committee in the history of Madison County, according to NYSAC. She also sits on the Finance Ways and Means Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee.

“The County Government Institute’s comprehensive curriculum prepares county officials with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the intense demands of local government today,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.

Courses are offered at all NYSAC conferences, and regionally throughout the year, to enable county leaders to stay up-to-date on timely issues and opportunities in local government. The knowledge and skills gained through CGI will serve county officials throughout their time in public service and beyond, according to NYSAC.