National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials Foundation Selects 2011-2012 Fellows

Program Provides Training, Mentoring to Elected Officials

WASHINGTON, June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Laurel, Miss., Councilman Trey W. Chinn and Nashville, Tenn., Councilwoman Erica S. Gilmore have been chosen as the 2011-2012 Foundation Fellows for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) Foundation.  The Foundation is supported by the National League of Cities (NLC).

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"We are pleased with the quality of the applicants for the 2011 Fellows Program. It was a very close decision among the applicants, all of whom are poised to provide great leadership to their cities, the states and NBC-LEO. We are excited about the progress of our Fellows Program and the future of our 2011 Fellows," said NBC-LEO Foundation Chair Audwin Samuel, Council Member, Beaumont, Texas.

The Fellows Program is designed to encourage local government officials to strengthen their governance expertise and leadership capabilities. The annual program focuses on leadership development and provides training and mentoring to African Americans and other elected officials from diverse communities.  Fellows participate in learning forums, case study discussions and seminars on leadership development.  

"I'm excited about the opportunity to engage in the experience of growing through course work, networking and mentorship. When those three components come together, enlightenment and transformation are certain," said Councilman Chinn. "I'm looking forward to experiencing all the enrichment that the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials Fellowship program will bring."

"It is a true privilege to have the opportunity to participate in this year's class of the NBC-LEO's Foundation Fellows Program. I look forward to following in the great steps of those awesome individuals who were the founders of this program," said Councilwoman Gilmore.  "I sincerely thank them for reaching back to develop others such as myself."

As part of their curriculum, the Fellows will receive registrations to NLC's 2011 Congress of Cities in Phoenix, 2012 Congressional City Conference in Washington, DC and the 2012 NBC-LEO Annual Summer Conference. Fellows will also attend seminars sponsored by the NLC Leadership Training Institute and will network with other elected officials, corporate partners and national leaders.

Fellows are also assigned mentors during their time in the program who provide career guidance and networking opportunities.  Councilman Chinn will be mentored by Memphis Councilmember Myron Lowery, a member of the NBC-LEO Board of Directors.  Councilwoman Gilmore will be mentored by James E. Mitchell Jr., NLC President and Council Member, Charlotte, NC.  Mitchell is also a past president of the NBC-LEO Foundation and a past president of the NBC-LEO constituency group.

For information about the NBC-LEO Foundation, visit www.nbcleofoundation.org.

The NBC-LEO Foundation supports and conducts non-partisan research, technical assistance, training and educational and informational activities and programs to advance African American political participation at the local level.  The Foundation also promotes municipal employment of African Americans and develops positive perceptions about government by African American citizens.  

The National League of Cities is the nation's oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.  

SOURCE National League of Cities