Commentary: Leadership institute class of 2008

Who can make the most impact on our community in the shortest amount of time? This is the mantra for selection into the Colorado Springs Leadership Institute.

Unlike some of the leadership programs in our community, successful CSLI applicants must be proven leaders with a passion for Colorado Springs.

Until recently CSLI was "incubated" by EL Pomar. The folks at El Pomar thought highly enough of this program to support it for the last 10 years. CSLI is now its own 501(c) 3 with by-laws, a board, various committees and a schedule of gatherings.

Lorne Kramer and Janet Suthers serve as co-executive directors of the new organization.

So what is CSLI all about? The class of 2008 will mark CSLI's 12th year in our community. With 167 alumni to the program it is a formidable group from all factions of Colorado Springs.

The class gets to know each other quite well when they spend a busy week at the Center for Creative Leadership before graduating. This year's class will be April 14-18. There is testing, surveying, coaching and group interactions lead by the staff at the center.

CSLI encourage leadership communication, access to organized community leadership in our community, individual development, bonding with classmates, and builds networks, connectivity and expands spheres of influence. CSLI will serve as a clearing house for important community issues and be a catalyst for action.

The CSLI class of 2008 will be:

Eric Cefus, Catamount Institute, executive director

David Csintyan, Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, CEO

J.D. Dallager, Pikes Peak United Way, CEO

Tony Exum, Colorado Springs Fire Dept, battalion chief

Tim Leigh, owner Hoff and Leigh Commercial Real Estate

Jan Martin, Colorado Springs City Councilwoman

Bill Mead, Wachovia Securities, senior vice president

Becky Medved, community activist/ University of Colorado -- Aging Center volunteer

Mike Miles, Harrison School District, superintendent

Paula Miller, Pikes Peak Library District, executive director

Steve Mulliken, Mulliken, Weiner, Karsh Berg & Jolivet, president

Joy Powell, Memorial Health Systems, vice president

Mike Resty, U.S. Army, colonel (former garrison commander, Fort Carson) (FEMA)

Deborah Thornton, Imagination Celebration, executive director

Thayer Tutt, El Pomar Foundation, president and CIO

Martin Wood, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, COO

As you can see from this list, the organization can and will have an impact on Colorado Springs.

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