Emerging Leaders Committee

The Emerging Leaders Committee is a strategic initiative my WCMA aimed at the development of future generations of professional local government managers.  This effort is a multi-faceted approach to sustain the profession through the following initiatives:


  • Collaborate with Women's Leadership and Membership Services Committee to establish coaching program for WCMA;
  • Assist with the development of educational programs and conference sessions at both conferences; 
  • Assist Regional Coordinators with meeting educational needs of Emerging Leaders; 
  • Plan opportunities for Emerging Leaders to build relationships;
  • Develop high quality professional development sessions;
  • Partner with other public sector organizations if it is beneficial to both associations;
  • Assist in recruitment and retention of new and existing Emerging Leaders; and 
  • Provide education, resources and/or volunteers to local schools and colleges and universities to promote professional local government management as a career option

 Travis Coenen, Chair

Gabe Altenbernd, Vice-Chair


Committee Members:

Gabe Altenbernd, Emily Blakeslee, Tyler Burkart, Jesse Cuff, Lauren Freeman, Erin Hirn, Jennifer Keller, Brian Mooney, Melissa Pingel, and Benjamin Polony