MVH VICE PRESIDENTS ASSIST IN PRODUCING WASHINGTON COUNTY WORKPLACE AND COMMUNITY LEADERS

Trustworthy, determined, flexible, energetic, visionary and inspiring are traits that a great leader possesses. D. Ray Andrews and David E. Clark are both exemplary leaders at Monongahela Valley Hospital and of the Leadership Washington County (LWC) program. They apply the concepts taught at the LWC daily and those leadership skills allow them to become more effective in both the workplace and the community. The valuable information garnered through the LWC program has helped them assist others do the same.

Leadership Washington County is a non-profit organization formed in 1998 as a cooperative effort between United Way of Washington County and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. The basic tenet of the year-long intensive program is to guide participants to a better understanding of themselves, their community and their role in making a positive impact in Washington County.

“I would recommend this program to any individual who wants to become better equipped with leadership skills and to understand the topics affecting businesses and communities,” said Andrews, Vice President of Administration and Support Services at Monongahela Valley Hospital and current president of Leadership Washington County. “It’s a captivating program allowing leaders to advance his or her leadership potential.”

And according to Andrews, a 2003 graduate of the program, that concept works very well.

“It’s definitely worth the investment of time and the tuition,” Andrews said. “I’m always looking for new ways to relate to others and improve business.”

Tuition for the program is $725. The participant’s employer or sponsoring organization is asked to invest $575 of this amount, and the remaining $150 must be paid by the participant to demonstrate a personal commitment to the program.

David E. Clark, Vice President for Human Resources at MVH and LWC’s immediate past president said, “Classes are typically very diverse. Businesses involved range in all sizes, large and small, and a wide variety of products and services are represented. The LWC curriculum is excellent, but also learning from each other is extremely beneficial. There are many fascinating things to learn about Washington County in terms of the valuable community resources, quality of life, and in all facets of community living.”

Clark noted that the program is recommended for employers who want to help their employees grow as leaders and as good citizens. Monongahela Valley Hospital has sponsored two students per year since 2001 and 12 health system leaders have graduated from the program.

The curriculum is segmented into monthly sessions. LWC address such topics as Leadership in a Changing Society, Government and Politics, Business and Economic Development, the Justice System, Education, Quality of Life, Health and Human Services, and Community Leadership.

Program’s objectives are met through class sessions combined with field trips and class projects. Ideas are exchanged during classroom sessions, guest speaker attendance, and field trips to the courthouse, hospitals, colleges and universities, and other businesses.

Clark said, “LWC is eye-opening in many respects. There are substantial resources in the County and it is an excellent opportunity to learn about them. We want others who work and live in Washington County to experience what the county has to offer and to become a LWC participant. I have met some very charismatic and dedicated leaders through the program and the networking that takes place at LWC.”

Peggi Fawcett, a 2002 graduate of LWC and a member of the organization’s Board of Directors, offered similar comments as she spoke about its continuing progress. “The program has grown from the vision of a few individuals into a major part of the revitalization of our community,” said Fawcett, executive director of Transitional Employment Consultants, a non-profit vocational rehabilitation provider of services for people with disabilities in Washington and Green counties.

“The current board of directors represents an excellent cross-section of our county and brings commitment, as well as diversified ideas and qualities, to our goals and ideals.”

Fawcett expressed appreciation to LWC’s corporate partners through the county for providing financial support and valuable resources in terms of personnel with experience and expertise to serve on the organization’s board and in other roles.

“We are very fortunate to have these partnerships in place,” she said. Fawcett noted that the mid-Monongahela Valley area of Washington County is very involved in and supportive of the program.

As an example, she said that Monongahela Valley Hospital recently was awarded the Leadership Washington County Corporate Award for exhibiting “outstanding support and dedication” to the program. “The hospital through Ray Andrews and Dave Clark has been a major corporate sponsor of the program and has had seven graduates since its inception,” she said.

The Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce participates in LWC by providing two scholarships to its members each year.
Debbie Keefer, Executive Director of the Chamber said, “I think it’s an amazing program. The Washington County program uses a model that is used by Chambers of Commerce throughout the nation, and it stands among the best leadership programs being offered anywhere. It’s so comprehensive and the volunteer presenters are outstanding.

“It is so important to groom younger people to serve the community in not-for-profit activities and Leadership Washington County is the best in the business,” she said.

Both Andrews and Clark encourage other Washington County leaders to become involved.

If you have questions regarding LWC, contact Ray Andrews at 724-258- 1102 or David Clark 724-258-1132 at Monongahela Valley Hospital or contact the Mon Valley Regional Chamber at 724-483-3507 or at its web site, www.mvrchamber.org. Additional information also may be obtained from Leadership Washington County at 724-225-3010 or www.leadershipwashington.com.