By Amanda Raymond
amanda.raymond@salisburypost.com

SPENCER – Reid Walters, Spencer’s town manager, has completed the 2016 Leading for Results course at the University of North Carolina School of Government.

The course is provided tuition-free through the Local Government Federal Credit Union Fellows Program.

In its sixth year, the leadership development program provides skill-building classes in areas including strategic thinking, problem solving and effective communication.

The program also provides the skills necessary to put together a pool of local government talent to prepare for leadership succession, according to the press release.

“LGFCU is proud to be a partner in an initiative that provides local government employees with the tools and skills that will enable them to be change agents in the communities where they live and work,” Maurice Smith, LGFCU president, said in a press release. “What began as a shared vision between Local Government Federal Credit Union and the University of North Carolina School of Government became a partnership to demonstrate a commitment to strengthening local communities.”

Walters said the program was the second he has completed with the School of Government.

He said the program was very competitive for good reason.

“It’s probably the best segment of professional development that I’ve done,” he said.

He said he learned about strategic thinking, goal-setting and things he can do to leave a stronger impact. He also gained information that he could use with department heads and motivational tools he can use with employees.

Walters said the fellowship will allow him to build relationships with past and future fellows.

“It was great,” he said. “I thoroughly enjoyed it.”