Jill Upson

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. – Delegate Jill Upson, R-Jefferson, has been selected to participate next week in the 2017 Emerging Leaders Program, sponsored by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

This prestigious program is held every year on the campus of the University of Virginia for a select group of state legislators who have been nominated by the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate or Minority Leader from their state. Leaders are asked to nominate one or more members who by their actions have demonstrated those qualities we associate with leadership — integrity, compassion, intelligence, vision, and common sense.

The goal of this program is to inspire these men and women to continued careers in public service.

“I am so honored to have been selected to take part in this program,” Delegate Upson said. “Leadership and the ability to build consensus are important qualities to harness if you want to get things done in the Legislature. I think the lessons I learn at this program will help me better serve my district and the people of West Virginia.”

Class discussions will examine qualities and characteristics of leadership including: ethical leadership, the art of compromise and coalition building, and the philosophical underpinnings of representative democracy. The discussions will be led by Professor Ed Freeman, the Elis and Signe Olsson Professor of Business Administration at the Darden School. A distinguished UVA faculty along with Dr. Thomas Little, Curriculum Director of the State Legislative Leaders Foundation, will join Dr. Freeman.

Delegate Upson is one of only 50 state legislators chosen from a nationwide pool of more than 200 outstanding nominees.

Stephen G. Lakis, President of the State Legislative Leaders Foundation, said, “These legislators represent the best in our legislative institutions, and are destined for future leadership roles in their state. Spending time with these up and coming leaders renews my confidence in our country’s great democratic experiment.”

The Emerging Leaders Program will take place Monday through Thursday (July 10-13) in Charlottesville, Va., at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

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