In the ever-evolving landscape of local government, effective leadership is not just about managing departments – it’s about fostering relationships, enhancing communication and creating systems that serve the community.
The Local Government Leadership Academy (LGLA), a nine-month cohort program developed by UW-Madison Division of Extension, Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) and Leadership Wisconsin, Inc., is designed to equip local leaders with the tools to do just that. Through workshops, virtual sessions and goal setting, participants focus on four foundational leadership skills: relationship building, communication, decision making and vision.
This year, Douglas County was proudly represented by Dave Sletten, Interim Administrator, and Natasha Schmid, Human Resources Director. Both leaders embraced the opportunity to grow professionally and apply their learning to real-world challenges within their county roles.
Dave Sletten: Connecting Through Storytelling
Dave Sletten’s professional challenge centered on enhancing department cooperation and gaining a deeper understanding of the county’s day-to-day operations. Despite his long tenure with Douglas County in Emergency Management, 911 Communications and Building & Grounds, stepping into the Interim Administrator role revealed how much more there was to learn.
To bridge this gap, Sletten launched a creative initiative called Douglas County Drive – a series of educational videos that spotlight different departments. These videos not only helped him connect with staff but also showcased the meaningful work being done across the county. From riding in a snowplow with the Highway Department to planting flags with the Veterans Office, Sletten’s approach was grounded in being present, listening actively and asking open-ended questions – skills emphasized in the LGLA coursework.
Each episode of Douglas County Drive can be accessed via the Douglas County Administration webpage and demonstrates strengthened relationships and increased visibility into county operations. Sletten’s efforts validate how storytelling and curiosity can foster collaboration and appreciation among departments, ultimately enhancing the county’s ability to serve its residents.
Natasha Schmid: Strengthening Communication Systems
For Natasha Schmid, the LGLA experience provided a framework to tackle a deeply rooted challenge: ensuring effective communication across Douglas County.
As HR Director, Schmid observed that employees often missed key updates or misunderstood messages from HR and Administration. This disconnect not only hindered operations but also eroded trust and engagement.
Guided by LGLA principles and mentorship from facilitator Elizabeth McCrank, Schmid narrowed her focus to department managers – the linchpins of internal communication. She began building rapport by positioning herself as a supportive, transparent and inclusive resource. Recognizing the steep learning curve for many new department heads, she implemented structured HR reports formatted around “What,” “Message” and “Why,” ensuring clarity and context for staff communications.
Additionally, Schmid’s goal is to secure training slots in Manager Meetings to address administrative knowledge gaps. She launched an intranet to centralize resources, announcements and archived trainings. These systems will not only improve access to information but also empower managers to lead with confidence and consistency.
Yet, the journey wasn’t without obstacles. Navigating the varying priorities, communication styles and operational approaches across departments – whether led by long-standing managers or individuals in publicly accountable roles – required a deeper understanding of how each contributes to the broader goals of the County. Schmid’s reflections revealed a need for systems thinking – a holistic approach to help departments see their role in the broader organizational ecosystem.
Insights from the Journey
Both Sletten and Schmid’s experiences underscore the importance of connection, curiosity and clarity in leadership. Sletten’s video series exemplifies how creative engagement can build bridges across departments, while Schmid’s structured communication strategy highlights the power of transparency and consistency.
The Power of Shared Understanding
One of the most profound insights from the professional challenges emphasized shared understanding. Decision-making in local government is not isolated – it involves multiple roles, perspectives and data sources. By asking purposeful questions, responding thoughtfully and sharing relevant data, leaders can foster a collective understanding of systems and services.
This approach aligns perfectly with LGLA’s mission: to develop leaders who serve their communities through collaboration, listening and creativity.
As McCrank aptly stated, “The issues before counties and municipalities are getting more complicated. To address those issues, we’ll need people who are willing to work together, listen to each other and be creative.”
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 LGLA class prepares to graduate and be recognized at the WCA Annual Conference, the impact of the program is already evident in Douglas County. Sletten’s Douglas County Drive continues to connect departments and celebrate their contributions, while Schmid’s communication systems are laying the groundwork for a more informed and engaged workforce.
Together, their efforts reflect a shared commitment to leadership in service of the community. By applying the skills learned through LGLA – relationship-building, communication, decision-making and vision – Douglas County is not only addressing internal challenges but also strengthening its capacity to deliver quality services to its residents.
In a time when local governments face increasing complexity, leaders like Sletten and Schmid remind us that progress begins with connection, and that meaningful change is possible when we listen, learn, and lead together.
