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After a two-year hiatus, APWA-MN will again be offering the Public Works Executive Fellowship and Human Resource Essentials for Public Works Professionals courses starting in Fall 2025 and continuing through Spring 2026. These two programs are focused on developing advanced management skills for public and private sector managers in the public works industry, and are an excellent continuation of the curriculum from the popular APWA-MN Leadership Academy. HR Essentials focuses on personnel management, employee development, and conflict resolution, as well as other topics of interest identified by program participants. Executive Fellowship is geared towards department and divisional level leaders, and includes topics such as personal leadership development, leading in difficult environments and situations, effective community engagement, and visioning/strategic planning; the course culminates with a participant-led capstone project presented to chapter membership at the APWA-MN Spring Conference. Both courses are facilitated by long-time APWA-MN instructor Wally Wysopal.

If you’re not intrigued yet, just read what some past participants have to say about these two programs:
“The HR Essentials class dove deeper into many of the topics from APWA Leadership Academy with a cohort of new and experienced PW management professionals. The course combined Wally’s knowledge and direction with our unique lived experiences which made for engaging conversation and knowledge sharing every month. The small class size allowed the discussion to be challenging yet comfortable—I remain in touch with many of my peers from the class to this day.” – Scott Kulzer, City of Richfield

“The Executive Fellowship provided an invaluable experience for those looking to advance their leadership skills within the public works community. The instructor and guest speakers were top-notch, covering a variety of topics to help us lead teams and collaborate with others to achieve shared goals. Learning within a cohort was empowering; we were able to share different perspectives and work together to tackle some of the biggest issues facing the public works sector today. Overall, I valued the opportunity to build lasting relationships with a group of bright, talented people looking to impact the future of public works.” – Anna Bessel, Provision Law Firm (formerly with Met Council)

“The Minnesota Chapter APWA’s Executive Fellowship and Advanced Human Resources for Public Works courses provided me with invaluable leadership training led by top-level speakers who bring real-world expertise to every session. Each month I looked forward to attending the compelling sessions! Beyond the high-quality instruction, these courses offered me the opportunity to network with other public works professionals, fostering connections that supported my career growth. I graduated with enhanced leadership skills, practical HR strategies, and a stronger professional network.” – Mark Hansen, City of Coon Rapids, Minnesota Chapter Vice President

Course registration for both programs will open in May 2025. Starting in may, learn more about HR Essentials here and Executive Fellowship here. To be notified when registration opens, please email Mary Detloff, Chapter Administrator.

In addition to these management-level courses, APWA-MN will continue to offer several annual and ongoing courses, workshops, and opportunities for all levels of public works professionals:

• Public Works Certificate Program
• Underground Utilities Construction Inspector School (UUCIS)
• Spring and Fall Workshops
• Leadership Academy (not offered 2025-26, will return in 2026-27)

You can find a schedule of upcoming trainings, courses, and workshops on the APWA-MN website.

The Education and Training Committee is always looking for your ideas and feedback on topics for future workshops. Please reach out to any committee member if you have a topic idea.