The Texas Municipal League recognized Councilmember Tammy Young, Rhonda Kuiper (Collection Development & Technical Services Manager, Library) and Joseph Brehm (Community Development Administrator, Planning) as a Leadership Fellow on Friday, May 11, at the Austin Marriott North in Round Rock.

They were honored by Bennett Sandlin, TML Executive Director, during the awards ceremony. The award recipients – elected, appointed and other city officials from throughout Texas – voluntarily completed more than 30 hours of training, held over two months, to enhance their leadership skills.

Participants explored the principals and characteristics of ethical leadership, learned to build trust and community, discovered ways to improve team-building and communication skills, and practiced negotiation for strategic influence. They discussed local issues in the broader leadership context, with the goal of applying their learning to their public service role and to benefit their cities and residents.