Gabe Albornoz, Director of the Montgomery County Department of Recreation graduated from the Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) program in Dallas, Texas on July 13. He was one of 60 scholars from across the country and shared the stage with President William Jefferson Clinton and President George W. Bush.
The leadership training series is designed to develop a new generation of leaders from varied backgrounds who are committed to facing society’s greatest challenges. The program seeks participants who have the desire and capacity to take their leadership strengths to a higher level to help their communities, and embolden them with the practical skills needed to drive solution-oriented action. By including a roster of presidential centers – two Republican and two Democratic –the program created a rare opportunity to instill in scholars a brand of principled leadership that transcends diverse backgrounds.
The PLS program enhances the impact of leaders who are creating change in their communities, our nation, and the world. A first-of-its-kind curriculum and unparalleled opportunity to join a diverse network of change-makers sharpens participants' skills and exposes them to new ideas and thinking. They are led through an exploration of principles that directly help them address a need in society.
Albornoz oversees 39 recreation facilities including community recreation centers, aquatic centers, and senior centers; more than 3,000 employees; and manages the department’s $33 million budget. County Executive Ike Leggett appointed Albornoz to serve as Director of the Department of Recreation in January 2007. At age 30, Albornoz became the youngest cabinet-level appointment in the history of Montgomery County.
For more on the PLS program go to www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org/the-program or read press release.
