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Park County

Leadership 49 Enters Sixth Year

Published: 2019
By Katie Weaver
MSU Park County Extension launched the sixth year of Leadership 49 this fall, welcoming 18 participants from across Park County. Leadership 49 is an eight-month leadership program designed to develop empowered and engaged citizens that will strengthen and connect the communities of Park County. Comprised of monthly day-long sessions, community-based experiences, and a group project, participants develop leadership skills, increase their knowledge about challenges and opportunities, and network with community groups, leaders, businesses, elected officials, and others. Upon graduation in the spring of 202, the participants will join a group of 80 alumni actively working to make Park County a better place to live. “This experience has enabled me to broaden and deepen my connections with members of the community and my knowledge of Park County. It was an amazing experience that equipped me with the tools needed for personal and professional development,” shared Sarah Mussetter, Park High School Teacher and Year 4 Alumna. The program has visited Paradise Valley, Livingston, and Wilsall, learning about local government and production agriculture. In the coming months, sessions will be held in Clyde Park, Cooke City, Gardiner, and Tom Miner Basin. Participants will continue to learn leadership skills and explore wildlife issues, public and private property rights, sustainable agriculture, land use, tourism, and housing. Community support of the program continues to grow, with 25 sponsors for Year 6. Many of these businesses and individuals are alumni of the program and eagerly commit to sponsoring this important program to develop leaders across Park County. Leadership 49 has become a core program of MSU Park County Extension and continues to grow and increase its impact across the county.