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    Education & Training

    The Texas Association of Counties (TAC) provides a wide variety of coordinated, professionally planned training events to address the daily challenges of county officials and staff.

    Education & Training

    Leadership 254 Overview

    TAC Leadership 254 logoLeadership 254 is designed to advance the skills of county officials to enable them to meet the unique challenges of their duties and to enhance their leadership skills and style.

    Participants learn to overcome limitations and redefine the possibilities they set for themselves, their courthouse, their county official association and their county constituents.

    Applications for the next class will be accepted the summer of 2026, and the program will run from 2027-2028.

     

    "I would encourage everyone to take the time and effort [to apply for Leadership 254] and not be afraid to grow and learn as individuals and as leaders."

    —Llano County Commissioner Linda Raschke, class of 2019-2020

     

    Read more testimonials

     

    Leadership skills are advanced through:
    • Interactive discussions.
    • Theory building.
    • Skill assessments.
    • Experiential learning activities.

    These exercises, stretch and — most importantly — transform participants into leaders who positively affect their counties and Texas.

    Participants learn:
    • New dimensions of themself in relation to others.
    • Effective personal methodology for decision-making.
    • How to align and inspire teams, collaborate with and influence others, and create a vision that others will follow.
    • To assess their personal leadership style and gain perspective through peer and facilitated assessments.
    • Ways to enhance personal communication skills through experiential media relations training.
    • To create their own transformational leadership plan.

    Participants have access to valuable resources to implement the competencies developed over the course of the program and develop a sense of community with their classmates.

    Participant Time Commitment

    Participants complete four modules over the course of 14 months between election cycles. Each module is unique and significant in the participant’s process to self-reflect, grow and transform. See program agenda with dates and locations.

    The estimated time commitment for each module ranges from two to three days, with a total training time commitment of approximately 11 days for the entire program (not including travel time).

    Throughout the program, participants will complete pre-module and post-module assignments individually, in teams and with an accountability partner.

    Leadership 254 is a continuous program where students are required to attend and complete all four modules in sequence. It is important that participants plan to arrive at the start time of each module and stay through its conclusion.

    Who Should Attend

    Leadership 254 is an executive leadership program for elected county officials and appointed county auditors who want to develop a new way of thinking about leadership. The small class size creates an environment that encourages open communication and strong connections. TAC aims to include two representatives from every county office in each class.

    "I highly recommend Leadership 254 to all county officials. This program not only enhances your leadership skills but also offers valuable insights into the operations of various offices and counties statewide."

    —Bell County Tax Assessor-Collector Shay Luedeke, class of 2023-2024

    Applying

    Thank you for your interest in Leadership 254. Application submission for the 2025-2026 class is now closed.  

    Applications for the next class will be accepted the summer of 2026, and the program will run from 2027-2028.  

    If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Haley Click.

    Scholarship and Travel Expenses

    TAC will provide a scholarship to each participant selected. The scholarship covers Leadership 254 course materials, assessments, food and lodging. Travel expenses are not included and are the responsibility of each participant.

    Special Services

    This program is ADA accessible. Please contact Haley Click, Director of Education and Member Services, at (800) 456-5974 if you need assistance.

    Leadership 254 Cancellation Policy

    Leadership 254 is designed for a limited group of participants. If a participant must cancel after being selected, they should submit their cancellation in writing to Haley Click.

    Leadership 254 Details

    Education & Training

    Continuing Education Credit

     Education and Training  TAC submits applications for CE credit to each governing body. Upon approval, the number of hours will be posted.

    Education & Training

    Agenda, Dates and Locations

     Education and Training  TAC will send a detailed agenda to participants prior to the start date of all modules. Lodging is included, and TAC will manage the hotel reservations for each module.

    Education & Training

    Assignments and Expectations

     Education and Training  Leadership 254 challenges, stretches and, most importantly, transforms participants into leaders who can positively affect their counties and Texas.

    Education & Training

    Testimonials and Alumni

     Education and Training  Read testimonials from Leadership 254 alumni and learn what they got out of the program.

    Publications

    2025-2026 Class Roster

     Education and Training  
    The 2025-2026 Leadership 254 class participants will be announced January 2025.

    Haley Click Director of Education & Member Services
    Marisol Ybarra Education & Events Project Manager
    (800) 456-5974