Professional DevelopmentMML Presents Certified Municipal Official Designations
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Ms. Stephanie Patterson, Alderwoman and Oakland Area Chamber of Commerce Secretary-Treasurer, receives the Certified Municipal Official Certificate from North Carrollton Mayor Ken Strachan at the Mississippi Municipal League meeting at the end of June.
Oakland Area Chamber of Commerce Secretary-Treasurer and Oakland Alderwoman Stephanie Patterson was recognized at the 2023 Mississippi Municipal League Convention for achieving both the Basic and Advanced Certified Municipal Official levels. Patterson also served on the Conference Planning Committee representing the Northern District of the MML.
The CMO program was established in 2001 by the MML to develop efficient and effective community leaders through providing meaningful information on topics that expand the knowledge and capabilities of elected officials. There are three levels of certification in the program: Basic, Advanced, and Professional Development.
To reach the Advanced Level, Patterson was required to complete 60 hours of continuing education related to municipal issues at the Basic Level, then an additional 40 hours for the Advanced Level. Courses include Municipal Organization, Municipal Law, Municipal Finance, Municipal Land Use, Community Development, Economic Development and Economic and Community Development Case Studies. The third level is Professional Development and requires an additional 40 hours related to skills such as personnel management, business communication, interpersonal skills and leadership.
“The program has inspired me to work within my community and given me direction and provided leadership skills,” Patterson said. “I would recommend anyone in municipal government to pursue this. It pushes you to never stop learning, to never stop striving to improve your town.”
Other area elected officials recognized at the MML meeting included:
• Batesville—Alderman Dennis Land, Basic & Advanced CMO
• Charleston—Commissioner Brenda Walton-Willis, Basic & Advanced & Professional Development CMO; Commissioner Lloyd Smith, Advanced CMO; Commissioner Sandra Frieson Smith, Advanced CMO; Commissioner Gyrone Kenniel, Professional Development
• Coffeeville—Alderman Reginald Nicholson, Basic & Advanced CMO; Mayor William Shelton, Jr.
