MANCHESTER, NH — Mayor Joyce Craig is in New York City to study leadership and management practices, one of 40 mayors chosen for an intensive education program with the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.
As a participant in the Initiative’s 2018 program, Craig is part of a class of dedicated mayors attending a program delivered by faculty from Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School as well as world-class experts from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ global network.
The year-long program launched with a three-day convening in New York City on July 22. During each day of the program, mayors will attend classroom sessions focused on the latest management and leadership practices, using case studies and workshops developed at Harvard.
“It’s an honor to be chosen for the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, especially since it’s only in its second year,” Craig said. “The desire to promote Manchester is widespread, and there are people working tirelessly every single day to improve our community and the lives of people who live here. I look forward to sharing the information I’ve learned from this program to continue to make our city a better place.”
Collectively, Harvard University and Bloomberg Philanthropies aim to help mayors and their leadership teams manage the complexities of running a city, and to have opportunities to learn from one another. The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative will connect Mayor Craig to some of the university’s top educators, coaching from experts, a network of peers, and technical assistance. The program provides an opportunity to share best practices and learn from fellow mayors about the promising ideas that are already helping to enhance the quality of life in cities around the world.
After the mayors program, two of Mayor Craig’s senior staffers, Ryan Mahoney, Chief of Staff, and Lauren Smith, Policy and Strategic Outreach Director, will attend a similar program in August. From Manchester, Mahoney and Smith will participate in the yearlong program as well as help Mayor Craig translate what they learn into organizational changes that improve life in the Queen City.
The mayor’s participation in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative and that of her two senior leaders — including tuition, accommodation, meals, and airfare — is fully funded by the program.
The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative is a collaboration among Bloomberg Philanthropies, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Kennedy School. Its mission is to inspire and strengthen city leaders as well as equip them with the tools to lead high-performing, innovative cities.
