East Ridge City Manager Kenny Custer recently completed the Tennessee Certified Public Manager (CPM) program.

The inaugural class of the CPM program, based in the UT Institute for Public Service’s Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership, graduated at the Old Supreme Court Chamber in the Capitol Building in Nashville.

Fourteen participants from local, state and federal government positions graduated as members of the program’s inaugural class. The ceremony included an address from Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett.

“I am confident the CPM graduates are not only going to make a positive difference on the future of our state but will inspire others to a higher level of performance as well,” Hargett said. “I know this program will yield great dividends for Tennessee.”

Participants in the year-long program learn about current trends in public management by hearing from subject-matter experts with experience in the field.

The program helps participants gain proficiency in seven fundamental areas: personal and organizational integrity, self-development, work management, public service, leadership of people, change leadership, and systemic integration.

The Tennessee CPM program is accredited by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium and available to UT employees.

For more information visit leadership.tennessee.edu.