Governor's Minority Management Trainee Program

*Members of the GMMTP Class of 2011 with Program Partners: Dr. Sissy Meredith, Executive Director, Governmental Services Center (first row, first on left); Michelé Lawlis, Executive Director, Office of Diversity & Equality (first row, second from right); Delquan Dorsey, Executive Director, Governor's Office for Minority Empowerment (first row, first on right); Secretary Nikki Jackson, Personnel Cabinet (second row, second from right); Adam Edelen, Cheif of Staff, Governor's Office (second row, first on right). 

The Governor’s Minority Management Trainee Program was created by Executive Orders in August 1995. It was the first such program of its kind in the nation. This recruitment and professional development tool was established to increase the representation of minority managers within state government. This program offers an experience that enables participants to cultivate the skills needed to serve Kentucky’s citizens in an effective and responsive manner. Participants receive in-depth, practical training through classroom instruction, on-the-job experience and special projects.

Opening Ceremony

Important Program Dates

• Event: 23rd Annual Governor’s EEO Conference
  Date: July 9, 2009
  Time: ALL DAY
  Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel (Formerly Executive West)
                 Louisville, KY.

• Training: Diversity Training
  Date: July 15, 2009
  Time: 9:00 am- 11:30 am
  Location: Transportation Cabinet- Room C117
  Presenter: Michele’ Lawlis

• Training: Good Is Not Enough Book Club (Tentative)
  Date: September 15, 2009
  Time: 9:00 am- 11:00 am
  Location: Capital Annex
  Presenter:  TBA

• Event- Legislative Research Committee (LRC) Networking Event (Tentative)
  Date: September 15, 2009
  Time: 12:00 pm- 2:00 pm (Discussion on Legislative process and how Executive Branch and Legislative Branch interact).
   2:00 pm- 3:00 pm- Reception
  Location: Capital Annex
  Presenter/ Contact:  Shelia Mason

• Training: Anti-Harassment Training
  Date: October 14, 2009
  Time: 9:00 am- 12:00 pm
  Location: Governmental Services Center- Room 539
  Presenter: Arthur Lucas

• Training: Ethics Training
  Date: October 14, 2009
  Time: 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm
  Location: Governmental Services Center- Room 539
  Presenter: Dana Nickles

• November Meeting
  Date: November 9, 2009
  Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
  Location: Capitol Room 327
  

Program Objectives

• To provide value-added learning and development opportunities that will aid the Commonwealth of Kentucky in its quest to become an employer of choice.
• To be a nationally recognized program of choice that provides opportunity for minority employees to gain access, support, functional skills, and knowledge to strengthen their competitive edge in the workplace.
• To provide minority employees opportunities for individual growth, professional development, and leadership training to better assure readiness and competency attainment necessary for management and executive level roles within our enterprise.
• To provide mentoring relationships and networking opportunities with participants and minorities currently in management positions, so that trainees are able to develop personnel resources for continued development.

General Program Information

Program Overview (PDF - 2MB) - a PowerPoint presentation detailing the Governor's Minority Management Trainee Program.  (Once the new window is open, please left-click each slide to advance the presentation.)

GMMTP Information Packet (DOC - 172KB)

Cabinet/Agency Liaisons

Chantel Depp, 2003 GMMTP Graduate

• Special Assistant to Kentucky Sports Authority’s (KSA), and Kentucky Recreational Trails Authority (KRTA) and Adventure Tourism’s.
• Former Staff Assistant at the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources (KDFWR).
• During her time at KDFWR, she has assisted KDFWR in receiving the 2006 “Diversity Award” at the Southeastern Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Conference in Norfolk, Virginia for the agency’s outstanding contribution for recruiting and developing programs for minorities. 
• Ms. Depp is a native of Versailles, KY and has been employed by state government for over twelve years.
• Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Kentucky. 
• Ms. Depp is a 2005 graduate of Kentucky State University where she received her Master of Public Administration degree with an emphasis in Human Resource Management and graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. 

How GMMTP prepared her for service within state government?

"The Governor’s Minority Management Trainee Program (GMMTP) helped prepare me for state government by providing me the opportunity to learn the dynamics of other Cabinets and agencies through site-visits and tours.  The program offered me courses and training that benefited me in developing my leadership skills, building my confidence, and helping me to become a more productive and effective employee by making good sound decisions based upon the tools I had been given.  The mentors in the program encouraged me to put what I learned into practice predicated on the principles I had acquired in the program. 

It also afforded me the privilege to network and participate in special events, such as the Governor’s Derby Breakfast and Dinner, the Governor’s EEO Conference, the Office of Minority Empowerment Conference, Diversity Day, etc.  The GMMTP assisted me in setting my career goals by giving me a sense of purpose and an attitude of determination to achieve success.  The program gave me a chance to establish long lasting friendships and create a support system with the other trainees during our time of service in state government.  I personally believe that being chosen for the GMMTP gave me an advantage over most in my knowledge of state government and its daily operation."

 

Maurice Brown, 2003 GMMTP Graduate

• William Maurice Brown is a native of Frankfort Kentucky. 
• Mr. Brown is a goal-oriented person that sets his sights very high when accomplishing his goals. 
• He is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.  Frankfort Alumni Chapter, Faith United Board member of the King’s Center South Frankfort.
• Currently serves as President for the International Public Managers Association – Human Resources (IPMA-HR) Kentucky Chapter.
• Graduate of Kentucky State University where he received his Bachelor Degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Public Administration. 
• Mr. Brown is a family man!  He has a lovely wife Maria, and 3 sons Taylon, Zachary, and Gabriel. 

How the Governor’s Minority Management Trainee Program influenced my career in Kentucky State Government…….

"The Governor’s Minority Management Trainee Program (GMMTP) has become a very important part of my life, because it strongly influenced my professional career.  GMMTP gave me the opportunity to be around influential people in executive leadership roles and offered networking opportunities for me and the class.  The Executive Branch plays a role by introducing to some, and acquainting others of the most important commodity each Cabinet has to offer Kentucky.  Specifically, each trainee represents a cabinet within the executive branch, and by requirement each trainee spotlights their cabinet by hosting a networking event.  By doing so, program participants meet Cabinet officials such as Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries and Commissioners.

Additionally, as a trainee in the GMMTP, I was forwarded opportunities to volunteer for the Kentucky Derby Breakfast and the 2001 Southern Governor’s Conference where the GMMTP was acknowledged as the only program of its kind.  The program also allowed me to exercise my public speaking skills while addressing attendees at the Annual Governor’s EEO Conference.  The Governor’s Minority Management Trainee Program has become an institution of higher career development for public sector employees who aspire to become leaders in public service!  The Program is a guiding force in networking opportunities and volunteerism!  I encourage any eligible public sector employee to take advantage of what the GMMTP can offer."

Colene Elridge
(502) 564-8000
ColeneH.Elridge@ky.gov