NACo-HPLA Overview
The NACo-High Performance Leadership Academy (HPLA) is a nationally recognized leadership development program designed specifically for county government professionals. Offered through the National Association of Counties, the program equips participants with practical leadership skills and strategies that can be immediately applied in the workplace to improve team performance, organizational effectiveness, and public service delivery.
This 12-week online leadership development program brings together a distinguished faculty of executives, industry experts, and academic leaders from across the public, private, and higher education sectors. Guided by expert moderators, participants engage in a rigorous and structured learning experience designed to strengthen leadership effectiveness, enhance strategic decision-making, and build the competencies required to lead successfully in today's dynamic and increasingly complex public sector environment.
The curriculum covers a range of leadership and management topics, including:
- Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness
- Organizational Development and Change Management
- Communication and Collaboration
- Employee Engagement and Team Performance
- Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making
- High-Performance County Management
- Delivering Value Through Public Service Leadership
Dallas County's Commitment to Leadership Development
Dallas County is committed to investing in the growth and development of its workforce. Participation in the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy supports the County's efforts to build a strong leadership pipeline, foster a culture of continuous learning, and prepare current and future leaders to meet the evolving needs of our organization and the communities we serve.
By developing leadership capabilities across the organization, Dallas County continues to strengthen its ability to deliver exceptional public service while creating opportunities for employee growth and career advancement.
Dallas County employees who participate in the program will have the opportunity to:
- Strengthen their leadership and management capabilities.
- Develop practical tools for leading teams and managing change.
- Enhance communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
- Learn proven leadership practices from experts and public sector leaders.
- Increase their ability to drive organizational performance and achieve results.
- Earn a nationally recognized leadership certificate upon successful completion.
- Be honored at the Commissioners’ Court through presentation of an official Resolution.
The leadership program is ideal for:
- Emerging leaders seeking to expand their leadership skills.
- County supervisors and managers responsible for leading teams.
- Department leaders interested in strengthening organizational effectiveness.
- Employees preparing for future leadership opportunities within Dallas County.
County-funded. Participation requires department head approval and department support
Online cohort-based learning (no travel, no time out of office), flexible activities to fit busy schedules
HPLA is built to accommodate busy work schedules with self-paced learning. Each 12-week HPLA program covers four courses on leadership which are broken down into weekly modules. Each module includes a one-hour live webinar and one-hour breakout discussion, plus daily assignments ranging from 3 to 35 minutes. (Live webinars are recorded – so don't worry if you miss one!)
In addition to videos, reading, writing and reflection, participants are placed in a small group cohort where they'll build their network, receive support from peers facing similar challenges and opportunities and celebrate successes.
“I have really been vested in this NACo training and have gained a lot of tools throughout these past few months. Not to mention, my team has spoken highly of me. I just wanted to share this proud moment I felt with you and say thank you for the opportunity to participate in NACo.”
- Stormy Roberts, Program/Training Manager
“This leadership class is very professional, informative, and thought-provoking. The lessons help you to think outside of the box and provide answers to difficult situations. I love how the group members in the cohorts work together and recommend in various situations.”
- Anonymous
“The program content has reinforced my leadership practices ensuring that I'm doing right with my teams. It also reminds me that I do have flaws that require my constant attention to ensure I'm not overbearing.”
- Anonymous
“I am very impressed with this curriculum. As we move forward, I am going to make sure that I'm in a quiet space so that I can fully experience what is being offered. I have to admit that it is a bit addictive...and I know I'm growing from it because my Oath is evolving.”
- Christopher Webb, Felony Records Supervisor
“I have the opportunity to read about and to put into practice good leadership practices. Meeting with the group and discussing what we have read gives me a better and deeper understanding of the material. I can also bounce ideas or issues off my cohort members.”
- Anonymous
“When I signed up for the class, I was not really sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised to find that it was not only about networking but that it contained actual content that is beneficial to leaders. In addition, the information provided can be put into practice while performing our everyday jobs.”
- Anonymous
“The NACo High-Performance Leadership Program is definitely next-level learning at its finest! Hearing directly from General Colin Powell and other extremely successful leaders is fascinating and truly encouraging.”
- Anonymous
“This program is giving me the knowledge to be an effective leader on the job and as well as my home life.”
- Anonymous
Yes, upon successful completion.
For information regarding upcoming cohorts, eligibility requirements, and enrollment opportunities (usually in Fall), contact the HR Training & Development at: traininghr@dallascounty.org
- NACO-HPLA: Video Links
- Photo Gallery: HERE
- Learn more: HERE
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