The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia graduated its 2013 Political Leaders Program class on Dec. 14.

The program involves state political leaders from both sides of the aisle and from all across Virginia. Members of the class “spent 10 months together discussing issues in 10 different regions of Virginia,” said Bob Gibson, the institute’s director.

“This class contained equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans, with some independents, and bonded beautifully together as its members learned from each other,” he said. 

The leadership development program is for Virginia residents who work with or in government or politics and are interested in becoming more active in public service and public policy, whether as community leaders or as elected or appointed officials in the executive or legislative branches.

The program’s speakers included current and former elected officials, state cabinet secretaries, business and nonprofit leaders and experts in the fields of education, health care and transportation.

The curriculum is focused on three core subject areas: ethics in public service, public policy and policy advocacy skills.

Over graduation weekend, the class heard remarks about leadership from Edward L. Ayers, president of the University of Richmond, and John Hager, former Virginia lieutenant governor.    

For bios of the participants, click here.