Application Procedures Announced for the 2009 Harvard Senior Executives in State and Local Government Fellowship Program

Emmitsburg, MD - Application procedures have been announced for the 2009 Harvard program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. The program is once again sponsored through a partnership between the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Fire Service Training Association/Fire Protection Publications (IFSTA/FPP), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Department of Homeland Security - United States Fire Administration (USFA). Each organization will fund the tuition costs of two individuals for a total of eight fellowships.

USFA Administrator Gregory B. Cade in announcing the 2009 Program said, “My experience with the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government was by far one of the best professional development opportunities I have ever undertaken. The curriculum, faculty, and setting were truly outstanding. Most importantly, as a former Fire Chief, I know the State and Local Government Program has provided me with experiences and tools to confront the many challenges facing fire and emergency services today. The program was and continues to be particularly valuable when examining and understanding the relationships between careerists, elected, and appointed officials.”

Eight senior fire executives will be awarded fellowships to attend the annual program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government.  The 3-week program is conducted on the Harvard campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  Selected Fellows will be assigned to attend one of the two session dates:  June 7-26, 2009 or July 5-24, 2009. Fellows must be available to attend either session.

Applicants are responsible for travel costs to the final interview process in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and if selected, also to Cambridge. Housing will be provided at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg for the interview process in April of 2009.  Fellows are expected to continue their professional contributions to the fire and emergency services in light of their State and Local Government Program experience.

The following criteria and guidelines have been established for the 2009 program:

• Application is open to senior fire executives who have demonstrated significant career accomplishments and have the potential to impact and initiate change.  Attainment of a senior position is less important than demonstrated experience in facilitating significant change within a public sector setting.
• Preference may be given to applicants who are graduates of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program, although program completion is not a prerequisite. Preference may also be given to applicants who have completed graduate-level degree programs or course work.
• Individuals whose organizations have been represented in the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program during 2006, 2007, or 2008 will not be considered. The program is available to international participants.

Application Instructions

Please follow these four steps carefully as the application procedures have changed from prior years.

1. Applicants must complete and submit the Harvard/Kennedy School of Government Application for Executive Education (DOC, 255 Kb, Microsoft Word Help). This form-fillable document can then be completed for submission to the address listed below, not to Harvard. It is recommended that this form be saved to your computer. For the question “Who will be the financial sponsor of your participation?” please enter “IAFC/IFSTA-FPP/NFPA/USFA Fellowship.” Make sure that you attach your essay responses (250 words or less for each question response).
2. Enclose a current resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Enclose a letter of recommendation from your senior official. If the applicant is the Chief, then the letter should be written by the jurisdictional head (e.g., Mayor or City Manager, etc.). Otherwise, the recommendation should be from the Fire Chief.
4. Please do not submit your application package directly to the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.  Mail the application package (traceable mail with receipt is recommended) no later than February 14, 2009 to the following address:

For questions regarding application procedures only, please contact the USFA’s Ms. Mary Wingert at (301) 447-1085 or mary.wingert@fema.dhs.gov.

If the applicant’s organization or position should change (voluntarily or involuntarily) after the application package has been submitted, she/he is obligated to notify Ms. Wingert.

Application packages postmarked after February 14, 2009 will not be considered.

For more information please refer to the USFA/National Fire Academy Website or the Harvard University/John F. Kennedy School of Government Senior Executives in State and Local Government Website.

The United States Fire Administration recommends everyone should have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers, and practicing a home fire escape plan.

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