Local councilman earns award for leadership achievement

COLUMBIA – Third Ward Councilman Karl Skala’s municipal leadership training has earned him an award.

The National League of Cities is recognizing Skala for reaching the silver level of their Certificate of Achievement Leadership program, according to a news release from the city of Columbia.

Reaching the silver level entails accumulating 36 credits from courses in leadership growth and development, innovating and managing change, inspiration and empowerment, communication and media relations and effective governance, according to the release.

Skala began his civic career as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission before being elected to the City Council in 2007. He said he values the leadership training program because he believes it improves his ability to represent his constituents.

"I knew when I first started participating with the National League of Cities that the Leadership Training Institute was something worthwhile," Skala said.

On top of providing training and education opportunities, the National League of Cities represents and lobbies for municipal governments.

Because he is unable to attend the Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C., where he will be recognized, Skala will receive his award by mail.