Understanding how to become a better leader and ambassador
NPC’s Michael Hileman was part of the 24-person Leadership Blair County graduating Class of 2016. Graduation ceremonies were held June 9 at The Casino at Lakemont Park in Altoona, PA. This year marked the 22nd annual LBC class.
Michael, the manager of NPC’s document processing division and an employee since 2002, joined a long list of NPC employees who have benefitted from the experience of participating in the Leadership Blair County program. “I had the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people as well as learn of the multitude of service organizations located in Blair County.
“First and foremost, I was hoping to gain a better understanding of how I could become a better leader and ambassador of our organization in our community,” Michael explained. “Knowing that the class is made up of 24 different individuals, I was anxious to learn what leadership meant to them and how they are involved in their communities.”
Leadership Blair County
Leadership Blair County, sponsored by the Blair County Chamber of Commerce, is designed to develop and enhance community leadership by preparing individuals from diverse backgrounds to assume more active roles in the community.
Each year the class selects a community service project as a cornerstone to that year’s program. The 2016 class project was an “extreme” makeover of the gym and game room at The Beacon, a daily afterschool program for at-risk teens at the Saint Luke Episcopal Church in Altoona, PA. The Beacon is a faith-based organization that seeks to provide an alternative place for youth in a safe environment with structured activities.
“I know the feeling you get when you are part of a group or team, and the satisfaction you derive from seeing your team prosper,” Michael said. “Hopefully, the improvements we made (at The Beacon) will make it possible for many kids to feel this and know they are not going through life on their own.
“There are a lot of people and organizations out there that need help,” Michael added. “Sometimes it is just your time that they need to make all the difference.”
NPC has been participating in Leadership Blair County since 1998. Following is a list of current employees who are part of the LBC alumni:
- 1998 – Greg Ritchey
- 1999 – Sherri Steward
- 2002 – Mark Kensinger
- 2004 – Brian White
- 2009 – Richelle Rice
- 2011 – Jimmy Carrieri
- 2015 – Walt Goffart
- 2016 – Michael Hileman
“I’m very proud to join the list of graduates from NPC,” Michael said. “It is not an easy program and takes a lot of time and commitment to complete. I am proud of the friendships I formed with the 23 other participants as well as all of the people I met throughout the process.”