Commissioner Michael Barker completes educational program to better serve the community 

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Commissioner Michael Barker was presented with the Advanced County Commissioner Level I (ACC I) designation from the Institute for County Government (ICG) at an award ceremony held at the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Annual Conference and Educational Exhibition in Orange County, Florida on June 30, 2022. 

The ACC I designation signifies the commissioner’s completion of a comprehensive study program designed by ICG. The ACC I education program, consisting of three two-day seminars and 27 hours of total coursework, focuses on leadership development with an emphasis on the future of Florida. Commissioners are given the opportunity to participate following their graduation from the Certified County Commissioners (CCC) program. 

“As an optional program, it takes a commissioner who is truly dedicated to serving their community to pursue this designation and it speaks volumes about those who do,” shared the Institute for County Government’s Executive Director, Eric Poole. “This program brings together commissioners who are committed to facing Florida’s greatest challenges and allows them to collaborate and grow as they learn new strategies, which they may use to better their communities.” 

“Networking with fellow Commissioners from Counties around the state is what makes this program worthwhile and great,” said Commissioner Barker. “I have found that many counties have similar issues, and this program gives us the opportunity to work together on solutions.” 

The ACC I education program was launched in 2006 and commissioners must fully commit to the coursework to graduate from the program. Participants are challenged to act, think and lead during times of uncertainty and adversity. Alongside Commissioner Barker, 17 commissioners earned the designation at the 2022 award ceremony and a total of 285 commissioners have earned the designation since the inception of the program. 

The education program is made possible in partnership with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension, who has sponsored this program for the last fifteen years and has offices in all 67 Florida counties.

 To learn more about the ACC program and other education programs offered through the Institute for County Government, please visit flicg.org. 

Founded in 1929, the Florida Association of Counties has represented the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that communities and their local leaders should make the decisions that impact their community. The Florida Association of Counties helps Florida’s counties effectively serve and represent their communities through Advocacy, Collaboration, and Education.

Walton County Commissioner Michael Barker Achieves the Advanced County Commissioner Level I Designation