Town Administrator Chad Lovett is pleased to announce that Assistant Town Administrator and Town Accountant Lauren Taylor graduated from the Suffolk University/Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management program.
Taylor completed the graduate-level program on June 10. The program, offered in partnership by Suffolk University and the MMA, provides a strong foundation in public management and links academic theory with real-world municipal practice. Coursework covers key areas such as budgeting and financial management, human resources challenges and strategic leadership.
“This certificate program is one of the best learning opportunities for public employees looking to grow in their roles,” said Town Administrator Lovett. “It is taught by practicing public administrators who are either currently working in their fields or have recently retired as municipal executives. It provides an excellent curriculum that exposes students to real-life work they can immediately relate to, making it easier for them to relate the classwork to their current work.”
Taylor began working for the Town of Blackstone in 2014 as a part-time employee. She later transitioned to full-time and has served in several roles within the collector/treasurer's office and the accounting office before assuming her current position.
“Now, more than ever, we need leaders and managers at the local government level to be well-trained and prepared for the realities of the 21st century,” said MMA Executive Director and CEO Adam Chapdelaine. “This program provides a practical graduate education experience and ensures that the Commonwealth’s local government leaders of today are prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow.”
The program consists of five graduate-level courses taught by Suffolk University faculty over 25 Fridays from September through May, using a hybrid format — 10 in-person sessions and 15 on Zoom. Completion earns graduate credit toward a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Suffolk.
"I'm a huge fan of the program and proud of Lauren's accomplishment," said Town Administrator Lovett.
