CSAC Institute Snapshot
Erin Hannigan, Solano County Supervisor
The CSAC Institute offers programs for Credentialed Executives and Credentialed Supervisors that require the completion of 30 course credits— including five core courses and five electives—to equip County leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to excel as public servants and elected officials. Learn more here.
Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan earned her Supervisor Credential earlier this year. We asked her to share her thoughts on the CSAC William “Bill” Chiat Institute for Excellence in County Government. Here’s what she had to say:
There’s no manual on how to be a County Supervisor. There are so many nuances to the job, so many things we’re faced with on a regular and irregular basis, that the CSAC Institute County Supervisor Credential program really provides a foundational level of understanding of what goes on at the local level.
The course that’s helped me the most is “When Bad Things Happen, Managing the Media in a Crisis.” I think this should be a required class for everyone. As County leaders, bad things are bound to happen—whether they’re large like a pandemic or a wildfire, or something smaller like a new rule that draws people’s attention. This class taught me the value of pausing and really thinking about what I’m going to say and how to say it for the best results.
“Labor Relations and Negotiations in Local Government” was another valuable course. Unless you grew up in public service, you might not understand that dynamic in our counties where employee salaries and benefits can vary based on different Union contracts and job-specific nuances. I came to public service from the private sector where my benefits were the same as any other employee regardless of what type of work they do or where they do it, and my pay wasn’t necessarily negotiable. That was an eye-opener for me, for sure.
My mother was a teacher, and I’ve had a lifelong value for education. The CSAC Institute is a tremendous resource for County leaders, and I recommend everyone—from line staff all the way to elected officials—take advantage of this educational program. There’s so much to learn about how our jobs provide services for our residents. It’s on us to be as informed and educated about the variety of topics that come our way and the CSAC Institute is a perfect way to make sure we’re up to speed.