Waycross Mayor Michael-Angelo James has earned the Harvard Kennedy School Public Leadership Credential.
Dr. Michael-Angelo James successfully comp leted coursework for the credential in January, the prog ram said.
The path to the designation is a rigorous, multi-course program designed to equip leaders with practical tools to address complex challenges in public service, governance, and community leadership. The program requires successful completion of a sequence of intensive courses focused on ethical leadership, policy development, and data-driven decisionmaking.
“This accomplishment reflects my ongoing commitment to servant leadership, continuous learning, and excellence in public service,” said Dr. James. “The insights and frameworks gained from Harvard Kennedy School will enhance my ability to lead with integrity, strengthen public policy, and serve the citizens of Waycross with even greater effectiveness.”
As a credential holder, Dr. James joins the global network of Harvard Kennedy School Professional & Lifelong Learning (PLL) alumni, connecting him with public leaders from around the world who are committed to advancing meaningful change.
Dr. James, who’s in his second term as Waycross Mayor, completed the program over a two-year period, successfully finishing all required coursework, including a capstone assessment.
His academic performance included earning Pass with Distinction honors in multiple courses, demonstrating a high level of excellence and mastery, the program said.
During the program, Dr. James successfully completed coursework in:
• Leadership and Ethics: Moral Leadership in Personal Practice;
• Leadership and Ethics: Moral Leadership in Organizations and Society (Pass with Distinction);
• Policy Design and Delivery: A Systematic Approach;
• Policy Design and Delivery; Innovation and Scaling (Pass with Distinction);
• Evidence for Decisions: From Descriptions
to Decisions;
• Evidence for Decisions: Causes and Consequences; The Capstone Assessment curriculum emphasizes real-world application, equipping leaders to analyze evidence, navigate ethical challenges, and implement effective public policies.
