On June 19, former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis addressed the first graduating class to receive the Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management from Suffolk University’s Moakley Center for Public Management.

“The personal fulfillment and satisfaction one gets from being in a position where you can make a real difference in the lives of your fellow citizens is about as special as anything you can do in this world,” Dukakis said.

The Massachusetts Municipal Association, in partnership with the Moakley Center for Public Management, developed this pilot program last year.

“The Certificate program was designed exclusively for municipal employees interested in furthering their professional careers in local government and pursuing a graduate degree,” said Geoffrey Beckwith, MMA Executive Director.

Every Friday during the 2011-2012 academic year, 24 municipal managers traveled to the Public Safety Training Center in Natick to participate in five graduate-level courses taught by the faculty from Suffolk’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program.

“The program is a high-quality academic offering that links contemporary public management theory with ‘real-world’ practice, providing a practical graduate education experience,” Beckwith continued. “It is an excellent opportunity to provide a valuable critical learning experience for new and seasoned managers and other key employees,” he said.

“We are very proud to be a part of this partnership,” said Sandy Matava, director of the Moakley Center for Public Management. She considers the program an important investment in government leadership.

“The men and women who have earned the Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management are to be applauded for their commitment to bringing their public service careers to an even higher level,” said Suffolk University President James McCarthy. “The University is proud that many of its alumni choose public service, and we are pleased that government managers can hone their skills through this unique learning experience offered through the Sawyer Business School’s Moakley Center for Public Management.”

The Moakley Center, in collaboration with community partners, currently offers nine certificate programs for Massachusetts’ public service managers. Participants have the option of transferring their graduate credits toward Suffolk’s MPA degree.