Back to Spring Institute Courses
Timing/Location
All courses will be held at Hotel Contessa.
Monday, May 4 – Thursday, May 7
Monday – Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – Noon
Program Overview
This three-part program establishes the foundation for LDR Leadership’s Performance Management Training, which helps new managers develop employees’ skills as well as their own. These skills are critical to organizational performance, employee development and retention, and leader growth.
The curriculum consists of three in-person courses (See "Course Details" accordion below for more information)
- Proactive Performance Coaching (Part 1): Developing a coaching mindset and teaching new leaders, supervisors, and managers the principles and techniques to positively and proactively coach performance improvement.
- Problem Identification and Decision Making (Part 2): Fostering productive decision-making.
- Developing High-Performing Teams (Part 3): Identifying distinguishing characteristics and designing high-performing teams.
Program Requirements
To earn this certificate, participants must complete the following:
- Complete the required coursework
- Proactive Performance Coaching (2 days)
- Problem Identification & Decision Making (1 day)
- Developing High-Performing Teams (Half day)
- Submit a one-page plan for applying the knowledge to your work (within six months of completing the coursework)
- Write a one-page plan for how you will apply the knowledge you learned in the classroom to a real issue, challenge, opportunity, or towards your professional development as a leader.
Recommended for
This program is designed for new managers up to mid-level leaders who are interested in improving their management, communication, and leadership capabilities. Specifically:
- First-time, new leaders: Emerging leaders who are looking to step into managerial positions and want to develop a strong foundation in performance coaching and decision-making.
- Mid-level managers: Individuals who are responsible for leading teams and making critical decisions who would like to refine their leadership skills.
- Human resources professionals: HR practitioners involved in training, development, and performance management who are seeking tools and techniques to support and enhance employee performance in their organization.
- Project managers: Those who manage projects and teams that involve various stakeholders who are looking for a structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
- Team leaders and supervisors: Frontline leaders who directly manage teams who want to learn proactive coaching techniques and decision-making strategies to lead more effectively.
Sample Agenda/Learning Outcomes
Coming soon!
Course Level
Basic: No prerequisites; no advance preparation. All materials will be handed out on-site in the classroom. Participants will receive an email one week in advance of the course with logistical information.
What to Bring
No required materials or technology.
Delivery Method/Learning Environment
This course is delivered in a group-live format and features a dynamic mix of instructional methods, including lectures, case studies, real-world problem solving, small group activities, group discussions, individual reflection exercises, practical application activities, and Q&A sessions.
A highlight of the APPA Proactive Performance Coaching course is the interactive role play exercise. Each participant applies the 6-step PPC model to a real-world workplace scenario, contributing both as a role player and as an observer. This ensures every attendee is actively engaged and benefits from a rich, hands-on learning experience
Accreditation
The following continuing education credits will be provided, after successfully completing the course (view “accreditation” drop down below to review requirements). Certificates will be available by June 6.
- Recommended CEUs 2/PDHs 21
About the Instructors
David Ritz | Senior Instructor, LDR Leadership
David specializes in leadership, strategic planning, organizational transformation, and governance training. He brings a unique perspective to his classes, having served both as a CEO of a cooperative utility in Florida for 27 years and as a utility board member for 23 years. David was also a city and community manager and helped start one of Florida’s first stormwater drainage utilities. He has served on numerous civic, cultural, medical, and community boards. He started many innovative environmental programs and has been an advocate of continuous training his entire career. David received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Public Administration, both from the University of Florida. He later completed the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government’s Senior Executives Program.
Shawn Tenace | Instructor, LDR Leadership
Shawn Tenace is an seasoned leader, experienced educator, and instructor with more than 38 years of diverse experience developing people and organizations across military, educational, and corporate settings. He is passionate about developing people and organizations, having taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and serving as an instructor in the Department of Physical Education at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Today, Shawn is a key member of LDR Leadership’s instructional team, delivering courses on performance management, team development, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, and decision making to professionals at all levels. His approach blends practical tools with an emphasis on resilience, trust, and empowerment—helping leaders strengthen culture, elevate performance, and drive organizational growth. He provides executive coaching and helps with leading retreats for clients.
A retired U.S. Army Special Forces Officer and combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan,
Shawn holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Virginia, a Bachelor of Science from Campbell University, and is a Certified Personal & Executive Coach. Known for his engaging and empathetic style, he connects with audiences from military units to corporate executives with equal impact
Disclosure: The instructors have no proprietary or financial interests in any products, services, or materials discussed in this course.
Enrollment Fee
| Through April 6 | After April 6 | |
| Members** | $2,900 | $3,000 |
| *The enrollment fee includes everything you need to participate in and receive your certificate: registration for the in-person courses, program enrollment fee, materials, post-course project review, and graduation plaque. | ||
| **Nonmember fees are double the member rate. | ||
Questions?
- Billing: Finance@PublicPower.org
- Registration: Registration@PublicPower.org
- Hotel/Travel: Meetings@PublicPower.org
- Program/Content/Accreditation: Academy@PublicPower.org
Course Details
Proactive Performance Coaching (Part 1)
May 4 – 5
Monday & Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Overview
This course establishes the foundation for LDR Leadership’s Performance Management Training, which helps new managers develop employees’ skills as well as their own. These skills are critical to organizational performance, employee development and retention, and leader growth.
Proactive Performance Coaching, or PPC, enhances leaders’ performance coaching, focusing on creating a positive environment where clear communication and positive reinforcement motivate employees to align with organizational objectives. Learn the purpose and step-by-step process of the PPC model and how communicating expectations in a positive environment — without implementing formal disciplinary steps — can encourage positive behavioral changes and encourage employees to ‘take ownership’ in achieving an organization’s goals.
Using a blend of instruction, problem-centered discussion, and experiential role-play, you’ll learn how to communicate more effectively with employees, including in helping them develop skills, stay motivated, and support a positive organizational culture. Role play some coaching scenarios to practice difficult conversations and try out the PPC
method. Discover how to develop a coaching mindset and learn the principles and techniques to positively and proactively coach performance improvement.
Topics
- Recognize the key principles of the Proactive Performance Coaching (PPC) model
- Define the four types of workplace communication
- Discuss the key elements of active listening
- Recognize the importance of individual responsibility and initiative in contributing to organizational success.
- Define the purpose and the sequence of the 6-step PPC model for addressing workplace performance issues.
- Apply the 6-step PPC model and planning criteria to develop and present a solution to a workplace performance issue during a role-play exercise.
- Describe the importance of positive reinforcement and its role in the workplace.
- Identify the three areas of professional development.
Problem Identification and Decision Making (Part 2)
May 6
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Overview
The human brain is capable of ten processes per second, which makes it far more powerful than any computer in existence. However, our memories are often less than optimal and we're subject to cognitive biases that can cause us to make questionable decisions and reach erroneous conclusions. These biases, when coupled with the very real impact of human emotions, often prevent leaders and teams from making the best decisions, leading to common mistakes.
Learn more about the 12 cognitive biases and an effective process to manage these human tendencies to enable productive decision-making. Get a new view on traditional decision-making paradigms, including how to start by identifying and defining a problem. Explore the typical limitations and biases that can undermine effective judgment and discuss strategies for overcoming these challenges. Dive into group decision-making dynamics and how to appropriately embrace conflict. Through a combination of small group discussion, assessments, activities, and other cognitive-bias awareness training, gain skills to help you be better equipped to tackle challenges, make informed decisions, and foster a responsive leadership style.
Topics
- What a “Decision of Consequence” entails
- How people normally make and evaluate decisions
- The importance of implementing and processing over outcome
- Creating a clear problem definition statement
- How anxiety, uncertainty, and risk impact our decision making
- The elements of an effective decision-making model
- Defining your personal Decisional Behavioral Style
- Decision logic and probability
- Effective group decision-making and how it can provide check and balances against individual illogic
- Managing conflict in group discussion and decision making
- Avoiding the natural pressures that stifle discussion and disagreement
- Developing High-Performing Teams: Identifying distinguishing characteristics and designing high-performing teams.
Developing High-Performing Teams (Part 3)
May 7
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – Noon
Overview
There are certain characteristics that define high-performing teams: They are aligned with (and committed to) a common purpose; they show high levels of collaboration, innovation and trust; and have high levels of trust and supportive processes that enable any team member to surmount barriers in achieving the mutual goals.
Delve into the 10 key characteristics that distinguish high-performing teams and how you can design teams of different types to align with these traits. Review the data behind why team size and a compelling purpose matter, and how to best apply teaming principles within your team. Explore the LDR Leadership Team Effectiveness Model, the three criteria for effective teaming, and several useful application models, including a Team Launch Checklist to set conditions and follow through on the concepts covered in class.
Topics
- Review the pillars of the LDR Leadership Team Effectiveness Model: Team alignment, team design, coaching mindset, team processes, and high-performing team culture
- The 10 characteristics of a high-performing team
- How brainstorming, social loafing, social anxiety, regression toward the mean, and production blocking affect team design and development
- Effective team designs
- The ‘iceberg theory’ and diversity in team design
- How stereotypes and generational experiences manifest in the workplace and interactions
- The Stages of Group Development
Through a variety of academic training methods, the instructors teach rising leaders sound principles and effective techniques to proactively coach performance and improve team dynamics. Get the tools needed for enhancing team performance and decision-making capabilities, ensuring immediate applicability for organizational success.
Registration
Register Now
Registration Assistance: Review registration FAQs or contact Registration@PublicPower.org
| Registration received by April 6 | Registration received after April 6 | |||
| Members | Others | Members | Others | |
| Accounting | ||||
| Accounting Bundle: three courses (save $300) | $2,785 | $5,870 | $3,085 | $6,170 |
| $1,195 | $2,390 | $1,295 | $2,490 |
| $695 | $1,390 | $795 | $1,490 |
| $1,195 | $2,390 | $1,295 | $2,490 |
| Cost of Service & Rate Design | ||||
| COS/Rates Bundle: three courses (save $300) | $2,285 | $4,870 | $2,585 | $5,170 |
| $695 | $1,390 | $795 | $1,490 |
| $1,195 | $2,390 | $1,295 | $2,490 |
| $695 | $1,390 | $795 | $1,490 |
| Overhead Distribution | ||||
| Overhead Bundle: two courses (save $300) | $2,990 | $5,400 | ||
| $1,495 | $2,990 | No late fees for virtual courses. | |
| $1,795 | $3,590 | $1,895 | $3,690 |
| Leadership Training/Certificate Program* | ||||
| $2,900 | $5,800 | $3,000 | $5,900 |
| *The certificate registration fee includes everything you need to participate in and graduate from the program: registration for the in-person courses, program enrollment fee, materials, post-course project review, and graduation plaque. | ||||
Group Registration Discounts
Save money on each registration when your organization registers five or more people for the same class. The larger your group, the more you save! Registrations must be submitted on the same order (at the same time) to qualify for the group discount; discounts cannot be retroactively applied to previous orders. If you need assistance, contact Registration@PublicPower.org.
| Number of registrants | Class Discount (per person) |
| 1-4 | n/a |
| 5-9 | $50 |
| 10-14 | $100 |
| 15-24 | $150 |
| 25+ | $200 |
Cancellations/No-Show/Refunds/Substitutions
Registrants who cancel in writing on or before April 27, 2026, are entitled to a refund of their registration fee, minus a $100 cancellation fee. Registrants who cancel after April 27 will not receive a refund, but attendee substitutions will be allowed. Registrants and no-shows who do not cancel by April 27 are responsible for the full registration fee and are not entitled to a refund. If APPA cancels a course, you will receive a full refund.
- Cancellation requests should be made through your My.PublicPower portal, or addressed to: Registration@PublicPower.org or by emailing Registration@PublicPower.org.
- For more information regarding refund, complaints and program cancellation policies, please contact Academy@PublicPower.org.
Meals
A light breakfast, afternoon snack, and beverage breaks are included in the registration fee. All other meals are on your own.
Dress Code
The attire for the Institute ranges from business casual to casual—whatever you're comfortable in. Meeting room temperatures vary, so prepare to dress for cool conditions.
Internet Access
There will be complimentary standard wireless internet available.
Name Badges
Name badges can be picked up at the APPA registration desk at the hotel starting at 7:30 a.m.
Code of Conduct
Participants agree to abide by the APPA Code of Conduct. If participants engage in unacceptable behavior as outlined in the code, APPA may take any action it deems appropriate, including but not limited to, expulsion from the current and future meetings, with no warning or refund.
Contact Us
- Registration: Registration@PublicPower.org
- Hotel: Meetings@PublicPower.org
- Program/Content: Academy@PublicPower.org
- Billing: Finance@PublicPower.org
Hotel
Hotel Information
The 2026 Spring Education Institute will take place at the:
Hotel Contessa
306 West Market St
San Antonio, TX 78205
Reservations
- Phone: (402) 593-5048 (main hotel line and reservations)
- Group Rate: Single/Double: $219/night + tax
- Room Rate Cut-off Date: April 13
- Online Reservation Link
- Group Code: ASI110823
Logistics
- Check-in: 4 p.m.; Check-out: 11 a.m.
- Valet Parking: Valet Parking: $53 + tax; Day Parking: $25 + tax
Please note: It is possible that the block of rooms could sell out prior to April 13, so make your hotel reservations early.
Reservations & Cancellations
Please contact the hotel directly to reserve and manage your reservation. If you need assistance making reservations, contact Meetings@PublicPower.org.
Internet Access
There will be complimentary standard wireless internet available.
Location
All courses will be held in the Hotel Contessa. The hotel is located about 9 miles from the San Antonio International Airport (SAT). Please contact the hotel for transportation options.
Travel Arrangements/Hotel Parking
Travel arrangements and costs associated with hotel parking are the responsibility of the participants. APPA will not reimburse for changes in travel expenditures regardless of the cause.
Accreditation
Earn While You Learn!
Participate in live virtual programs to earn IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and NASBA Continuing Professional Education credits (CPEs). Participate in live virtual programs to earn IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and NASBA Continuing Professional Education credits (CPEs)—credit availability, completion requirements, and number of credits vary by course and are confirmed with attendees upon registration and before and during a course.
Learn more about APPA’s Accreditation and Event Policies here.
Requirements for Successful Completion: In-person
To receive a completion certificate with continuing education credits for these courses, attendees must meet the following criteria:
1. Daily Attendance: Sign in each day and attend the full course
Attendance will be monitored by instructors and APPA staff
2. Active Participation: Engage in activities, role play exercise, and discussions
Participation will be observed and confirmed by instructors and APPA staff
3. Course Evaluation: Complete an online evaluation at the end of each class
Evaluations are tracked electronically and verified by APPA staff
Important Notes
- No Partial Credit: Credit cannot be awarded for partial attendance.
- Attendance Verification: Attendance is matched against association
membership records and confirmed through each individual’s secure APPA user portal. - Completion Certificates: Certificates will be available within two weeks of
course completion (by May 20) in your APPA user portal (access details will be emailed) for qualifying attendees.
Accreditation
What educational credits are available?
You can earn the following kinds of continuing education credits for attending live sessions — provided the Requirements for Successful Completion noted above are met:
Continuing Education Units (CEUs): The American Public Power Association is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training. For information regarding certification status, attendance requirements and obtaining attendee transcripts, contact Academy@PublicPower.org. Verify our IACET Accreditation.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits: The American Public Power Association is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as clarification of requirements, complaints, and refunds, please contact Academy@PublicPower.org.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs): The American Public Power Association’s educational practices are consistent with the criteria for awarding Professional Development Hours (PDHs) as established by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Course eligibility and number of PDHs may vary by state.
Contact Us
- Billing: Finance@PublicPower.org
- Registration: Registration@PublicPower.org
- Hotel/Travel: Meetings@PublicPower.org
- Program/Content/Accreditation: Academy@PublicPower.org
Additional Information
What to Bring
If you are enrolled in one of the following courses, please note the items to bring with you. If your course is not listed, you do not have to bring anything.
- Advanced Public Utility Accounting
- Encouraged to bring: A copy of your annual financial statement. Instructors will answer your questions on presentation and application of accounting policies and practices.
- Encouraged to bring: A copy of your annual financial statement. Instructors will answer your questions on presentation and application of accounting policies and practices.
- Cost of Service in Practice:
- Encouraged to bring: A laptop with with access to MS Excel and PowerPoint, to work through in-class exercises.
- Encouraged to bring: A laptop with with access to MS Excel and PowerPoint, to work through in-class exercises.
- Best Practices in Overhead Distribution Line Design:
- Required to bring: A scientific calculator or smart phone calculator app
- Required to bring: A print copy (or have access to a digital copy) of the 2023 National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) to reference during class
- Encouraged to bring: Interesting underground distribution photos as well as their underground distribution design guides and standards to share
Class Start/End Times
| Monday May 4 | Tuesday May 5 | Wednesday May 6 | Thursday May 7 | Friday May 8 | |
| Accounting | |||||
| Public Utility Accounting | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | |||
| Electric Work Order & Fixed Asset Accounting | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | ||||
| Advanced Public Utility Accounting | 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. | |||
| Cost of Service & Rate Design | |||||
| Foundations of Utility Financial Planning | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | ||||
| Cost of Service in Practice: From Analysis to Rate Design | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | |||
| Strategic Rate Design for a Dynamic Industry | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | ||||
| Overhead Distribution | |||||
| Overhead Distribution Systems Principles & Applications (Virtual) | March 17-19 & 24-26; Noon – 4 p.m. | ||||
| Best Practices in Overhead Distribution Line Design | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. | |
| Leadership Certificate | |||||
| Leadership Essentials Certificate Program | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8:30 a.m. – noon | |
Where and when are the next Education Institutes?
Spring Institute
Savannah, GA
May 3-7, 2027
Contact Us
- Registration: Registration@PublicPower.org
- Program/Content: Academy@PublicPower.org
- Hotel: Meetings@PublicPower.org
- Billing: Finance@PublicPower.org
