The AFSA Education Foundation/University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Management Development Program, held July 10-22, built on the current managerial effectiveness of high-potential middle managers while preparing them for future leadership roles within their organizations.

This year's class representative had this to say of the program:

When I arrived to begin the AFSA/UNC Management Development Program I thought—as many of you might—that I did not have much to learn. I was wrong! No matter the level of education or experience in financial services, participants will gain valuable insights into their leadership skills and up-to-date knowledge of our industry and the business environment in general.

While two weeks away from family, the office and customers may seem like a long time, it is time very well worth the investment.

The instructors from the Kenan-Flagler Business School proved to be outstanding. They engaged the class with challenging case studies and lively discussions. In addition, the information that they provided was current and apropos to the business environment we face today. I concur with the comments many of my classmates made regarding the faculty at the AFSA/UNC Management Development Program.

None of our undergraduate or graduate programs had instructors of this caliber.

The business leaders who made up our class rounded out this excellent experience by providing their "best practices" to many of the issues we discussed. This made our classes both relevant and stimulating.

The team-building exercises we engaged in were challenging and very fun. While our class seemed to bond right from the start, our Saturday together on the ropes course provided a deeper level of trust and teamwork than I thought possible. The facilities at the Rizzo Conference Center are state-of-the art and very conducive to an interactive classroom environment. Its many amenities helped foster a casual atmosphere that made it easy to get to know our classmates and have fun at the same time. We all commented on how difficult it will be to leave an environment were we were so well treated.

I applaud the AFSA Education Committee on the program that they have developed. As I reflect back on my time at the AFSA/UNC Management Development Program, I know that I attended a program with many of the future leaders in our industry. Not only am I encouraged, I am confident in the knowledge that I am better prepared and more energized about our industry than I have ever been.

Jody Gunderman
Harley-Davidson Financial Services