CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — State Rep. James Lomax participated in the Emerging Legislative Leaders Program, sponsored by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation.

The program was July 8-11 at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

The annual program is for legislators who have been nominated by the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate or Minority Leader from their state. The leaders nominate one or more members who have demonstrated integrity, compassion, intelligence, vision, and common sense. 

Lomax (R-Huntsville) was one of 50 state legislators chosen from among nearly 200 nominees.

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The goal of the program is to inspire the lawmakers to continue careers in public service. Class discussions will examine qualities and characteristics of leadership including ethical leadership, the art of compromise and coalition building, and the philosophical underpinnings of representative democracy.

“The frank, sometimes heated, discussions with legislators from all sides of the political spectrum at the University of Virginia were enlightening and encouraging,” Rep. Lomax said.

“Our country can thrive when we start seeing each other as fellow humans. I hope to put into action the leadership tools learned at the Emerging Leaders program immediately to better serve the people of Huntsville and the State of Alabama.”

“These legislators represent the best in our legislative institutions, and are destined for future leadership roles in their state,” said Stephen G. Lakis, president of the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. “Spending time with these up and coming leaders renews my confidence in our country’s great democratic experiment.”