Wendy McNamara selected for Lugar Public Service Series--Thomas B. Langhorne, Courier & Press

EVANSVILLE — The national leadership program for Republican women offers specialized training for service in key governmental and political positions. Typically up to 20 women selected from across the nation are included in the program that has eight monthly daylong sessions starting this month. In May, the series concludes with a four-day visit to Washington, D.C.

 This year's local class members are Holli Sullivan, founder of the conservative women's group Women Right of Center; Wendy McNamara, director of Early College High School for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. and a Republican candidate for state representative in House District 76; and Carrie Ellspermann, president of Wealth Management at Old National Bank.

Applicants were evaluated after written and oral presentations. Selected from a field of statewide applicants, they typically express an interest in public service as appointed or elected officials. More than 1,300 women have received public service training through the Lugar program.

The Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series bills itself as "a not-for-profit organization funded and operated by the voluntary contributions of individuals and organizations committed to increasing the leadership of women in politics and government." 

For the full October 15, 2009 Courier & Press article by Thomas B. Langhorne, click here