1. Or I thought I knew what I was getting into when I took this job!

2. Panel Phil Lowe, DCSS Director for San Luis Obispo County Natalie Dillon, DCSS Assistant Director for Yolo County Kari Gilbert, DCSS Director for Fresno County

3. In this course, we will accomplish the following goals:  Understand the importance of being aware of politics as a leader  Understand that effective navigation and awareness of your political environment offers opportunity – in equal parts – for success and unqualified disaster  Understanding that politics is pervasive and it also shapes how others look at and perceive you as a leader  Provide insight into the challenges of being a leader in a complex program such as Child Support

4. Politics Defined: (Merriam Webster) 1 a : the art or science of government b : the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy policy c : the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government 2 : political actions, practices, or policiespoliticalpolicies 3 a : political affairs or business; especially : competition between competing interest groups or individuals for power and leadership (as in a government) b : political life especially as a principal activity or profession c : political activities characterized by artful and often dishonest practices

5. Politics and the County Board of Supervisors Challenges Opportunities Wisdom

6. Politics and the County Executive Office Challenges Opportunities Wisdom

7. Politics and the Unions Challenges Opportunities Wisdom

8. Politics and the Courts Challenges Opportunities Wisdom

9. Politics and the Media Opportunities Challenges Wisdom

10. Politics and Performance Challenges Opportunities Wisdom

11. Politics and Managing Personnel Challenges Opportunities Wisdom

12. Politics and the Caseload Challenges Opportunities Wisdom

13. The Politics of Politics Challenges Opportunity Wisdom

14. Presenters Kari Gilbert, Director of Fresno County DCSS kgilbert@co.fresno.ca.us Natalie Dillon, Assistant Director of Yolo County DCSS natalie.dillon@yolocounty.org Phil Lowe, Director of San Luis Obispo County DCSS plowe@co.slo.ca.us