Sara Bluhm was recently accepted into the Class of 2023 for Leadership Delaware
Sara Bluhm, Economic Development and Community Engagement Administrator for the City of Milford was recently selected to participate in Leadership Delaware. The organization selects the best and brightest leaders who meet and hear from prominent, accomplished Delaware leaders. The application and interview process is challenging, intense and competitive.
“The application process is rigorous,” Bluhm said. “In addition to a multi-page application complete with seven thought-provoking questions, I needed at least two letters of recommendation, two references and had to attend a candidate reception. Selected applicants then get invited to interviews which was like speed dating with 18 different interviewers asking a tough question every five minutes. From there, a class is selected. Over 130 people were signed up for candidate receptions and could potentially apply. Of those who applied, over 50 were selected for interviews and 29 were ultimately chosen for the Class of 2023.”
Bluhm explained that she was encouraged to apply by LDI board member and Kent Economic Partnership Executive Director Linda Parkowski. She will begin with orientation on January 14 and meet two days a month through December 2023. Over the course of the program, Bluhm will hear from 150 speakers, and she anticipates learning a lot not only from the speakers but from her classmates as well. Her classmates are from a wide range of organizations and locations throughout the state, including United Way of Delaware, the Food Bank of Delaware, Delmarva Power & Light, Navient, Delaware Prosperity Partnership, Beebe Healthcare, New Castle County EMS plus many more.
“The unique thing about this program is the connections that Sara will make throughout the state by being part of the class,” Mark Whitfield, Milford City Manager, said. “The program is geared toward young professionals in hopes of creating Delaware’s next generation of leaders. Sara is the first City of Milford employee to be part of the program. The program was started in 2008 and is limited to 30 people per class.”
As the first City employee accepted into the program, Bluhm is looking forward to sharing Milford’s assets with other leaders throughout the state. She believes this puts Milford on a statewide stage and she is excited to share the economic development opportunities including the new Milford Corporate Center. Whitfield commended Bluhm on her accomplishment.
“Sara’s track record of her professional work as well as her work with non-profit organizations, highlighted by her potential to be one of Delaware’s next generation of leaders, which is why she was selected to be a member of the Class of 2023,” Whitfield said. “She will represent Milford well and, more importantly, make professional connections to grow in her position with the city.”
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