Strengthening Governance Performance Through Data-Informed Leadership Development
Hines Dortch Consulting’s Corey Dortch and Newnan City Council and Staff after concluding their 2026 leadership retreat.
Hines Dortch Consulting partnered with the City of Newnan on a leadership development engagement designed to strengthen governance alignment, communication effectiveness, and long-term strategic clarity.
“This engagement was about strengthening the performance of a leadership team that was already strong and committed to serving its community well.”
The engagement reflected a proactive investment in leadership effectiveness—supporting elected officials and executive staff with structure, insight, and shared language to enhance how they lead together.
A Structured, Data-Informed Engagement Model
The engagement was intentionally designed to support both individual leadership awareness and collective governance alignment.
Phase I: Leadership Assessment & Individual Executive Coaching
Prior to the retreat, each council member and key staff participant completed the Birkman Method® behavioral assessment.
Corey Dortch, a Certified Birkman Professional, conducted one-hour individual coaching sessions with each participant, including the newly elected mayor. These sessions provided insight into:
Communication preferences and leadership styles
Motivational drivers and workplace needs
Stress behaviors and leadership blind spots
This preparatory work ensured that retreat discussions were focused, informed, and grounded in self-awareness.
Phase II: Facilitated City Council Retreat
The two-day facilitated retreat created structured space for governance alignment and forward-looking leadership discussion. Sessions focused on:
Translating individual leadership insight into team effectiveness
Establishing shared governance norms and working expectations
Strengthening executive–legislative communication rhythms
Aligning leadership practices with the City’s mission and long-term priorities
Corey Dortch facilitates session during leadership retreat.
Participants engaged in structured dialogue, applied governance scenarios, and strategic discussions designed to reinforce effective decision-making and collaboration.
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The leadership development engagement resulted in:
Greater clarity around communication styles and expectations
Shared language for navigating differences constructively
Reinforced connection between relationships and results
Alignment around governance priorities and long-term goals
Increased openness and professional trust within the leadership team
The retreat served as a strategic investment in leadership capacity and governance performance.
The retreat served as a strategic investment in leadership capacity and governance performance.
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To support continued impact, Hines Dortch Consulting recommended:
Periodic structured dialogue sessions focused on governance effectiveness
A clear and predictable communication cadence between the Mayor and Council
Continued executive coaching and leadership development support
Ongoing structure helps ensure that leadership insight translates into consistent practice and measurable community impact.
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By combining behavioral assessment, individual executive coaching, and structured facilitation, the City of Newnan strengthened its leadership foundation and reinforced its commitment to effective, mission-centered governance.
Leadership development is not a one-time event—it is an intentional investment in how governing bodies communicate, align, and serve their communities.
Leadership development is not a one-time event—it is an intentional investment in how governing bodies communicate, align, and serve their communities.
If your city council, board, or executive leadership team is seeking data-informed governance alignment and leadership development, we welcome the opportunity to connect.