In November, four visitors from Bhutan arrived in Pensacola as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) under the title State and Local Government. They were welcomed by City Council Executive Don Kraher who gave an overview of Pensacola’s history and city government. Following the welcome orientation, the visitors discussed the administrative functions of the government of Escambia County with Director of Human Resource Division Eric Kleinert and Information Technology Coordinator Chris Karp from the Management and Budget Services Bureau of Escambia County. Also, the visitors met with Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Donald Spencer, Internal Auditor Sam Scallan, and Finance Director Michael Burton at the Santa Rosa County Administration Center to highlight financial controls in local government.
The visitors had the opportunity to meet our 2019 Youth Diplomats to discuss the goals of their visit to the United States and to share their work in Bhutan. This discussion allowed the visitors to engage with American youth and for the Youth Diplomats to learn more about the IVLP and other exchange programs.
On their last day, the visitors had a meeting with Senior Budget Analyst Regina Hall to highlight best practices and lessons learned in public finance and government openness. Their visit to the Emergency Operations Center and discussion with Planning Coordinator Brad Hattaway explained how various levels of government cooperate in responding to natural and manmade disasters. In addition to these meetings, the visitors participated in a volunteer activity with Katie Ramsey, Serving the Hungry coordinator.
The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council thanks everyone who helped to make this project a success.
