Timer

Ready to Lead? Start Here.

The E3 Political Academy is a nonpartisan, two-day intensive designed for citizens who are ready to step up, speak out, and serve their communities through elected office.

Whether you’re considering a run for school board, city council, county supervisor, state legislature, or Congress, E3 equips future leaders with the tools, confidence, and network needed to take the first step.

What You'll Learn

Led by seasoned subject matter experts, elected leaders, and former officeholders, the academy provides practical knowledge and insider insight across every aspect of public service and campaigning, including:

Topics Include:
  • Understanding Government – Learn the structure, roles, and responsibilities at every level: local, county, state, and federal.
  • Building a Campaign – From timelines to team-building, get a blueprint for success.
  • Fundraising & Finance – Navigate campaign finance laws, ethical fundraising, and donor engagement.
  • Communications – Master messaging, media strategy, and public speaking.
  • Policy & Platform – Identify issues that matter and develop a compelling platform.
  • Leadership Development – Cultivate the mindset, resilience, and character needed for public life.

Who Should Attend

This academy is for anyone interested in making a difference through public office, including:

First-time candidates

Community leaders

Advocates and organizers

Future campaign staff or advisors

E3 Academy Training is a  
Pathway to Public Office

E3 Academy Training Agenda:  
Pathways to Public Office

Thursday, September 11, 2025

  • Program Facilitator, Kathy Pilque, Welcome
  • Participant Introductions
  • Training Objectives:
    • Understand the responsibilities and structures of government at all levels
    • Learn how to run an effective campaign
    • Develop key skills for communication and leadership
    • Gain insight into policy development and governance
    • Discover what it takes – and what it means – to lead

 

Presented by Joe Galli & Dawn Wallace

Title:  Foundations of Public Leadership:  Structures, Roles, and Responsibilities

Description:  Before stepping into elected office, it’s essential to understand the layers of government and what each level is responsible for.  This session provides an overview of government functions and dives into the difference between governing and legislating.  

Topics Covered:

  • Roles of Government and Responsibilities of Federal, State, County, and Local
  • Legislating vs. Governing
  • Decorum
  • Robert’s Rules
  • Open Meeting Laws (Local)

Presented by Brian Springberg

Title:  Crafting Your Message:  Media, Messaging, and Presence

Description:  Effective Communication is the lifeblood of political leadership.  This session equips you with tools for creating effective messaging and connecting with the citizens you aim to serve.    

Topics Covered:

  • Messaging
  • Public Speaking Do’s & Don’ts
  • Social Media

Presented by Steve Greeley

Title:  Utilizing Media & How you carry yourself:  Media & Presence

Description:  Effective communication is the lifeblood of political leadership.  This session equips you with tools for engaging constituents and the media with confidence and clarity.  

Topics Covered:

  • Media’s role in communication
  • How to work with media
  • Decorum as a candidate and elected official

Title:  From Candidate to Changemaker:  Policy, Values, and Vision

Presented by Mark Nexsen (Lake Havasu City Mayor from 2006 to 2016), Harvey Jackson (Lake Havasu City Mayor from 2005 to 2006), and Tom Brady (Bullhead City Mayor from 2014 to 2022)

Description:  True leadership comes from a desire to serve and make an impact.  This session focuses on how to lead with integrity and purpose once elected.  Learn from former Mayor’s about their experience in elected office.  

Topics Covered:

  • Experience of an elected official
  • Impacting Change
  • Implementing Policy
  • Successes

Friday, September 12, 2025

Presented by Stan Barnes

Title:  From Vision to Victory:  Campaign Fundamentals

Description:  Running for office requires careful planning and execution.  This session outlines key components of launching and managing a campaign from start to finish.  

Topics Covered:

  • Campaign Planning
  • Election Cycles
  • Campaign Strategies
  • Successes (Why would you want to do this?)

Presented by Penny Pew

Title:  A Federal Perspective from the halls of Congress

Description:  Learn from an Arizona native and longtime congressional staffer the impacts congress has on policy and everyday life in our community.  Penny Pew is Congressman Dr. Paul Gosar’s State Director.  

Topics Covered:

  • Federal Policy
  • Constituent Services
  • A day in the life of a congressional staffer based in Arizona

Presented by Mohave County Recorder Lydia Durst-Henry & Mohave County Election Personnel and Eileen Nexsen & Andy Campbell, Volunteer Treasurers for Campaigns

Title:  The Dollars and Sense of Campaigning

Description:  Learn from Mohave County election officials on the process for conducting elections in Mohave County.  Also, learn from seasoned volunteer campaign finance treasures on how to properly report and manage campaign finances.

Topics Covered:

  • County Election Office
  • Campaign Finance

Presented by Dr. Coral Evans

Title:  Serving Your Community – A Shared Story

Description:  Dr. Coral Evans will share her story as an elected member of the Flagstaff, Arizona City Council, Mayor of Flagstaff, congressional candidate, and Northern Arizona District Director for U.S. Senator Mark Kelly

Topics Covered:

  • My Why
  • Service to Your Community
  • Impacts

Presented by

Title:  Tips and Information from the City Clerk and County Clerk

Description:  Learn from the City Clerk’s and County Clerk about the role of their office on the campaign and election process.

Topics Covered:

  • Clerk’s Office Role in Elections
  • Required Reporting
  • Timelines

Presented by Arizona State Senator Hildy Angius, Arizona State Representative Leo Biasiucci, Mohave County Supervisor Sonny Borrelli , Mohave County Treasurer SueAnn Mello, and Lake Havasu City Council Member Jeni Coke

Title:  This panel of elected officials will share their road to elected service  

Description:  Hear from elected leaders about their journey to elected office and learn tips from people that have won elections in this region.

Presented by Jodi Saegesser, Mohave County Republican Central Committee Chair & Diane McMahan, Mohave County Democratic Central Committee Chair

Title:  Role of the Political Parties

Description:  Political parties play a role in campaigns, elections, and policy.  Learn from the County Chairs about their role in the process.

  • PC’s
  • Role of the Party
  • How do you get involved

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Next Academy Dates: September 11 & 12, 2025

Real Topics
Open Seats

Why E3?

Cost : $TBD

Join Us

Nomadic, 2119 McCulloch Blvd. N, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 (Park in the Parking Lot of Mesquite Ave.

ENGAGE with your community.
EMPOWER your voice.
ELECT to serve.