Discover how the PLC can help you become a more effective leader.
Steven P. Carter, a Harvard Kennedy School Public Leadership Credential (PLC) program alum, is an expert at facing emergencies with strength and poise. He currently serves as the Division Chief of Training for the City of Sunrise Fire Rescue and as an Incident Commander with the Southeast Florida Regional All Hazards Incident Management Team, dedicating his career to public service and the safety of his community.
With his technical skills already honed, he was searching for professional development that would strengthen his overall leadership approach, further his education in policy, and give him the strategies needed to evolve his decision-making in real time. He explained, “I wanted to better distinguish between adaptive challenges and technical problems, especially in a world defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. My goals were clear: deepen my understanding of how policy intersects with organizational strategy, sharpen my ability to lead diverse teams, master evidence-based decision-making, and connect with peers tackling similar public-sector hurdles.”
The PLC curriculum was able to respond specifically to Steven’s needs, allowing him to elevate his already illustrious career even further. “Since completing the PLC, my professional life has transformed in ways I didn’t fully anticipate,” he said. “Thanks to a sharper strategic mindset, I’ve gained the confidence to tackle intricate projects with purpose and precision. My ability to analyze data and anticipate challenges has improved, allowing me to craft proactive solutions.”
As is often the case with PLC learners, Steven enrolled primarily because of the world-class Harvard faculty and caliber of the program, and completed the program equally as impressed with the fellow learners he worked alongside. “I’ve honed my communication and teamwork skills—key takeaways from the program—leading to stronger, more collaborative teams,” he said. “Perhaps most valuable is the global perspective and robust peer network I’ve developed, which continues to inspire and inform my work.”
Steven’s work has expanded even further since completing the PLC, including creating new programming to empower his colleagues to advance their own skills and professional development. “In my organization and the broader fire service, I’ve already implemented PLC lessons with impact,” he said. “I’ve embraced moral leadership, using program frameworks to navigate complex organizational challenges. I’ve built stronger stakeholder relationships through internal and external community engagement strategies, particularly during disaster deployments. I led a team to develop an executive leadership symposium for Chief Officers within my region, at the First There First Care & Gathering of Eagles Conference, to help sustain leadership growth within the Fire Rescue community.”
His enthusiasm for the leadership experience he gained through the PLC extends even further, with plans to improve the systems his organization has in place, while also creating more room at the table. “I'm eager to continue to apply the expertise gained through the program to foster collaborative solutions that enhance our community's safety and quality of life,” Steven said. “My immediate focus is on two key areas: internally, I aim to facilitate positive organizational change by addressing complex challenges in the face of uncertainty within emergency services; externally, I'm committed to advocating that all voices are heard in developing practical solutions to community risk reduction. The PLC program has given me the tools and perspective to make these community-oriented goals impactful.”
Steven’s organization and community are both experiencing positive gains from his time spent at HKS, and he hopes his fellow leaders, particularly those in the public sector, will make the same investment for the betterment of those they serve. He said, “For anyone considering the PLC, I’d say it’s a game-changer. It’s not just a credential; it’s a hands-on, transformative experience that equips you with practical tools to lead effectively in the public sector. The blend of a rigorous curriculum, world-class faculty, and diverse cohort creates a unique environment where you learn to apply concepts like moral leadership and policy design immediately. It’s an investment that pays off when you start putting it into practice.”