First Advanced COI Graduate Recognized

When the Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) celebrated its record-setting class of County Officials Institute (COI) graduates at its 50th Annual Conference this September, one name stood out. Lon Colton, Oneida County Clerk, became the first official in IAC history to earn the Advanced COI certificate.

The COI program is IAC’s professional development program for county elected officials and staff, and finishing it is already a major commitment. To complete the program, participants must earn 18 core credits and 12 elective credits. Those pursuing an Advanced COI certificate must earn an extra 35 credits beyond the standard requirements. That means Lon earned more than 65 credits in total, well over double what it takes to graduate from the standard program.

What That Dedication Looks Like

Those credits don’t come all at once. IAC offers credits at the Spring and Fall COI sessions, as well as at the Midwinter Legislative Conference and the Annual Conference. Earning 65 or more of them means showing up, again and again, over many years: making the drive from Oneida County to trainings across the state, sitting in sessions after long days in the office, and coming back the next season ready to learn more.

That commitment is even more notable given the size of the job. Idaho’s county clerks wear many hats, serving as auditor, recorder, clerk of the district court, clerk to the board of commissioners, and chief election official for their county. In a smaller county like Oneida, that work falls on a small team, and taking time away for training takes real effort.

“Certification was the last thing on my mind. Participating in the County Officials Institute is one of the best ways to keep up on the ever changing landscape of county government. Thank you to IAC for their efforts to keep county officials informed and prepared.” – Lon Colton, Oneida County Clerk

Lon’s achievement is a reminder of what the COI program is built for: county officials who keep growing in their roles so they can better serve their communities. He has set the standard for the officials who will follow him into the Advanced track.

Congratulations, Lon, and thank you for your commitment to Oneida County and to Idaho’s counties!