Cougar Tracks At WSU Tri?Cities Announces Summer Manager Coaching Series With Scholarship Opportunities - 05/12/26
RICHLAND, Wash. — Cougar Tracks at Washington State University Tri‑Cities, the region’s trusted hub for continuing and professional education, is now enrolling participants for its Summer Manager Coaching Series, a workforce development program designed to strengthen leadership capacity across the Tri‑Cities.
The Manager Coaching Series, scheduled for June 3–4 and 9–10 on the WSU Tri‑Cities campus, provides current and emerging managers with practical tools to improve employee performance, support professional growth, and build engaged, resilient teams. The program is designed to meet immediate workplace needs and support employers seeking to develop strong internal leadership pipelines. “Effective managers are essential to workforce stability, productivity and retention,” said Wade Larson, professor in the Carson College of Business at WSU. “This program is built around the real‑world challenges organizations face today.”
“This series gives managers tools they can use right away, and scholarships and grant support ensure the training is accessible to organizations of all sizes,” added Garth Reed, Cougar Tracks instructor at WSU Tri‑Cities.
About the Instructors
Professor Wade Larson serves as a lead faculty member in leadership, management, and human resources across MBA and executive programs at WSU. With more than 30 years of experience spanning higher education leadership, workforce development, and executive human resources, Larson brings an applied, industry‑informed perspective to leadership education. Garth Reed is a leadership development professional specializing in government and interagency training initiatives. He designs and facilitates practical, evidence-based programs that strengthen collaboration, communication, and leadership effectiveness across public-sector organizations.
A Proven Program with Lasting Impact
Participants in the Manager Coaching Series learn strategies to:
- Coach employees toward higher performance and accountability
- Navigate performance conversations with confidence
- Build trust, engagement, and collaboration within teams
Participant feedback surveys revealed the programs impact. One attendee noted “This program completely changed how I approach coaching conversations. I use what I learned almost daily, and the impact on my team has been immediate.”
Audrey Burney, director of economic development at the Port of Benton said she found the program to be highly practical and applicable to her role. “The sessions strengthened my leadership skills, particularly in applying the SBI (Situation–Behavior–Impact) feedback model, setting clear expectations, delegating effectively, and building accountability through consistent management practices.”
Expanding Access Through Workforce Funding
To broaden access to leadership development, the series is supported by multiple funding pathways:
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Eligible employers may receive cost reimbursement through the Richland Chamber of Commerce Business Boost Grant.
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Pasco residents and businesses may qualify to attend at no upfront cost by applying for a workforce training scholarship.
“The scholarship support made it possible for me to participate, and the return on investment—for me and my organization—has been tremendous,” Burney said.
Enrollment for the Summer Manager Coaching Series is now open, and space is limited. For program details, scholarship information or to register, visit: https://tricities.wsu.edu/continuing-education/
About Cougar Tracks: Advancing the Regional Workforce
Cougar Tracks at WSU Tri‑Cities serves as a central partner for employers, professionals, and community organizations seeking responsive, high-quality continuing and professional education. Through workforce aligned programming, Cougar Tracks supports economic resilience and leadership development throughout the Tri‑Cities region.