Leadership Academy Class of 2024 - 2025

This year-long leadership cohort is designed to enhance the leadership skills of nonprofit aging services leaders in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. During the year, Fellows are guided through a graduate-level curriculum that examines the traits of successful leaders, develops leadership competencies, and expands knowledge in the field of aging services. This cohort also fosters strong connections among peers from other LeadingAge member organizations.

Core Themes

• Leadership and Self Reflection – to explore personal values and self-reflective leadership;
• Advocacy – to understand the importance of relationships and trust in advocacy and community building;
• Partnerships and Collaborations – to appreciate the power of partnerships and learn best practices from other organizations;
• Innovation and Change – to explore our potential as change agents and understand how innovation works;
• Work Life Integration – to reflect on our values, beliefs, and philosophy and to appreciate the value of presence and being in the moment.

Curriculum

The Leadership Academy curriculum draws on adult learning theory to delve into the core principles of transformational leadership, person-centered care, and innovation. The program emphasizes self-awareness and relationship building through a variety of educational methodologies.

Traditional and experiential learning methods are used to create an environment in which Fellows learn from their own experiences, from one another, from the coaches and design team, and from leaders and experts in the field.

Eligibility and Application

The program is open to all employees of LeadingAge DC, Maryland, or Virginia member communities, employed for a minimum of one year, regardless of their job title, clinical background, or managerial experience. Leadership potential within the organization is the key consideration, not a specific role or position. We strongly encourage the nomination of emerging leaders at all levels. Each member community may submit one nominee. If a Fellow’s employment status changes or if they fail to meet any of the program’s eligibility criteria, continued participation in the Leadership Academy is subject to review by LeadingAge DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

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2025-2026 Learning Schedule

Participants will engage in four (in-person) learning experiences that include visits to member communities, intimate conversations with aging services leaders, and self-exploration of leadership styles through exercises and readings.

• June 4-5, 2025 | Norfolk, VA
• October 8-9, 2025 | MD
• February 11-12, 2026 | Richmond, VA
• June 8-9, 2026 | Roanoke, VA

Who should apply?

• Anyone employed by a LeadingAge DC, Maryland, and Virginia member community, for a minimum of one year, irrespective of clinical or managerial experience.
• Leadership potential within one’s organization is far more important than specific job titles. The focus will be on developing aging services leaders.
• Only one applicant per community will be considered.
• If a Fellow’s employment status changes or if they fail to meet any of the program’s eligibility criteria, continued participation in the Leadership Academy is subject to review by LeadingAge DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Commitment

• Upon acceptance, a $2,150 tuition payment (non-refundable and non-transferable) is required from each LeadingAge DC, Maryland, or Virginia Fellow organization.
• Tuition includes meeting materials and meals provided during sessions. The member community will incur lodging and travel expenses for their participating Fellow.
• A limited amount of tuition assistance is available for those experiencing financial hardship. If you are accepted into the cohort and would like to be considered, please notify us by emailing contactus@leadingagevirginia.org.
• Acceptance into the program requires each Fellow to attend every session, complete all assignments, and participate in monthly check-ins with coaches.
• Each Academy Fellow is provided with complimentary registration for the 2025 and 2026 LeadingAge Virginia Annual Conference + Expo.
• If a Fellow’s employment status changes or if they fail to meet any of the program’s eligibility criteria, continued participation in the Leadership Academy is subject to review by LeadingAge DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

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The DC, Maryland, and Virginia Leadership Academy is generously sponsored by:

Ziegler is a full-service specialty investment bank and broker-dealer specializing in healthcare, senior living, education, and religion sectors. They provide capital raising, strategic advisory services, equity and fixed-income sales and trading, wealth management, and research.