Engineering Leadership Academy
Engineering Leadership Academy (ELA) is a nine-month intensive leadership development course designed for leadership-track employees who are experienced in managing projects and people and who are being considered for higher-level leadership roles within their firm (such as principal, officer, practice leader, etc.) The course is focused on expanding their perspective from the day-to-day nuts and bolts of managing to the big picture and strategic thinking required to lead a firm, department, or practice area. Each ELA class is carefully chosen based on qualifications by a selection committee and is strictly limited to 24 participants to facilitate collegiality, better dialogue, and engaged hands-on learning.
If you are interested in this program, please email Chandler.Baker@acecga.org
How is ELA different from the Future Leaders program?
ACEC Georgia's Future Leaders Program (FLP) has been a highly successful and in-demand leadership program (there has been a waiting list for the past several years) focused on providing talented, technically focused employees with 5-10 years of experience with the tools to transition into program, project and people management. By contrast, ELA is focused on transitioning from project and program management to upper-level firm leadership. You can think of the difference in terms of years (FLP = 5-10 years vs. ELA = 10-15 years) or in terms of FLP as the "undergraduate" course and ELA as the "graduate" course.
Who should apply?
The ideal participant is someone with 10-15 years of experience being groomed for a leadership or executive management role within their respective firm and wanting to increase his/her leadership potential and value to that firm. While not mandatory, strong preference will be given to ACEC Georgia's Future Leaders Program alumni. There is also a limit of two participants per firm, with additional employees added to a waiting list.
- Gain a broader and more in-depth understanding of the business side of engineering - beyond simply managing and implementing to learning the ins and outs of strategically managing a business in a way that drives revenue, delivers efficiency and creates long-term sustainable financial value.
- Build a relationship with peer industry leaders who will help grow your professional network and positively impact your professional and personal life.
- Interact with industry leaders and gain new perspectives from real-life projects and group projects focused on navigating different business scenarios and market challenges.
- Take your leadership skills to the next level.
- Develop the next generation of leaders within your firm.
- Demonstrate your firm's commitment to career development and training.
- Reap the employee retention benefits of investing in your up-and-coming leaders
- Improve your firm's ability to meet market challenges and internal operations strategically.
- Employees better understand how to nurture client relationships and navigate business challenges, maximizing your firm's overall business development and project management abilities.
- Invest in the next generation of your firm's leaders to help ensure your firm's long-term success and value.
Topics Covered Include:
- Contract Negotiation Strategies
- Crisis Management
- Employment Law
- Financial Planning and Considerations
- Human Resources
- Inclusion & Diversity
- Leadership Development
- Leadership Transition
- Partnering & Teaming Strategies
- Political Advocacy
- Risk Management
- Sales / Business Development Strategies
- Strategic Planning
Application Process:
Applications for the 2023-2024 Program are now open:
Time Commitment:
Nine months. The program begins with a kick-off retreat at Lanier Islands in September 2023, followed by four Learning Days, and ends with a day of project presentations, dinner, keynote, and graduation ceremony in May 2024. All sessions are mandatory.
Learning Days:
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Applications for the 2025-2026 program will open in the Spring 2025
Cost Overview:
If selected to participate, the program cost is $3,800 per person for ACEC Georgia Members.
If you are interested in the program but not an ACEC Georgia member, please contact Chandler Baker at Chandler.Baker@acecga.org for more information.
The fee includes:
- All expenses related to the kick-off retreat (lodging, food, group activities, etc.)
- Lunch and snacks/beverages on each Learning Day (4)
- Three tickets to the dinner and graduation ceremony (to be used for the participant, nominating principal and one guest; more tickets may be purchased for additional guests).
For more information, contact Chandler.Baker@acecga.org