Executive

Executive Program 2026

If you want to change the world, start with your city. There’s a lot of truth in that. Our efforts to make a difference are more likely to impact if we focus our energy and passion on our local communities rather than at a state or national level. Making a lasting difference requires strong community leadership.

That’s where Leadership Memphis comes in. We prepare and mobilize leaders to work together for the good of the whole community.

The Leadership Memphis Executive Program unites the most brilliant and seasoned leaders, decision-makers, influencers, and connectors within the greater Memphis community. The program’s objectives include gaining deeper insights into our city, celebrating community assets, and delving into the intricate issues and challenges confronting the Greater Memphis area. Over a nine-month period, Executive Program participants undergo an intensive experience designed to enhance their current personal and professional leadership skills. The program focuses on fostering relationships and networks that propel positive change, contributing to an expanding group of knowledgeable community leaders poised to elevate the Memphis-metro area to new heights.

Amazing things happen along the way! The attributes of a great community leader are the same attributes needed for leaders in successful organizations. There is no doubt that the Executive Program is a unique form of professional development experienced through our community-based intensive program. Participants learn a lot about themselves as leaders and facilitators of change, role models for teamwork and collaboration, and champions for disruptive innovation and critical thinking. They are challenged to stretch themselves and apply newly learned or refreshed skills out of their “comfort zone”- in the circumstances and with new people. Those learnings can translate to more effective leadership in sponsoring organizations.

We are now taking applications for the 2026 Executive Program, which will begin in August 2025 and run through April 2026.

Ideal Executive Program participants are individuals seeking to understand the Memphis community with a focus on how to work together more effectively and leverage assets. Participants graduate better equipped to serve as agents of change for the good of the whole community.

The Executive Program’s tuition is $4,995 plus a $35 application fee and covers all program materials, meals, and the cost of activities. Limited scholarships are available.

Application/Nomination Process

The Executive Program consists of executive-level professionals committed to the curriculum requirements and expectations of the organization. Participants are determined by using a selective nomination process. Nominations are typically made by upper-level corporate and community leaders and Leadership Memphis alumni. Self-nominations are encouraged. Selections are made, and the cohort is announced in July.

What Participants Say

Overall, I really enjoyed the program, and it helped me gain an even greater appreciation for Memphis. I really enjoyed the opening advance… Having an opportunity to actually walk the city and learn about so many wonderful places and agencies that I might have only had a passing familiarity with was wonderful

David Adams

“The networking value alone is an important reason to participate in Leadership Memphis. However, having the opportunity to positively affect change in our communities by impacting the lives of Memphians is the ultimate selling point of the program.”

Andrea Velle

“This has been a great experience! It has made me a better leader, and I am in love with Memphis!”

Elle Aasen

Leadership Memphis Executive Class 2026 Schedule

The Leadership Memphis Executive Class of 2026 experience is outlined below with 80 classroom hours, plus 40 community service/learning hours for a total of 120 hours over 9 months. Leadership Memphis participants will self-select and identify hours committed to the community service/learning hours throughout their 9-month experience.66

Welcome Reception: Wednesday, July 30,2025, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Opening Session: 
Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday, August 21, 2025, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday, August 22, 2025, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Government: Friday, September 12, 2025, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Social Justice: Friday, October 17, 2025, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Education: Friday, November 14, 2025, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Economic Development: Friday, December 5, 2025, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
MLK Days of Service: Friday, January 16, 2026, TBD
Health and Wellness: Friday, February 6, 2026, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Spaces and Places: Friday, March 6, 2026, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Envisioning Memphis: Friday, April 3, 2026, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Graduation/Closing Session: Thursday, April 23, 2026, 1:00 – 7:30 pm

Note:

We will provide all locations by the Opening Advance. Also, all dates, times, and locations are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. We will notify you promptly if such a change arises. Leadership Memphis will follow all local, state, federal, and CDC guidelines for in-person sessions, which would include, but are not limited to, wearing a mask and social distancing. Lastly, classes and/or other experiences may require virtual participation and prompt notification will be provided upon those occurrences.