Executive

Executive Class 2024

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 brings together the brightest and most experienced leaders, decision-makers, influencers, and connectors in the greater Memphis community, with the goals of learning more about our great city, celebrating our community’s assets, and digging deeper into complex issues and challenges facing the Greater Memphis area. Over a nine-month period, participants in the Executive Program are immersed in an intensive experience aimed at building on existing personal and professional leadership skills, developing relationships and networks that drive and accelerate positive change, and delivering an ever-expanding pool of knowledgeable community leaders who are increasingly capable of taking the Memphis-metro area to the next level and then some.

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 2025 Executive Program, which will begin in August 2024 and run through April 2025.

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

John Doe

“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 2025 Schedule

The Leadership Memphis Executive Class of 2025 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.

Welcome Reception Thursday, August 1, 2024, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Opening Session 
Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday, August 22, 2024, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday, August 23, 2024, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm1

Class 1

Memphis Government 101 Friday, September 13, 2024, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Class 2

Social Justice Friday, October 18 , 2024, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Class 3

Education  Friday, November 15, 2024, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Class 4

Economic Development  Friday, December 6, 2024, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Class 5

MLK Days of Service Friday, January 14, 2025, TBD

Class 6

Spaces and Places Friday, February 7, 2025, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Class 7

Health and Wellness Friday, March 7, 2025, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Class 8

Envisioning Memphis Friday, April 11, 2025, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Graduation

Thursday, April 24, 2025, TBD

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.