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Social Impact Leadership for Executives

For more than 40 years the Leadership Louisville program has been part of the fabric of our community, inspiring our city’s top leaders to take responsibility for the greater good. Now, more than ever, leaders must be ready to step up when faced with challenges.

Leadership Louisville is the signature program of one of the largest and most innovative community leadership organizations in the country. Ask any of our thousands of graduates and they will tell you: there’s no better path to leadership than through the Leadership Louisville program.

Download program information sheet (pdf)

  • “I learned a lot about Louisville, but most importantly, I learned more about myself and how I sought to progress as a leader in our city. Being immersed in LL with other leaders is a priceless experience for anyone who wants to make a difference in our community.”
    Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, Chief, Louisville Forward

  • “Leadership Louisville gave me the opportunity to get a deeper understanding of issues in our community and meet a group of likeminded individuals. We all share the aspiration to see growth and improvements in our community. Together we are now armed with the knowledge and the tools to make things better going forward.”
    George McMinn, Operations Vice President, Messer Construction Co.

  • “I’ve lived in Louisville for over 25 years and have largely been on the periphery. I now feel engaged and connected.”
    Dave Dafoe, Owner & COO, Flavorman

  • “Leadership Louisville introduced me to world class people – both in our Class of 2013 and through our program days. Staying connected with them inspires all of us to make our community a better place. Personal and professional growth accelerates when you participate in Leadership Louisville.”
    Ken Selvaggi, Vice President & General Manager, WAVE 3 News

  • “I cannot tell you how much of a game changer Leadership Louisville has been in my life. Your programs have opened my eyes and many doors to our community.”
    John Roberts, M.D., Vice Dean for Graduate Medical Education, University of Louisville Medical School

  • “The Leadership Louisville program does an excellent job of bringing together a dynamic group of people that are energized about their community and want to play a bigger role in its success. It was an eye opening experience as a lifelong resident of this community and I am better prepared to be an effective board member or trustee thanks to my experience.”
    David L. Hardy, CCIM, Managing Director, CBRE

  • “The personal and professional growth opportunity offered by participating in Leadership Louisville is fantastic. You work with and are surrounded by some of the brightest minds in our community. It would be very difficult for anyone to go through the Leadership Louisville process and not find significant growth in yourself.”
    Greg Fante, CSEE, Director of Sports Development, Louisville Sports Commission

  • “This entire year has been well above my expectations, and our day in Frankfort was certainly one I will remember for many reasons. To top it all off, this is a team journey with wonderful classmates who I am fortunate to forge friendships with along the way. Thanks to you all.”
    Sean Miranda, Director, Baird

  • “Beyond a course, event or even an experience, Leadership Louisville created an ongoing momentum that has impacted my sense of connection in our city, changed the way I approach my role as a business owner and raised the awareness of my responsibility in Louisville.”
    Mark Hogg, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, WaterStep

How Individuals Benefit

  • Powerful experiences that will change how you see yourself and your role as a leader.
  • Comprehensive understanding of the assets and issues of our community.
  • Genuine connections and life-long relationships with a diverse network of professional peers from all sectors and areas of our community.

Read blog posts from current participants and graduates about their Leadership Louisville experience.

How Organizations benefit

  • Your company leaders gain outside perspective, learn from other industries, and make connections to innovate the way you do business.
  • Participants better understand and take responsibility for the broader community, providing new opportunities for your organization to deal firsthand with vital local issues.
  • More informed, connected, and empowered leaders give companies more influence and ability to impact the greater good.

Who Should Apply

The Leadership Louisville program is designed for experienced leaders who want to significantly increase their impact on their organization and their community.  This includes senior executives, presidents and vice presidents, executive directors, business owners, and high-level directors and managers, representing all industries and business types within our region.

Time commitment

Two-day opening retreat followed by one program day each month (August – May).

Program Calendar – Class of 2021

Program day dates for the Class of 2021 are in flux as rules and plans are changing due to COVID-19. Please refer to email communications from Aaron Miller amiller@leadershiplouisville.org for updates. 

Please reserve these backup dates in case some sessions need to be postponed:
September 14-15 (backup opening retreat dates)
March 16 (make-up day)
April 20 (make-up day)

Tuition

Tuition for Leadership Louisville is $5,500 – includes meals and materials, and overnight lodging for opening retreat. Limited tuition assistance is available based on need. The application for tuition assistance is part of the online application.

How to Apply

Applications for the Leadership Louisville Class of 2021 are closed. The online application considers prior Leadership Louisville Center program participation, education, career, community service, responses to essay questions and two recommendations.

Want to be notified regarding applications and deadline reminders? Join our email list.

Satisfaction Guarantee Policy

The Leadership Louisville Center strives to provide exceptional offerings and service, and your experience is our top priority. In these changing times, to make sure you are confident in engaging with us, we are pleased to offer a satisfaction guarantee to all participants that offers flexibility with attendance, availability of refunds, and ability to defer to future sessions. Program and event logistics will also be adjusted as needed to ensure health guidelines are followed. Please see our full policy for details.  

Questions?

Please see Frequently Asked Questions about Leadership Louisville program or contact Aimee Jewell at (502) 561-5221, email, or schedule a quick, 15-minute call.