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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:

  • Kickoff Retreat: September 21-23, 2023 – Lake Lanier Islands Resort
  • Learning Day 1: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 – The Water Tower
  • Learning Day 2: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 – ACEC Georgia Office
  • Learning Day 3: Thursday, February 22, 2024 - ACEC Georgia Office
  • Learning Day 4: Tuesday, March 26, 2024 - ACEC Georgia Office
  • Graduation: Thursday, May 30, 2024 – The Buckhead Club

Groups will also be given a course-long project in which they will be assigned a hypothetical business scenario to work through as a team. Each case is designed to challenge the groups to think strategically and make decisions on navigating the internal and external challenges and opportunities required to manage a successful business in the real world. Each group will deliver a final group presentation to a panel of industry leaders (who will challenge them on their choices and the reasons behind their decisions) at the fourth and final session.

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