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Empower The Leader In You!

The Leadership Development Academy (LDA) is looking to empower more leaders across Rock County. This means we’re looking for the next wave of our program participants for the upcoming class of 2024-25. Who would you recommend for this life changing experience? You? A friend? A co-worker?

A Message from the Executive Director

Jamie Karns
Jamie Karns

Greetings,

The Leadership Development Academy program consists of one full-day session per month for nine months of leadership training. The program also offers repeated networking opportunities with fellow program participants and more than 50 community leaders. It wraps up with a final team project that makes a lasting, positive impact on the community.

The leaders that emerge from the LDA experience are fundamentally changed and deeply connected to our community. If you have been touched by the LDA, you know how profound this experience can be. To learn more about LDA and what our program is all about, visit our blog.

Take action now and recommend someone for LDA. Please direct applicants to fill out an application and submit it directly online. Application submission opens on April 1; the deadline is June 1. The cost of this year’s program is $1,500.

Thank you in advance for your consideration to apply for the program or recommend someone. LDA’s mission is to inspire leaders to build and strengthen our community. LDA’s vision is to be a premier leadership organization that will empower leaders to create a better place to live. I look forward to strengthening Rock County with you.

Warmest regards,

Jamie Karns
Executive Director

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Curriculum overview

Leadership Development Academy participants experience formal leadership training, extensive Real Colors development, stress management, self-awareness as a leader, enhanced networking, expanded community exposure and involvement, and team building with a final team project.

Topics covered during sessions:

  • Active Shooter Training
  • Civic Responsibilities
  • Community Awareness
  • Crisis Communication
  • Diversity Awareness
  • Economic Development
  • Fundraising
  • Image & Volunteerism
  • Introduction to Marketing & Branding
  • Networking Skills
  • Problem Solving & Decision Making
  • Project Management
  • Public Sector Leadership
  • Public Speaking
  • Real Colors Leadership Development
  • Time Management

Important dates & info

Sessions are a full day, once a month, for nine (9) months. The first week in September requires two days; one for orientation and one for a ropes course retreat.

Program history

Online application

Sorry, the 2023-24 application process has ended. Check back on or about April 1, 2024 to apply for our Class of 2024-25.