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Executive Program
The Executive Program is Leadership Memphis’ premier leadership experience for established executives, senior professionals, and community leaders committed to driving meaningful change in Memphis. Participants engage in immersive sessions exploring key issues facing the city—such as education, economic development, health, and civic engagement—while strengthening their leadership skills and expanding their influence. Through dynamic discussions, site visits, and a collaborative Community Action Project, participants gain a deeper understanding of Memphis’ challenges and opportunities, build lasting relationships with other leaders, and emerge equipped to create collective impact across the community.
Why EP?
“The Executive Program was truly transformative. It challenged me to think more strategically, lead more collaboratively, and engage more deeply with Memphis’ most pressing issues. I gained not only new leadership insights but also powerful relationships with leaders across sectors who are equally committed to our city’s future.”
David Jordan
President & CEO at Agape Child & Family Services
EP 2010
As a seasoned leader, I appreciated how the Executive Program blended real-world Memphis challenges with opportunities for reflection and growth. Each session reinforced the importance of leading with empathy, integrity, and a strong sense of civic responsibility. I valued the opportunity to engage with leaders across sectors, building meaningful relationships that continue to strengthen my commitment to serving our community.”
Vijay Kalaga
Vice President , Senior Relationship Manager
Bank of America
EP 2017
“Leadership Memphis’ Executive Program reenergized my sense of purpose. The speakers, the site visits, and the conversations with other leaders helped me reconnect with why I do this work. I left feeling inspired, better equipped to serve, and part of a network of changemakers shaping Memphis’ next chapter.”
Dr. Joann Massey
President & CEO at EDGE
EP 2014
Executive Program Overview
The Leadership Memphis Executive Program is a nine-month experience that develops, connects, and mobilizes leaders to drive meaningful change across our city. For the last 47 years, Leadership Memphis has offered this premier civic leadership experience—bringing together leaders from every sector to expand their impact and strengthen Memphis. The program begins with a three-day opening retreat in late August, followed by eight full class days held once a month from September through April.
Participants engage in lectures from distinguished city leaders across key civic and community modules, including Leadership Memphis & Memphis History, Collective Impact, City-Wide Initiatives, Design Thinking, Social & Community Context, Government, Health & Wellness, Education, Community Safety, Housing and City Planning, Economics, Arts & Culture, and Hunger & Homelessness. Each session features courageous conversations, case studies, and solutions-focused dialogue around Memphis’ most pressing issues and initiatives, along with panels of community and nonprofit leaders driving critical change across the city.
Participants also experience intimate Leadership Pathways conversations with distinguished alumni on Board Service, Elected Office, Advocacy, Philanthropy, Digital Influence, Mentorship, Entrepreneurship, and Leading Volunteers. Within an assigned Community Group, each cohort member collaborates on a Community Action Project in partnership with a neighborhood nonprofit initiative.
The experience is further enriched by Days of Service—including MLK Day, 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance, Make A Difference Week, Family Volunteer Week, and Volunteer Appreciation Month—and by Alumni Leadership Events such as the Multicultural Breakfast, Leadership & Volunteer Awards Gala, Leadership & Service Summit, and Alumni Holiday Party.
Upon completion, graduates join the prestigious Leadership Memphis Alumni Network, a 4,300-member community of changemakers, CEOs, public officials, nonprofit leaders, and grassroots organizers who are shaping Memphis’ future.
We’d love to talk with you about joining the program and becoming part of this powerful alumni network—please contact Anjelica Hall at ahall@leadershipmemphis.org