How to Apply

The Leadership Center arms utility executives with the management and leadership skills they need to excel as they meet the challenges of today – and seize the opportunities of tomorrow. The Center offers an exceptional curriculum taught by an unequaled faculty, invaluable connection to others in the sector, and a truly unparalleled learning experience.

Who Should Apply

The Leadership Center’s curriculum is designed for current and up-and-coming water and wastewater utility CEOs, General Managers, Senior Managers, and Upper-Level Management – from both public and private utilities. The Center is comprised of an intensive 10-day residential executive education program including a 360-degree assessment of participants’ leadership style, unlimited peer networking, and an enhanced leadership curriculum tailored specifically to the water sector.

Tuition

$14,275 |  10-Day Residential Program

$1,650   |  Optional Faculty Coaching 
  

Tuition includes 10 full days of instruction, all curriculum materials, residential accommodations (12 nights), most meals (12 buffet breakfasts, 10 lunches, 4 dinners and continuous break service for 10 days). Tuition must be paid in full no later than February 2, 2024. The faculty mentor option provides for one-on-one coaching following the 10-day residential program. Mentors provide an additional three hours of coaching typically via telephone or email.

Application Process

Applications are evaluated as they are received. Applicants should complete and email the program application to both Chris Hornback at chornback@nacwa.org and Brédy Trombino at btrombino@nacwa.org no later than December 15, 2023, but applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications prior to the deadline. All applicants will be advised of the status of their application no later than January 5, 2024.

Complete applications must include the following:

   • Application Form
   • Current resume
   • Letter of Intent

The letter of intent should outline the student’s reasons for applying to and attending the Leadership Center, describe the applicant’s current leadership role within their agency, and outline their goals for the future.

Location & Accommodations

Hosted by the top-ranked Kenan-Flagler Business School at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Leadership Center is an intensive two-week residential learning experience boasting top-notch professors, and state of the art facilities. With a limited class size, utility executives have the unique opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other’s experiences in addition to receiving unparalleled personal attention from faculty.

Participants should plan to arrive in Chapel Hill the afternoon of Sunday, April 21, 2024. Departure should be scheduled after 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 2, 2024, or the morning of Friday, May 3, 2024.

Cancellation & Substitution Policy

If an accepted candidate is unable to attend, an alternate candidate may be nominated before February 2, 2024. Enrollment is limited, and participants will be required to do a self-assessment survey in advance; therefore, it is important that any cancellations and candidate changes be made no later than February 2, 2024. Please notify Brédy Trombino at  btrombino@nacwa.org immediately if a candidate change is necessary.
Cancellations & Substitutions are Subject to the Following:
   • Cancellations after January 5, 2024, but before February 2, 2024, will be charged 50% of the tuition fee
   • Cancellations after February 2, 2024, will be charged full tuition
   • Substitutions of enrollment will be accepted on or before February 2, 2024
   • Substitutions of enrollment will not be considered after completing 360-degree assessment test