LeadingAge Tennessee Leadership Academy

Leadership Development Program

The LeadingAge Tennessee Leadership Academy is a year-long leadership development program designed to cultivate emerging and established leaders across the aging services field. Through interactive learning, collaboration, and real-world experiences, participants strengthen the skills needed to lead their organizations and advance the profession.

Apply Now – Limited Space Available

Vision

To cultivate a generation of authentic, servant leaders who are prepared to serve their organizations and the field of aging services in an innovative and collaborative fashion.

Our Core Themes

  • Leadership & Self Reflection – Explore personal values and self-reflective leadership.
  • Advocacy – Understand the importance of relationships, trust, and community engagement.
  • Partnerships & Collaborations – Learn the value of collaboration and building meaningful partnerships.
  • Innovation & Change – Explore leadership as a catalyst for innovation and transformation.
  • Work-Life Integration – Reflect on values, purpose, and maintaining balance in leadership.

Program Curriculum

The LeadingAge Tennessee Leadership Academy meets aging services professionals with a curriculum designed for the ways they learn best. The relational format centers on key ideas like transformational leadership, person-centered care, innovation, self-awareness, and building meaningful connections.

Academy Fellows will grow through a mix of learning experiences designed to be engaging and practical—combining thoughtful discussions, hands-on site visits, and opportunities to learn from one another. Along the way, they receive leadership coaching and connect with experienced voices from across the aging services field, creating a supportive and collaborative learning journey that will continue long after graduation from the Academy.

Leadership Academy Facilitator

Del Gilbert

Del Gilbert

Founder, Accelerating Excellence

Visit Del Gilbert’s Website

Del Gilbert is the founder of Accelerating Excellence and a nationally recognized speaker and trainer in essential life skills for professional and personal success. He equips individuals and organizations to thrive both in the marketplace and beyond.

Del has held several key leadership roles, including Director of Organizational Excellence and Chief Learning Officer at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua, New Hampshire. Under his leadership, the hospital ranked in the top 20% nationally for both employee engagement and patient satisfaction.

He is the creator of the Accelerating Excellence Leadership Series and the Accelerating Excellence Online Academy. His popular podcast, Accelerating Excellence with Del Gilbert, is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Play, or at www.delgilbert.com.

Program Experience

Group Discussions & Exercises

Fellows participate in interactive discussions and exercises that connect leadership concepts to real-world challenges and opportunities.

Member Site Visits

Site visits provide exposure to innovative organizations and leaders across the aging services continuum.

Leaders in Residence

Fellows engage directly with experienced leaders and field experts who share insights on leadership, innovation, and organizational change.

Program Details

Eligibility

  • Open to employees of LeadingAge Tennessee member organizations and business partners.
  • We prioritize leadership potential and a genuine commitment to growth in the aging services industry over formal titles.
  • Member communities may nominate up to two individuals per cohort. Business partners may nominate one individual per partnership.

Financial Commitment

  • Upon acceptance, a $1,500 tuition payment, non-refundable and non-transferable, is required from each Fellow organization.
  • Tuition includes program materials and meals provided during Leadership Academy sessions.
  • Lodging and travel expenses are the responsibility of the participant's organization.

Application Timeline

Applications are due July 15, 2026.
Early application is encouraged. Apply today to ensure full consideration for the 2026–2027 Leadership Academy.

Program Schedule

2026–2027 Leadership Academy Schedule

  • September 23–24, 2026 – Opening Session
  • December 8, 2026 – Leadership Academy Session
  • March 2, 2027 – Leadership Academy Session
  • June 8–9, 2027 – Leadership Academy Session
  • September 22, 2027 – Graduation Celebration

Graduation will take place during the 2027 LeadingAge Tennessee Annual Meeting and will coincide with the launch of the 2027–2028 Leadership Academy cohort.

Program Requirements

Fellows are expected to actively participate in all program activities, complete assignments and readings, and attend all required sessions, meetings, and site visits.

Continuing Education Credits

Continuing education credits are anticipated for eligible participants. Additional information regarding approved credit hours will be shared as program details are finalized.

Application Process

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026–2027 Leadership Academy cohort. Interested candidates should complete the online application by July 15, 2026. Due to limited enrollment, early submission is encouraged.

The Leadership Academy is available exclusively to employees of LeadingAge Tennessee member communities and business partners. Member communities may nominate up to two individuals per cohort, and business partners may nominate one individual per partnership.

Applicants must remain employed by a LeadingAge Tennessee member community throughout the program. Continued participation is subject to review if eligibility requirements are no longer met.

Applications are reviewed on a competitive basis. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early, as space in each cohort is limited.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join a network of aging services professionals committed to growth, innovation, and leadership excellence.

Apply by July 15, 2026