2026 New Executive Director Institute — East
Stepping into the Executive Director role in Community Action means taking on real responsibility, quickly. You are leading an organization that must deliver results for people with low incomes while navigating funding complexity, board dynamics, operational demands, and constant change.
The New Executive Director Institute is built for that reality.
This is not a basic orientation. It is a two-day, in-person learning experience, paired with a virtual pre-session, designed to help new EDs lead with clarity, make sound decisions under pressure, and position their organizations to deliver meaningful outcomes. You will engage directly with experienced Executive Directors and subject matter experts, learn from peers facing the same challenges, and work through the situations you are already encountering.
What You Will Work On:
- Leading in the Community Action Environment: Connect the realities of today’s Community Action landscape to your role as Executive Director. You will ground your leadership in how the Network operates, where expectations are heading, and how your organization delivers results for people and communities.
- Aligning Governance and Executive Leadership: Work through how to partner effectively with a tripartite board, clarify roles, and navigate the real tensions that come with shared leadership so the organization can move forward with focus.
- Strengthening Financial Oversight and Organizational Sustainability: Build your ability to interpret financial information, ask the right questions, and ensure your organization is stable, compliant, and making sound decisions for the future.
- Leading Through Complexity and Pressure: Develop practical approaches for managing risk, uncertainty, and stress. This includes making decisions with incomplete information, responding to challenges, and maintaining forward momentum.
- Shaping Culture and Leading People: Examine how culture shows up in your organization and how to lead it with intention. Address difficult dynamics, reinforce accountability, and create conditions for strong performance.
- Using Technology and AI with Purpose: Get clear on where you are, what matters, and how to move your organization forward through smarter use of technology and AI.
- Learning Through Peer Exchange and Experience: Connect with experienced Executive Directors and peers to work through real situations, test ideas, and build relationships that extend beyond the Institute.
Who Should Attend: New Executive Directors or CEOs of Community Action Agencies, particularly those in their first five years in the role.
Dates:
- Virtual Pre-Session: May 27 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET | 12:00 – 1:30 PM CT | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM MT | 10:00 – 11:30 AM PT
- In-Person Institute: June 23 (8:30 am – 5:30 pm) and June 24 (8:30 am – 4:00 pm)
Participants attend the virtual pre-session and both in-person days as part of the full Institute experience.
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC – Crystal City (300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, US)
Hotel: A room block is available at the DoubleTree by Hilton Crystal City. Reserve by May 15.
Fees: Members: $499 per person | Non-Members: $699 per person
After the Institute, bring your Board Chair (current or incoming) to turn learning into practice at the Executive Director/Board Chair Symposium on June 25th & 26th, with a focus on how you and your board chair work together to lead the organization. Register for both events to receive a $50 discount off each registration fee. Click here to learn more.
Can’t join us in the DC area? A Western U.S. offering is planned for fall 2026 – Stay Tuned!