NAHB Leadership Academy

The application for the 2024 Leadership Academy class has closed. The application for the 2025 class will open later this year.

Leadership Academy Overview

The Leadership Academy is an annual program that takes a small cohort of experienced industry leaders through programming designed to elevate the participants’ leadership skills, build institutional knowledge of the Federation, while inspiring and preparing them to take on greater leadership roles in the future.

The program will allow future leaders to experience multiple aspects of what it means to be a leader in the home building industry, while defining their personal leadership style. Sessions feature guest speakers and industry leaders through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions.

The Academy will begin with a live kickoff session in April, held at the National Housing Center in Washington, D.C., and will culminate with graduation at the International Builders’ Show (IBS). Members of NAHB with previous leadership experience who are actively engaged at NAHB and want to continue their leadership journey at the national level are encouraged apply.

Participant Criteria

The NAHB Leadership Academy is designed for a more experienced leader who has previously served in a leadership capacity at their local or state HBA and who is already engaged at NAHB. The ideal candidate is someone who seeks to serve in a more significant leadership capacity at the national level.

Members interested in applying to the Leadership Academy should meet the following criteria, all of which will be reviewed during the participant selection process:

• NAHB membership in good standing
• NAHB active engagement through committees, councils, events or similar activities
• Local and/or state HBA volunteer experience
• Local and/or state HBA leadership experience

Cohort Description

Each Leadership Academy class will consist of up to 15 participants who make up that class cohort. These participants will work closely together throughout the year while attending program sessions, NAHB meetings and events, and while completing an annual group capstone project that requires additional meetings outside of the session times listed on the schedule.

Due to the limited class size, we ask that you consider the following before applying:

• Ensure that you can commit to the full scope of the program before you apply
• Understand that if you are not selected to attend this year’s program, that we strongly encourage you to apply again next year

Financial Investment

Participation in the Leadership Academy requires a financial investment by both NAHB and the participant. NAHB supports the attendance of the in-person sessions as outlined below, all other related travel and participation expenses are the responsibility of the participant. More details can be found in the NAHB Travel Reimbursement Policy.

Reimbursement Process

Session reimbursements will be processed after each of the in-person sessions. Participants will be emailed a copy of the travel reimbursement form and submission instructions immediately following each session. Please keep records of all your travel receipts, as they are required to be reimbursed.

How to Apply

The application for the 2024 Leadership Academy class has closed. The application for the 2025 class will open later this year.

Each application must include the items listed below. This information will be submitted through the application; however, it is best to have it prepared prior to starting the application. Incomplete registrations or those received after the deadline will not be considered.

Application Requirements:

• Two Letters or Endorsement supporting your participation. Letters can be from any of the following individuals:
  • Local or state HBA Executive Officer
  • Local or state HBA President
  • NAHB National Area / Associate Chairman
  • NAHB State Representative

• Respond to the following question (up to 250-word response):
  Every leader has a unique leadership journey made up of their personal experiences. Tell us about your leadership journey at the local, state, and national level.

Attendance Obligations

Attendance at all sessions is required to graduate. Please review the 2024 session dates (in person and virtual sessions) before applying.

Participants who have an unexcused absence for more than a full day of one session will be dropped from the program and encouraged to reapply. Selection for subsequent year’s program cannot be guaranteed. Academy social events are for business networking, so please respect that invitations to Academy functions are intended for participants only, unless otherwise noted or approved.