ACE Leadership Institute

Empowering Mid-Career Leaders in Agricultural and Life Sciences Communication

The ACE Leadership Institute is back and redesigned to meet the needs of today’s communications professionals. Beginning in 2026, this immersive program will equip mid-career professionals with the tools, confidence, and community to lead with impact. Through a blend of in-person and virtual experiences, participants will explore leadership, change management, strategic thinking, inclusion, and more.

Whether you're leading projects, teams, or strategic initiatives, the ACE Leadership Institute is designed to grow your influence and effectiveness in the workplace and beyond.

What to Expect

• A year-long cohort experience with a blend of in-person and virtual sessions
  
  

• In-depth leadership training delivered by the Voyager Institute, an experienced and nationally respected leadership development provider (this is the same group that facilitates the LEAD21 program)
  
  

• Practical tools and coaching in areas like change management, team leadership, supervision, alignment of funding and priorities, and inclusive leadership
  
  

• A supportive, engaged network of peers from across the country

• A final capstone that applies learning to a real-world challenge or opportunity

Key Details

• Application Deadline: November 21, 2025
  
  

• Program Begins: June 2026 following the ACE conference in Billings
  
  

• Cohort Size: 20 participants minimum, 25 maximum
  
  

• Cost: $3,000 per participant (non-ACE members)
  
  

• • ACE Members: $2,500, with a scholarship from the organization
    
    

• Eligibility: Open to ACE members and non-members with support from their administrator or organization
  
  

Why Join

The ACE Leadership Institute is tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities facing professionals in agricultural, natural resources, and life sciences communication. It’s an opportunity to:

• Invest in yourself and your career trajectory
  
  

• Build meaningful relationships with colleagues across the country
  
  

• Gain tools to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact
  
  

• Join a long legacy of ACE professionals who have advanced their leadership through this program
  
  

Ready to Grow Your Leadership

Applications are opening soon.

Applications are due by November 21, 2025 for those ready to take the next step in their leadership journey.