THE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (ELI) was established in 1987 as a program dedicated to grooming African American managers for the rigors of executive positions in public service organizations. Understanding the array of critical problems faced by cities, counties, and states ? the need for talented, energetic, creative, resourceful, and capable executives from diverse backgrounds is increasingly present.
NFBPA ELI Program is a semester-long professional development program offered in partnership with Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies (SCS). The ELI program is designed to sharpen the skills and capabilities of elite core managers and administrators who have already demonstrated superior achievement in their careers as assistant city managers, department heads, bureau/division chiefs, and the like.
Candidates also have an exceptional opportunity to interface with elected and appointed administrators from across the country who grapple with diverse public policy decisions daily, citizens who live in these communities, and universities that study and analyze public management application and theory.
Upon completion of the program, ELI candidates will receive a Professional Certificate in Innovative Leadership in Public Administration – from the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies.
OVERVIEWUnderstanding the array of critical problems faced by cities, counties, and states ? the need for talented, energetic, creative, resourceful, and capable executives from diverse backgrounds is increasingly present. ELI was established to sharpen the skills and capabilities of an elite core of managers and administrators who have already demonstrated superior achievement in their careers as assistant city managers, department heads, bureau/division chiefs, and the like. This program is one of the few training institutes in the United States that offers a curriculum mixed with both academic- based theory and practitioner-based experience through partnerships with universities and cities throughout the country. The ability to compare the impacts of urban development, transportation policy, economic development strategies and other public policies in both a classroom setting and through on-site experiences is unique to ELI participants. Candidates also have an exceptional opportunity to interface with elected and appointed administrators from across the country who grapple with diverse public policy decisions daily, citizens who live in these communities, and universities that study and analyze public management application and theory.
THE ELI ELITEA highly selective annual search is conducted to identify candidates with the following:
– Strong academic training including a bachelor’s degree (required) and a master’s degree (preferred)
– Professional experience
– Strong written and analytic skills
– Demonstrated leadership experience
– Commitment to social responsibility
– Active membership within NFBPA is preferred
WHO SHOULD APPLY?The Executive Leadership Institute is designed for leaders upon whom elected and appointed officials rely on to carry out policies, implement programs, and solve problems. The program has been developed for middle and senior managers with particular preference on selecting persons who intend to pursue the position of city/ county manager or agency chief.
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONSUpon selection, ELI candidates attend five Georgetown instructional sessions scheduled over a five-month period. Successful completion of the ELI curriculum requires attendance at all sessions. Most sessions will occur virtually, but applicants are expected to travel twice over the duration of the program: once to NFBPA’s Annual Conference (FORUM) and once for an in-person session at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.