Connecticut& Rhode Island Leadership Academy

Regional Leadership Development Program
In partnership with LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware

The LeadingAge Connecticut & Rhode Island Leadership Academy, now in its third year of partnership with LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware, is a year-long professional development program for emerging and mid-level leaders in aging services. Modeled after the nationally recognized LeadingAge Larry Minnix Leadership Academy, the program builds the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to lead in a rapidly evolving field.

Through a structured cohort experience, participants from member organizations across Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Delaware engage in mentorship, networking, and personal growth opportunities that strengthen both individual leadership capacity and organizational impact.

Grounded in transformational leadership, the Academy emphasizes meaningful change through vision, collaboration, and strong relationships. Participants, referred to as Fellows, participate in four immersive two-day learning experiences held throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. These sessions combine peer learning, self-discovery, and practical skill-building to develop confident, effective leaders.
Invest in your future and the future of your organization. The Leadership Academy equips emerging and mid-level leaders with the skills, connections, and confidence to make a lasting impact. Applications are now open!

What is the LeadingAge Connecticut & Rhode Island Leadership Academy

The LeadingAge Connecticut & Rhode Island Leadership Academy is a regionally based leadership program that fosters and encourages leadership development within the LeadingAge Connecticut & Rhode Island and LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware member organizations.

Now in its second year of regional collaboration, LeadingAge Connecticut & Rhode Island has made the commitment to this forward thinking leadership program to ensure that we are developing leaders that will carry on the mission of expanding the possibilities for aging. Modeled after the national LeadingAge Leadership Academy program, the LeadingAge Connecticut & Rhode Island Leadership Academy provides a year-long transformational leadership development experience that is both accessible and affordable. We are proud to partner once again with with LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware to extend this experience to their memberships.

Transformational leadership is an inspiring and visionary leadership approach that creates significant change in the lives of people and organizations through strong relationships. Participants enrolled in the Academy will be designated as "Fellows" and will participate in a year-long leadership development program. The program will include two two-day, overnight learning experiences in Connecticut and New Jersey, scheduled at various points throughout 2027.

LeadingAge Connecticut & Rhode Island Leadership Academy Schedule 
Participating fellows will engage in four two-day face-to-face customized learning experiences that will include visits to Connecticut and New Jersey member communities, conversations with aging services leaders and self exploration of leadership styles through exercises and readings. We have updated the format this year to include an overnight stay for all two sessions and the cost for lodging is covered by this year's tuition. 

The selected dates for the 2027 LeadingAge Connecticut & Rhode Island Leadership Academy are as follows:

Session 1: January 28 and 29 - Connecticut 
Session 2: March 18 and 19 - Connecticut (overnight required) 
Session 3: June 24 and 25 - Rhode Island
Session 4: September 16 and 17 - New Jersey (overnight required) 

Application Timeline
Completed applications must be submitted by Friday, September 25. Applicants will be notified of acceptance decisions by Friday, October 9.

Testimonials
“Our organization is deeply committed to investing in the next generation of leaders and the LeadingAge Connecticut Leadership Academy has offered us an excellent opportunity to do so. The employees we have sponsored have transformed into amazing emerging leaders and their growth has had a positive impact on all who live and work within our communities.” Lisa Connolly, NHA, MS, Vice President, Hartford HealthCare Community Network, LeadingAge Connecticut Immediate-past Board Chair

“Leadership Academy has been a remarkable experience that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my career. It has opened my eyes to new learning opportunities and made me a better leader for my organization.” -Adrienne Perry, Director of Assisted Living and Care Management

“This experience has been nothing but rewarding. It has broadened and deepened my understanding of what it means to be a leader. The Leadership Academy has given me the tools needed to get out of my comfort zone, build my network and become an effective leader.” Kadeen Blanchard, Human Resources Specialist

Please contact Allison Anka at [email protected] or [email protected], 203-678-4477 x16 if you have any questions.