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Leadership Academy

The Leadership Academy serves as the region's foremost public sector leadership development program. Participants immerse themselves into critical topics such as leadership styles, change management, generational dynamics in the workplace, negotiations, knowledge transfer, strategic planning, crisis communications and other pertinent subjects.

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About the program

This flexible and engaging program offers monthly, full-day virtual workshops that help public sector professionals develop practical leadership skills and strategies. Through a combination of expert instruction and peer collaboration, participants deepen their expertise in areas such as talent recruitment, data-driven decision-making and stakeholder engagement. The academy culminates with a capstone project that enables participants to apply their learning to real-world challenges, fostering immediate impact in their organizations.

Program details

Cost: $3,300

Key program details:

The Leadership Academy is a comprehensive, immersive experience designed to equip public sector managers with the knowledge and practical tools needed to excel in government agencies, nonprofits and related organizations.

  • The program includes 14 full-day sessions, convening once a month for in-depth learning.
  • Curriculum covers a wide range of leadership topics, including strategic planning, collaboration, change management and contemporary public sector challenges.
  • Participants demonstrate their skills through a community engagement project focused on a local or state issue.
  • The Leadership Academy begins following the conclusion of the Public Management Academy.

 

The journey

Start Date: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025

Format: Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Program also includes self-paced (asynchronous) assignments.

Orientation: Zoom

What it looks like:

The workshop sessions cover leadership styles, change management, generations in the workplace, power and persuasion, knowledge transfer, strategic planning, crisis communications and other essential public sector leadership skills.

  • Executive Presence and Personal Branding

    Executive presence is more than how you look or speak — it’s the ability to project confidence, clarity and authenticity in every interaction. This course helps mid- to senior-level leaders refine the skills and behaviors that shape how they are perceived, ensuring they can inspire trust, command attention and influence outcomes in high-stakes situations.

    Participants will explore the three pillars of executive presence — communication, gravitas and appearance — alongside strategies for building a personal brand that aligns with organizational goals and personal values. Through self-assessments, interactive exercises and real-world scenarios, learners will practice delivering messages with authority, managing perceptions under pressure and cultivating a leadership style that is both impactful and authentic.

  • Talent Recruitment and Selection

    Finding and selecting the right talent is one of the most critical responsibilities of any leader. This course provides mid- to senior-level leaders with the strategies, tools and insights necessary to attract, assess and secure top talent in competitive markets. Participants will learn how to align recruitment efforts with organizational strategy, define success profiles for key roles and apply evidence-based selection methods to ensure fair, consistent and high-quality hiring decisions.

    Through a blend of interactive discussions, case studies and practical exercises, the course explores workforce planning, employer branding, sourcing strategies, competency-based interviewing and the integration of inclusion into the hiring process. Learners will also examine how data, analytics and structured decision-making can reduce bias and increase the accuracy of selection outcomes.

  • Strategies for Effective Followership

    In today’s complex organizations, leadership excellence depends as much on effective followership as on strong leadership itself. This course redefines traditional views of followership by exploring its strategic role in driving organizational success, shaping leadership outcomes and fostering a culture of trust and accountability. Designed for mid- to senior-level leaders, the program examines how intentional, proactive followership enhances decision-making, strengthens team dynamics and supports mission achievement.

  • Data Storytelling and Visualization

    In an era where data drives strategy, leaders must go beyond simply presenting numbers — they must transform analytics into stories that inspire understanding, alignment and action. This course equips mid- to senior-level leaders with the skills to interpret complex data, identify the insights that matter most and communicate them in ways that resonate with diverse audiences.

    Participants will learn best practices for designing clear, impactful visualizations and integrating them into persuasive narratives that influence decision-making. Through hands-on exercises, case studies and peer feedback, learners will explore how to match the right visualization techniques to their message, avoid common pitfal

  • Strategies for Effective Succession Planning and Management

    This course equips mid- to senior-level leaders with the tools, frameworks and strategies necessary to build a robust succession planning and management process that drives organizational continuity and long-term success. Participants will explore how to identify and develop high-potential talent, align succession plans with strategic business goals and create a culture that supports leadership readiness at all levels.

    Through a combination of case studies, interactive discussions and practical exercises, learners will examine best practices for assessing critical roles, mapping talent pipelines and mitigating leadership gaps. Special attention will be given to integrating inclusion into succession strategies, leveraging data-driven assessments and balancing immediate needs with future growth.

  • Coaching and Mentoring for Talent Development

    Strong leaders don’t just manage performance — they actively develop the potential of others. This course equips mid- to senior-level leaders with practical coaching and mentoring strategies to unlock individual and team growth, foster engagement and build organizational bench strength.

    Participants will learn how to create a supportive environment that encourages learning, risk-taking and professional development. The course explores key distinctions between coaching and mentoring, effective questioning techniques, structured feedback models and goal-setting frameworks that drive measurable progress. Through interactive exercises, role-plays and real-world application, learners will practice building trust, guiding career growth and overcoming common barriers to development.

  • Business Acumen for Leaders

    Effective leaders make better decisions when they understand the full business landscape. This course builds the financial, operational and market awareness mid- to senior-level leaders need to align decisions with organizational strategy and long-term success. Participants will learn how to interpret key financial statements, assess operational performance and evaluate market trends to make informed, data-driven choices.

    Through interactive discussions, real-world case studies and applied exercises, learners will explore how financial metrics, operational efficiency and competitive positioning intersect to shape strategy. The course also covers scenario planning, risk assessment and the role of cross-functional collaboration in achieving business goals.

  • Integrated Consulting and Stakeholder Engagement

    The Consulting Skills Intensive (CSI) is an advanced, immersive program designed for mid- to senior-level public sector leaders who want to strengthen their consulting and advisory expertise. This program equips leaders with the tools to analyze complex challenges, apply strategic thinking and influence decision-making across organizational systems. Through hands-on exercises such as executive role plays, team collaborations and real-time feedback, participants refine their ability to frame issues, engage stakeholders and deliver actionable insights that drive meaningful results.

    Rooted in the realities of public sector leadership, CSI integrates case studies and simulations drawn from organizational and external factors. Participants will deepen their skills in collaboration, communication and adaptive leadership, ensuring their consulting approach aligns with organizational and community goals. By the end of the program, leaders emerge better prepared to guide teams, shape strategy and deliver impactful solutions in a dynamic and complex environment.

  • Principles of Effective Leadership: Integrating Transformational and Servant Leadership

    Exceptional leadership is rooted in both vision and service. This course equips mid- to senior-level leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the core principles of effective leadership, with a special focus on transformational and servant leadership models. Participants will explore how transformational leadership inspires innovation, commitment and change through vision and influence, while servant leadership emphasizes empathy, empowerment and the growth of others.

    Through interactive discussions, self-assessments and applied exercises, learners will examine how these two approaches can be integrated to create a leadership style that is both results-driven and people-centered. The course also addresses essential leadership competencies such as emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, strategic thinking and communication. By combining research-based frameworks with practical application, participants will learn to lead with authenticity, adapt to evolving challenges and foster an environment where individuals and organizations can thrive.

  • Building High-Performing Teams

    High-performing teams don’t happen by chance — they are built through intentional leadership, clear goals and a culture of trust and accountability. This course equips mid- to senior-level leaders with the strategies and tools to develop, lead and sustain teams that consistently deliver exceptional results.

    Participants will explore the dynamics of team performance, including role clarity, psychological safety, collaboration and effective conflict resolution. The course examines evidence-based frameworks for assessing team strengths and gaps, aligning individual contributions to collective goals and maintaining motivation over time. Through case studies, group exercises and self-assessment tools, learners will practice techniques for enhancing communication, fostering innovation and managing challenges that can derail team success.

  • Emotional Intelligence and Resilient Leadership

    Emotional intelligence (EI) is foundational to effective leadership, especially in the public sector where empathy and accountability intersect. This course helps leaders strengthen self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy and resilience. Participants will learn how EI contributes to better decision-making, stronger relationships and improved performance under pressure. Practical exercises focus on stress management, adaptive leadership and fostering psychological safety within teams.

  • Competency Modeling in the Public Sector: Building Capacity and Performance Alignment

    Competency modeling is a cornerstone of effective public management — linking organizational strategy with the skills and behaviors that drive success. This course provides public sector leaders with a framework for identifying, developing and implementing competency models that enhance hiring, training, performance management and succession planning.

    Participants will explore how to define core, technical and leadership competencies that reflect public service values and organizational goals. Through applied exercises and case studies, learners will practice mapping competencies to specific roles, developing assessment tools and aligning professional development initiatives with strategic priorities. The course also examines how inclusive and data-driven competency models can strengthen equity, transparency and talent mobility within government organizations.

Meet the instructors

Virlena Crosley, '89, DBA

Associate Provost, Associate Dean
Associate Professor of Business
Linfield University

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Enrique Washington, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Linfield University

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Christa Washington, Ph.D.

Faculty member
University of Phoenix, Walden University, University of Arizona, Dunlap Stone University
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Erik Bennett

Host, The Leadership Lounge Unfiltered
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Captain Bruce Griffiths

U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.)
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Request more information

Take the next step in your professional journey by joining the Oregon Certified Public Management Leadership Academy. Gain the skills, connections, and experience needed to lead with confidence and make a lasting impact in your community.
Virlena Crosley
Virlena Crosley, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs
Associate Professor
503-883-2447
business@linfield.edu