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TNSAE Leadership Program 

Elevate Your Association Career with the
TNSAE Leadership Program

Are you ready to take your role in association management to the next level? Have you considered how you can become a more impactful leader within your association and community? Is now the time to strengthen essential leadership skills while building meaningful professional connections?

Now entering its second year, the TNSAE Leadership Program continues to bring together association professionals from across Tennessee for leadership development, peer connection, and practical insight into the many facets of association management. Following a successful inaugural cohort in 2025, the program builds on that momentum by connecting professionals who are committed to strengthening their leadership skills and advancing the association profession.

Participants engage with peers, learn from experienced leaders, and build lasting relationships with fellow professionals dedicated to elevating their organizations and the association profession.

  • Duration: 5 sessions (beginning June 17 & final session on December 1)
  • Kick-off Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
  • Sessions: Engaging, skill-building sessions focused on the realities of association leadership and management.
  • Facilitation: Led by experienced TNSAE association leaders and subject specialists
  • Recognition: The Leadership Program class will be recognized at the TNSAE Annual Convention and receive a Certificate of Completion. (Dec. 2-3, 2026 in Franklin)
  • Post-Graduation: We encourage graduates to remain connected with their class, consider facilitating a future leadership program session, engage with TNSAE committees, and serve as a mentor to other TNSAE members. 
  • Session Topics to Include: 
    • Governance
    • Executive Leadership
    • Operations/Financial Management
    • Advocacy/Government Relations
    • Conflict Management
    • Career Development and the Pathway to the CAE Designation
  • CAE Credit: This program will be submitted to the CAE Commission for review - 12 hours expected to be submitted. 

The TNSAE Leadership Program is designed for emerging and mid-level association professionals who are looking to strengthen their leadership skills and expand their impact within their organizations and the association community. 

Ideal participants may include:

  • Aspiring or newly appointed chief executives preparing to lead an association or assume greater executive responsibility

  • Association professionals who have recently taken on new leadership responsibilities within their organization

  • Association professionals who want to deepen their understanding of all facets of association management

  • Prospective CAE candidates considering or preparing to pursue the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation

The program welcomes professionals from across the association community who are committed to growing as leaders and contributing to the success of their organizations.

Participants leave the program with strengthened leadership skills, a broader understanding of association management, and a network of peers across Tennessee they can rely on throughout their careers.

Registration fee: $849

Your registration includes:

  • Five sessions
    • Three in-person 
      • June 17, late morning through late afternoon (Middle TN area)
      • Sept. 17-18, afternoon of the 17th through late morning of the 18th (Middle TN area)
      • Dec. 1, afternoon prior to the convention (Brentwood/Franklin area)
    • Two virtual (mornings: July 29 and Oct. 28) 
  • TNSAE Convention registration (Dec. 2-3, Franklin Cool Springs Marriott)
  • To support continued learning between sessions, participants will take part in a shared leadership book study relevant to the association profession, designed to spark discussion, reflection, and real-world application throughout the program. A copy of the selected book will be provided at the first session and is included in the program registration.
Please note: The September session will include an overnight stay. Lodging is not included in the program registration and will be the responsibility of each participant. We will share additional details with participants in advance of the session.

Attendance is required at all program sessions to ensure a cohesive learning experience and maximize networking opportunities.

Open only to TNSAE members - join our community of driven professionals dedicated to advancing the association industry in Tennessee! 

Application window for the 2026 Leadership Program is open until April 13. Click here for the application. For more information on this program, contact TNSAE.

APPLICATION