ABC National is excited to announce the launch of the ABC Emerging Leaders Program, a new national leadership development experience for emerging leaders from across the association.
 
The program will bring together a cohort of up to 30 participants for a year-long experience that includes professional development, networking, collaboration with peers from across the country and opportunities to engage with ABC national volunteer leadership. Participation is open to employees of member companies who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to becoming more actively involved in the association.
 
Rather than following a traditional classroom model, participants will take an active role in shaping their own leadership experience. Upon acceptance into the program, participants will be assigned to subcommittees responsible for planning and developing the program’s content for a dedicated track at ABC Leadership Institute 2027.
 
Nomination and Application Timeline
 
Sept. 1, 2026: Nominations Open
 
ABC Central Ohio may nominate one (1) candidate for consideration. If you are interested in submitting a person for this nomination, please contact Barton Hacker at [email protected]. The ABC Central Ohio nominee will be required to submit a program application to ABC National.
 
Oct. 15, 2026: Nomination and Application Deadline
 
After the application period closes, the National Selection Committee will conduct a comprehensive review of all eligible applications. The Selection Committee consists of members of the ABC Membership Development Committee, chapter staff and ABC national staff. Using a consistent scoring methodology and established selection criteria, the committee will evaluate each applicant's demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to the association, professional experience, chapter engagement and application responses.
 
Early November 2026: Participants Notified
 
The committee's recommendations will determine the final cohort, and applicants will be notified once the selection process has concluded.
 
Participant Commitment
 
Participants selected for the program will be expected to attend virtual meetings throughout the year and ABC Leadership Institute in 2027. Participants are responsible for the registration fee and all associated travel, lodging and other expenses related to attending Leadership Institute. Additional information regarding program expectations and event details will be shared with the selected cohort.
 
This is an exciting opportunity to invest in emerging leaders while strengthening connections across the association.
 
Please save the dates and begin identifying a potential nominee from your company. We look forward to sharing additional information and opening the application process in September.