Leadership Development
Develop your firm's future leaders!
Enroll them in the 2026-27 Leadership Development Series
Invest in the Future Leaders of Engineering
ACEC Oregon's Leadership Development Series is more than just training; it's a powerful investment in the next generation of engineering professionals. By participating, emerging leaders are equipped with the skills and knowledge that position their firms as industry innovators and leaders. Our program offers a unique opportunity to grow tomorrow's leaders, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of a competitive and ever-changing landscape.
Comprehensive Leadership Development
The Leadership Series provides a robust curriculum designed to develop essential leadership skills that extend beyond traditional engineering. Participants will learn from top industry professionals on critical topics such as Financial Management, Risk Management, Business Development, Understanding Industry-Related Public Policy Issues, and more! This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are skilled engineers and competent business leaders.
Professional and Personal Growth
Joining the Leadership Series means embarking on a journey of significant professional and personal growth. The program's structure includes six in-person sessions held in Portland, and one in-person class in March held in Salem, Oregon at the Oregon State Capitol. Each session has built-in networking time so participants get to know other future leaders from other firms. Each session is good for accruing Continuing Professional Development credits. Attendance is limited to maximize learning and to ensure meaningful interaction and exchange of ideas. The Leadership Series is designed for one individual to attend all sessions.
Elevate Your Firm's Standing in the Industry
Firms that invest in the Leadership Series demonstrate a commitment to excellence and innovation. This program develops internal talent and elevates the firm's reputation as an industry leader. By fostering leadership within your organization, you ensure your firm is well-positioned to tackle future challenges and seize new opportunities.
Program Benefits
The ACEC Oregon Leadership Series trains emerging leaders to meet the challenging demands of today's highly competitive workforce and turns ordinary employees into extraordinary leaders. Being a part of this program is so much more than gaining PDH's or obtaining industry knowledge; it transforms the way young leaders think and positions engineering firms - like yours - for success.
“The biggest challenge facing A/E firms today is development of our future leaders. We had several of our emerging leaders attend the ACEC Leadership Development program and the feedback I received was extremely positive. In particular, it helped them gain a broader perspective on the business aspects of consulting and we are already realizing the return on this investment in their leadership development.” --Larry Fox, PE, (retired), former COO, DOWL
This Series is ideal for Project Managers, Designers and Engineers who are:
- Interested in a leadership track in their career
- Shifting their focus from projects to organizational and financial goals of the firm
- Challenged by competing priorities
- Being asked to take on more responsibilities with the same resources
- New to managing multiple or complex projects
- New to managing people and teams
The Leadership Series runs from October to May. All attendees must commit to attending a minimum of six of the seven sessions to be able to graduate from the program - we do not offer "make-up" classes. Graduates will be recognized at the Annual Business Dinner, typically held at the end of May. We expect students to come 1) prepared (if there is pre-reading to do, have it done), 2) be on time, 3) to participate fully with the other students and instructors.
At the end of the Series, we suggest each student prepare a presentation (either oral or written) to their Manager/Firm that shows them what the student learned throughout the Series and what they hope to implement into their daily work.
Class size is limited to 25 students to maintain a good interaction with instructors. A waitlist will start after 25 have registered. If you are on the waitlist, you will be notified if a position opens - there is no guarantee.
Registration includes Leo MacLeod's book, "From the Ground Up: Stories and Lessons from Architects and Engineers Who Learned to be Leaders," AND registration to the Annual Business Dinner.
| “I was given a lot of tools for my toolbelt to use and develop skills that enhance my project management / leadership skills." | "It helped me become thoughtful about my leadership style and approach. It was a great series and very helpful in learning to be intentional with time and developing relationships." | |
| "The topics were all relevant!" | "Risk management is a very important topic! This speaker was my favorite." | |
| "I loved listening to senior leaders and hearing their experiences." | "It has been an interesting and thought-provoking series." | |
| "The roundtable conversation was great!" | "I had a wonderful experience at the ACEC class and highly recommend it." | |
| "Political involvement shows you how things get done, and can make a big difference." | "Phenomenal course." |
Listen to ACEC’s podcast!Leo MacLeod’s Book—
From the Ground Up:
Stories and Lessons from
Architects and Engineers
who Learned to be Leaders
The Leadership Development Series is a mix of six sessions in Portland, and one in Salem - PLUS the Annual Business Dinner in May which will be held in the Portland metro area.
Schedule:
| Wed Oct 14 | Increasing Leadership Versatility |
| Tue Nov 10 | Managing Time & Relationships |
| Wed Dec 9 | Demystifying Business Development |
| January | OFF (no program) |
| Tue Feb 9 | Financial Management |
| Wed Mar 10 | Understanding Industry-Related Public Policy Issues (in Salem) |
| Wed Apr 14 | Risk Management |
| Wed May 12 | From Doer to Leader: Lessons Learned |
| Thurs May 20 | Annual Business Dinner |
Click here for the schedule details
Cancellations must be received by October 7, 2026. Sorry, no refunds after this date.
Pictured above on the steps of the State Library of Oregon are Leadership Development Series registrants and presenters for the Political Involvement session in Salem. (Feb. 2024)
REFUND POLICY FOR MISSED CLASSES:
If a session is missed, we are so sorry, there is no way to process a refund.
ACEC Oregon COVID notice for in-person meetings
ACEC Oregon is monitoring all mandate, policy, and guideline changes pertaining to COVID-19. Face coverings are currently optional at this event and we invite participants to wear a covering based on preferences and needs.
If you are experiencing any COVID-related symptoms, we request that you do not attend the event and seek medical attention as appropriate, for your own safety and the safety of others.
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