Applications for the 2026 cohort are now closed.

Program Information

The Leadership Exchange is a cohort-based learning experience for community development practitioners who want to deepen how they lead—within their organizations, their communities, and the broader field. 
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Rather than a traditional training program, the Exchange is built around peer learning and shared experience through real-world context. Participants learn from one another, from alumni, and from the places and projects shaping community development across Ohio. ​
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The 2026 Exchange runs from April through July and includes: two in-person retreats, alumni site visits, and a series of virtual check-ins designed to support reflection, accountability, and application. Additionally, cohort members are invited to participate in unique experiences at the annual statewide conference in the fall.

Participants leave with: 
  • Greater clarity about their leadership approach 
  • Stronger relationships across the statewide network 
  • Practical insights grounded in real projects and places 
  • A shared sense of responsibility to the field and those coming after them ​

2026 Program Cohort

FAQ

What does the program include? 
  • Two in-person retreats  
    • Opening Retreat: Focused on personal leadership, cohort formation, and setting intentions for the Exchange
    • Closing Retreat: Focused on reflection, synthesis, and sharing what participants are taking forward  
  • ​Virtual all-group check-ins 
    • Regular virtual meetings provide space to stay connected, share progress, surface challenges, and learn from one another between in-person sessions. 
  • Peer network representing a cross-section of Ohio's community development sector. 
  • The Exchange is kept intentionally small. Participants build real relationships that extend beyond the program and often continue as trusted peers and collaborators.
  
Who is the Leadership Exchange for? 
The Exchange is designed for people working in or alongside community development who: 
  • Are actively leading or stepping into leadership roles 
  • Value learning with peers rather than top-down instruction 
  • Are willing to show up consistently and engage honestly 
  • Want to strengthen both themselves and the broader ecosystem 
There is no single “right” title, background, or career stage. What matters most is readiness to participate fully. 

​What is expected of participants? 
Participants are expected to: 
  • Attend both in-person retreats
  • Participate in at least 80% of virtual meetings 
  • Complete two pre-retreat 1:1 calls with program facilitator Christian to align on goals and readiness 
  • Take part in one alumni site visit during the program window 
  • Engage actively with the cohort and the learning process 
This structure is intentional and supports the depth and trust that make the Exchange work. 

How do applications work? Applications are reviewed with an eye toward: 
  • Commitment and availability 
  • Curiosity and openness to learning as a leader
  • Willingness to contribute to a peer-driven cohort 
  • A balance of experiences and perspectives across the cohort itself​

Cost & Value

Participants each contribute $500 to take part in the Leadership Exchange.

The real program costs $3,000–$3,500 per participant to deliver, including retreats, facilitation, alumni site visits, and ongoing cohort support. The Ohio CDC Association and our partners cover the majority of this cost to keep the Exchange accessible to people working in the community development field, so participation is driven by readiness and engagement rather than ability to pay. The participant contribution reflects a shared investment in the experience and a commitment to fully engage in the cohort.
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