Are you looking for a leadership experience grounded in real relationships and real work that seeks to make a positive impact across Ohio's community development landscape? If so, the Leadership Exchange may be a great fit for you.
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. 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. 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
Program Timeline (Program Runs 12 Weeks Total)
January 20th: Application opens, applications will be evaluated as they are received. January 29: Informational webinar, register here February 13: Virtual FAQ February 20: Application closes April 8-10: Opening retreat (in-person) April 20-26: Virtual check-in 2 May 4-10: Virtual check-in 3 May 18-24: Small group in-person day visits May 25-31: Virtual check-in 4 June 15-21: Virtual check-in 5 July 10: Closing retreat (in-person)
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
Alumni site visits
Participants will visit one site led by a member of the previous cohort to see leadership in practice and learn directly from peers doing the work on the ground. A $100 travel stipend is provided to support this visit.
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.
