The community leadership movement originated under the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) in the late 1950s. Recognizing that local leadership was essential for a successful Chamber of Commerce, ACCE launched a series of trainings and seminars to support local Chambers. This early initiative soon revealed the profound impact that community leadership organizations could have - not only on individual citizens but on entire communities. As leadership programs became integral to Chambers of Commerce, many groups began to establish their own nonprofit organizations. The very first of these was Leadership Philadelphia, which, with support from a local university, graduated its inaugural class in 1960. Soon after, similar organizations emerged in cities, including Atlanta, GA; Savannah, GA; Cincinnati, OH; Evansville, IN; Greater Hartford, CT; and Providence, RI.

In 1979, representatives from 40 community leadership organizations convened in Kansas City, and by 1980, they incorporated the National Association of Community Leadership Organizations (N.A.C.L.O.). Membership quickly grew from 100 organizations in 1982 to 170 by 1984 and over 250 by 1986, alongside a rapidly expanding alumni network.

During the mid-to-late 1980s, the movement experienced explosive growth. Leaders in Community Leadership Programs were asked not only why these programs should exist but also what defined a premier Community Leadership Program (CLP). The answer to “why” was clear:

• Reconnect Individuals to the Public Realm: CLPs offer a formal mechanism to bridge personal initiative with community engagement.
• Enhance Community Knowledge: Participants gain a deeper understanding of their local civic life.
• Build Informed Networks: Graduates become a resourceful network ready to tackle community challenges.
• Strengthen Nonprofit Governance: Alumni serve effectively on nonprofit boards.
• Deliver Measurable Impact: Programs consistently address and solve community issues.

To further define “what” makes an outstanding CLP, NACLO published A COLORFUL QUILT – The Community Leadership Story in 1988. This collection of six case studies was designed to inspire communities to consider a new CLP or those looking to improve existing programs. The case studies, selected through a rigorous self-nomination process from NACLO/CLA members, featured finalists including:

• Leadership Birmingham, AL
• Leadership Omaha, NE
• Leadership San Diego, CA
• Leadership Rhode Island, RI
• Leadership Wayne County, IN
• Leadership Philadelphia, PA

In 1989, the Association’s name was changed to the National Association of Community Leadership (N.A.C.L), and later in 2000 to the Community Leadership Association (CLA) to reflect its expanding global membership. This rebranding was partly inspired by a major Canadian foundation that supported the launch of leadership programs in several Canadian cities. Shortly thereafter, Australia also began establishing Community Leadership Programs, reinforcing the need for a name representing an international network.

Wendall Walls, CAE, became NACL's first executive director in 1989, the same year the National Headquarters opened in Indianapolis, IN - thanks to a grant from the Lily Foundation. Walls’ decade-long leadership was instrumental in CLA’s early growth and in securing significant grant funding.

CLA later received substantial grants from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation ($3.5 million) and the Lily Endowment Foundation ($350,000). These funds enabled the creation of two flagship initiatives:

• The Community Trusteeship Program: This included “Taking Leadership to Heart” and training materials on starting a leadership program, authored by Kathryn Tyler Scott - a resource still in use today.
• A State-of-the-Art Leadership Laboratory: Through the Kellogg grant, CLA partnered with Pat Heiny and Mary Jo Clark of Contemporary Consulting (Richmond, IN) to develop “21st Century Leadership” training, which emphasized essential leadership skills, personal development, and servant leadership.

Another notable program, Leadership USA, launched its only class of 34 participants in 1996, again funded by Kellogg.

In the mid-1990s, the Community Leadership Association thrived as a vibrant hub for leadership program professionals, boasting a robust membership of over 500 individual alumni, 150 lifetime members, 55 college students, and nearly 1,000 leadership organizations. This period marked a high point for CLA, reflecting the widespread enthusiasm for community leadership development.

However, as economic challenges emerged in the late 1990s, Community Leadership Programs and Chambers of Commerce across the country faced significant obstacles, leading to shifts within the organization. During this time, CLA experienced changes in leadership and structure, with Gene Honn, CAE, serving as the second executive director. Interim leaders Kristin Bakke and Jeff Miller guided the organization through a transition to the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development (GA) in 2004. David Mills then served as executive director, and following his retirement, one of NACL’s founders, Jim Maloney, took on the role. This transition to the Fanning Institute was intended to leverage the University’s resources and renew momentum for community leadership initiatives.

While CLA eventually concluded its journey in 2009, its legacy of fostering leadership connections and sharing best practices remains a foundational part of the community leadership movement. Though records from the Fanning Institute could not be retrieved, valuable materials, including training manuals and reflections from key leaders like Board Chair Yvonne Murchison Finocchiaro (Leadership San Diego, CA) and Dick Hammond (the final CLA board chair in 2009), have been preserved, serving as enduring reminders of CLA’s contributions to the field.

1959
ACCE recognizes community leadership programming as a vital opportunity for community impact.

1960
Leadership Philadelphia, PA, graduates its first class, marking the start of formalized community leadership programs.

1962
Leadership Savannah, GA, graduates first class.

1969
Leadership Atlanta hosts a leadership conference, and ACCE holds its national conference in Omaha, NE.
Leadership Beaumont, TX graduates its first class.

1970 - 1979
Leadership Philadelphia, PA, reorganizes as an independent organization and graduates its first class.
Leadership Atlanta graduates first class (independent from Chamber since 1977).
Leadership America hosts three sessions with 40 attendees.
Kansas City, MO - Centurions graduates its first class. 
NACLO (National Association for Community Leadership Organizations) separates from ACCE.
By the end of the decade, 40+ Community Leadership Programs are established nationwide. 

1980
NACLO is established in Kansas City, MO, and receives 501(c)(3) status.
Savannah, GA, hosts the first official NACLO national conference.

1989
More than 400 leadership programs are established and operating.
NACLO is renamed the National Association of Community Leadership (NACL).

1990
The Houston, TX conference serves as a turning point, bringing many graduates and alumni into NACL as individual members.

1992
The number of CLPs operating grows to over 700.

1996
Leadership USA holds the inaugural class of 34 participants funded by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. 
1999
NACL and the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership received a joint grant to support and fund the annual conference held in Indianapolis, IN. 
This was the largest event to date, with over 1200 attendees. 

2000
NACL rebranded itself as the Community Leadership Association (CLA) to reflect its growing international membership.

2004
CLA moved to Fanning Institute based at the University of Georgia

2008
CLA moved from the Fanning Institute for Leadership Development and hired a management company, Next Wave Group

2009
CLA dissolves in December 2009

The Birth of ALP and the Next Era of Community Leadership

February 2010
Association. of Leadership Professionals is officially formed. 

June 2010
The first ALP Regional Conference is held in Columbus, OH, marking the beginning of a new chapter for community leadership programs.

January 2012
The name changes to the Association of Leadership Programs

June 2013
Hosted the inaugural stand-alone National Conference in Arlington, VA,  with the support of Leadership Arlington and host Betsy Frantz, President.

March 2014
The first "Leadership Exchange" event facilitates collaboration between 12 community leadership programs through site visits and mentoring sessions.

August 2014
ALP introduces "Leadership Connections," a monthly teleconference to share best practices and insights.

January 2015
ALP integrates a searchable member database and a members-only resource section on its website.
New ALP logos are unveiled, representing a fresh visual identity.

January 2018
ALP adopts its first three-year strategic plan, setting a course for sustainable growth.

June 2019
ALP launches the Certified Community Leadership Practitioners (CCLP) program, welcoming the inaugural class.

2020
ALP increases online programming to support leadership professionals through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2024
ALP partners with the National Leadership Network (NLN) to enhance alumni learning opportunities during the National Conference.
Partnership with Civity and NLN supports the “Building Social Trust Across Difference” initiative, fostering community connections.

The Association of Leadership Programs (ALP) was built on the dedication and vision of its founding leaders, who played a crucial role in shaping the organization’s early years. These individuals provided the leadership, guidance, and strategic direction necessary to establish ALP as a national network for Community Leadership Programs.

• Griff Hall | Griff Strategic Leadership • Board Chair 2010 - 2012

  • As ALP’s first board chair, Griff Hall was instrumental in guiding the organization through its formative years, ensuring a strong foundation for growth and sustainability. Griff served as the Executive Director of Leadership Anne Arundel from 1999 to 2007. 

• Mark Scheffler | Leadership Akron, OH • Board Chair 2012 - 2014

  • Under Mark’s leadership, ALP expanded its reach and continued to strengthen its role as the primary resource for leadership program professionals. Mark served as the President of Leadership Akron from 2005 to 2018. 

• Lura Hammond | Leadership on the Move! (TX) • Contract Administrator 2010 - 2014

  • Lura Hammond played a vital role in managing ALP’s operations, ensuring stability and continuity during its early years. Since 2010, Lura has served as the Executive Director - her role has grown with the organization.

•  Roger Duke | Leadership Augusta, GA • Board Member 2010 - 2011
  • A key advocate for leadership programs, Roger Duke helped shape ALP’s governance and provided valuable insight during its early development.

Legacy Circle Founders
The Legacy Circle Founders are recognized for their unwavering commitment to community leadership. These individuals and organizations helped to launch the Association of Leadership Programs by providing financial support above and beyond their regular membership investment.

• Ted Carroll | Leadership Greater Hartford, CT • Chair
• Mark Scheffler | Leadership Akron, OH
• Sarah Savage | Leadership Greater Huntsville, AL
• Dick Hammond | Leadership on the Move! (TX)
• Christine Johnson | Leadership Louisville Center, KY
• Kay Fitzsimons | Leadership North Houston, TX
• Jan Levy | Leadership Tomorrow (Seattle, WA)

The strength and success of the Association of Leadership Programs has been shaped by the visionary leadership of its past board chairs. These dedicated individuals have played a pivotal role in steering the organization through growth, challenges, and transformation, ensuring that ALP remains a vital resource for Community Leadership Programs nationwide.

Each board chair has contributed their unique expertise, strategic vision, and passion for leadership development, helping to expand ALP’s reach, enhance member benefits, and strengthen the national network of Community Leadership Programs and professionals. Their commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence continues to inspire the leadership professionals and organizations that ALP serves today.

This section recognizes and celebrates the past board chairs who have guided ALP’s mission, honoring their lasting impact on the organization and the broader leadership community.

• Griff Hall | Griff Hall Strategic Leadership, MD
  Griff served as Board Chair for 2010 and 2011

• Mark Scheffler | Leadership Akron, OH
  Mark served as Board Chair for 2012 to 2013

• Wendy Thomas  | Leadership Tulsa, OK
  Wendy served as Board Chair for 2014 and 2015

• Juliann Jankowski | Leadership South Bend/Mishawaka, IN
  Juliann served as Board Chair for 2016 and 2017

• Cynthia Knapek | Leadership Louisville Center, KY 
  Cynthia served as Board Chair for 2018 and 2019

• Jessie Baginski |  Leadership Lake County, OH
  Jessie served as Board Chair for 2020

• Christopher Kennedy | Leadership Austin, TX
  Christopher served as Board Chair for 2021

• David Sachs | The LEADERship, MD
  David served as Board Chair for 2022 and 2023

• Cheri Gengler | Leadership Twin Cities, MN 
  Cheri served as Board Chair for 2024

• Andre Santiago | Leadership Greater Hartford, CT 
  Andre currently serves as Board Chair in 2025

Serving on the ALP Board requires a deep commitment to advancing community leadership, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation. Our past board members have contributed their time, knowledge, and passion to strengthen ALP’s mission, enhance member services, and create meaningful opportunities for leadership professionals nationwide.

This section honors the past board members whose leadership and service have left a lasting imprint on ALP, helping to build a strong, dynamic, and supportive network for Community Leadership Programs.

2010 – 2012
Griff Hall | Griff Strategic Leadership, MD
Roger Duke | Leadership Augusta, GA
Lori Nocito | Leadership Wilkes Barre, PA

2010 – 2016
Sarah Savage | Leadership Huntsville, AL
Mark Scheffler | Leadership Akron, OH

2011 – 2015
Jo Ellen Carson | Leadership Winston-Salem, NC 

2011 – 2017
Christine Kennedy  | Leadership Lynchburg, VA
Betsy Frantz | Leadership Arlington, VA
Denise King | Leadership Denver, CO

2011 – 2018
Aradhna Oliphant  | Leadership Pittsburgh, PA

2012 – 2018
Ann Rushlo | Leadership Mohawk Valley, NY
Wendy Thomas | Leadership Tulsa, OK

2012 – 2019
Juliann Jankowski | Leadership South Bend/Mishawaka, IN

2013 – 2019
Tammy White | Leadership Knoxville, TN
Shaun Rojas | Kansas Leadership Center, KS

2013 – 2020
Cynthia Knapek | Leadership Louisville Center, KY

2014 – 2020
Stacie Hunt | Leadership Howard County, MD
Kay Fitzsimons | Leadership North Houston, TX

2016 – 2022
David Sachs | LEADERship Baltimore, MD

2017
Brian Newberry | Leadership Spokane, WA
Nancy Olson | California Leadership Network, CA
Myra Godman Smith | Leadership Metro Richmond, VA

2018 – 2023
Jessie Baginski | Leadership Lake County, OH
Christopher Kennedy | Leadership Austin, TX

2018 – 2024
Nikki Morristell | Leadership Lackawanna, PA

2019 – 2020
Ashley Mudd | Leadership Academy of Acadiana, LA

2019 – 2021
Barbara Boone | Leadership Tallahassee, FL
Kathy Coffey | Leadership Snohomish, WA
Yemi Akande-Bartsch | FOCUS St. Louis, MO
Cathy Cate | Leadership Tennessee, TN

2019 – 2022
Mike Ritz | Leadership Rhode Island, RI

2019 – 2024
Tami Miller | Leadership Greenville, SC
Cheri Gengler | Leadership Twin Cities, MN

2020 – Present
Andre Santiago | Leadership Greater Hartford, CT
Hollie Tometich | Ottumwa Leadership Academy, IA

2021 - Present
Lisa Winkelbauer | Leadership Orlando, FL

2023 – Present
Jessica Hendricks | Leadership Unlimited, NE
Lynn Wood | Leadership Greater Madison, WI
Mark Hollander | Vision Leadership, MO
Jan Kearce | Maine Development, ME
Shannon Drake | Leadership Greater Huntsville, AL
Michelle McInnis | Leadership Southwest Louisiana, LA

2024 – Present
Alfred Degrafinreid II | Leadership Tennessee
Myra Goodman Smith | Leadership Metro Richmond, VA
Jaxon Riley | Leadership Spokane, WA

2025 – Present
Michelle Carr | Leadership Rhode Island, RI
Mark Eddy | Leadership Southern Indiana, IN
Jennifer Treviño | Leadership Fort Worth, TX

NOTE: The Association's fiscal year from 2010 to 2014 was July 1 to June 30. Beginning in 2015, it was changed to a calendar year. Director terms coincided with this change, with some directors serving additional time to allow for the coordination of the fiscal year and election year. Over the years, several board members have been elected for a one- or two-year term and then re-elected for a three-year term, thus serving more than six years.

By its tenth anniversary in 2020, ALP celebrated a significant milestone: reaching 300 members, a testament to the strength and growth of its vibrant network of Community Leadership Programs. This achievement reflects the dedication of leadership professionals who continue to champion community leadership development across the nation. Today, ALP’s membership represents a rich tapestry of organizations and leaders, including 35% Chamber-based programs, 50% independent programs, and 15% other entities, such as colleges and universities, government agencies, businesses, foundations, and individuals.

The community leadership landscape is dynamic, shaped by the unique needs of local communities and the passionate individuals who serve them. While membership numbers naturally ebb and flow, partly due to annual staff transitions within Community Leadership Programs, ALP’s commitment to fostering connections and supporting leadership growth remains steadfast.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for Community Leadership Programs, but the resilience shown by these organizations has been truly inspiring. As the field adapts to new realities, many programs have embraced innovative funding strategies to ensure long-term sustainability. 

This spirit of adaptability and collaboration exemplifies the enduring power of community leadership. ALP remains dedicated to empowering its members with the resources, connections, and inspiration they need to continue making a positive impact in their communities for decades to come.

While the Fort Worth Conference did not generate a profit, it marked a significant milestone for ALP, with over 100 community leadership programs joining as members in 2010. Their membership fees provided essential financial support, laying the foundation for ALP’s future growth.

Later that year, ALP hosted its first regional conference in Columbus, OH (June 2010), expanding opportunities for leadership programs to connect and collaborate. Over the next two years, ALP partnered with The Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership to deliver specialized educational training, reinforcing its commitment to professional development and leadership excellence.

Regional Conferences

• 2010 - Columbus, OH
• 2011 - Louisville, KY
• 2012 - Houston, TX
• 2012 - Denver, CO
• 2013 - Greenville, SC
• 2014 - Macon, GA
• 2014 - Verona, NY
• 2014 - Madison, WI
• 2014 - Oklahoma City, OK
• 2016 - Winter Park, FL
• 2016 - Des Moines, IA
• 2016 - The Woodlands (Houston), TX
• 2018 - Wichita, KS
• 2018 - Buffalo, NY

Since its inception, the Association of Leadership Programs has brought together leadership professionals from across the country to connect, learn, and inspire change in their communities. From the first national conference under the ALP name in Fort Worth in 2010 to today, ALP’s annual gatherings have evolved into cornerstone events, fostering collaboration, professional development, and innovation.

Each conference provides an opportunity for leadership program professionals to exchange best practices, explore emerging trends, and strengthen the impact of community leadership initiatives nationwide. Whether hosted in dynamic cities or through virtual platforms, ALP conferences continue to unite and empower those dedicated to developing strong, engaged communities.

Below is a look at ALP’s national conference history, highlighting the hosts and locations over the years.

• April 2010 – Fort Worth, TX
  Host Program: Leadership Fort Worth, Texas
  
• June 2011 – Dallas, TX 
  In collaboration with The Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership's National Conference
  
• June 2012 – Indianapolis, IN 
  In collaboration with The Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership as an ALP pre-conference 
  
• June 2013 – Arlington, VA 
  Host Program: Leadership Arlington, Virginia
  
• June 2015 – Huntsville, AL 
  Host Program: Leadership Greater Huntsville, Alabama
  
• June 2017 – Phoenix, AZ 
  Host Program: Valley Leadership, Arizona
  
• June 2019 – Tulsa, OK 
  Host Program: Leadership Tulsa, Oklahoma
  
• June 2020 – Virtual 
  
• June 2021 – Virtual 
  
• June 2022 – Orlando, FL 
  Host Program: Leadership Orlando, Florida
  
• July 2023 – Knoxville, TN 
  Host Program: Leadership Knoxville, Tennessee
  
• August 2024 – Providence, RI 
  Host Program: Leadership Rhode Island
  
• July 2025 – Fort Worth, TX 
  Host Program: Leadership Fort Worth, Texas 

Following the June 2019 National Conference, ALP transitioned to an annual National Conference format, moving away from the regional conference model. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual gatherings were held in 2020 and 2021. In-person conferences resumed in 2022 and have continued as annual events, reinforcing ALP’s commitment to fostering connection and professional development among leadership program professionals.

The Association of Leadership Programs (ALP) remains dedicated to supporting community leadership initiatives worldwide, recognizing them as essential to educating, inspiring, and uniting communities.

Expanding Partnerships and Innovations

As of 2025, ALP has forged strategic partnerships with Civity and the National Leadership Network to enhance traditional community leadership program (CLP) practices with innovative civil discourse training. This collaboration aims to strengthen alumni networks nationwide by fostering meaningful connections, encouraging dialogue across differences, and equipping communities with the tools to address complex challenges. Civity focuses on preparing individuals for constructive, cross-perspective conversations, while the National Leadership Network unites alumni to tackle pressing local issues and drive lasting economic and social change.

Additionally, ALP is spearheading an accreditation initiative for Community Leadership Programs. This effort aims to define best practices, highlight common successes, and establish standards of excellence in management, reflecting the shared values and unique strengths of these programs.

Additional partnerships have been established with the National Civic League, Amazon, and other corporate partners.

The information presented here was thoughtfully compiled by ALP's founding Executive Director, Lura Hammond. It draws from documents provided by several dedicated individuals who were involved with the Community Leadership Association and who have since retired or stepped away from the field. 

Special thanks to Ted Carroll (Leadership Greater Hartford, CT), Yvonne Murchinson (Leadership San Diego, CA), and Dick Hammond (Leadership on the Move, TX), who served as CLA's final Board Chair in 2009 for their contributions to the historical reflections shared above. 

ALP expresses gratitude to all who contributed to preserving this history, honoring the legacy and commitment of community leadership professionals. Lura Hammond, Executive Director, shared, "I extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the compilation of this history. Your invaluable resources and insightful conversations have enriched this work tremendously. Each unique leadership story strengthens our collective movement to empower communities everywhere."