Association of Leadership Programs
Bakke Honored with Lifetime Legacy Award
Kristin Bakke Honored with Lifetime Legacy Award at 2026 ALP National ConferenceOmaha, NE – Some leaders make an impact that extends far beyond the organizations they serve. They shape an entire field, invest in generations of future leaders, and leave behind a legacy that continues to grow long after they've stepped away from the spotlight.
That's exactly what the ALP Lifetime Legacy Award was created to recognize.
The award symbolizes a tree—a fitting reminder that the strongest legacies are planted over time, nurtured with care, and continue providing strength and shelter for others for years to come. This year's recipient has been cultivating that legacy for more than four decades.
Kristin Bakke's national leadership journey began in the 1980s with the Community Leadership Association, ALP's predecessor. She served on the board of directors, stepped into the role of interim Executive Director, and helped guide the organization through important moments of growth. She also spent four years on the founding committee for the Certified Community Leadership Practitioner program, helping create a credential that continues to strengthen community leadership professionals across the country.
Over the years, Kristin has been a constant presence within the ALP network. She has served on countless conference committees, shared her expertise as a presenter, and introduced speakers and trainers who challenged all of us to build stronger, more inclusive leadership programs. Her influence can be seen not only in the work she has done herself, but in the many people and programs she has helped elevate along the way.
Her impact is just as remarkable close to home.
For 26 years, Kristin led LEAD Brevard on Florida's Space Coast, transforming it from a one-person organization into a thriving leadership organization with multiple staff members and a diverse portfolio of respected programs. As LEAD Brevard celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, Kristin's vision and leadership are woven throughout its history. Although she officially retired in June, retirement seems to have simply opened the door for her to continue serving the profession on an even broader scale.
After more than 40 years in community leadership—a career that surely included more strategic planning retreats than anyone could count—Kristin remains known for the qualities that have defined her from the beginning: optimism, generosity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Colleagues consistently describe her as someone who lifts people up, builds meaningful connections, and leads with a servant's heart.
Her legacy isn't measured only by the organizations she strengthened or the programs she built. It's reflected in the countless leaders she has mentored, the communities she has helped shape, and the enduring example she has set for our profession.
Congratulations to Kristin Bakke, recipient of the ALP Lifetime Legacy Award.
The Association of Leadership Programs serves over 280 community leadership programs across the United States and beyond. The association strives to enhance the well-being of all communities through the work of community leadership programs. Founded in 2010, the mission of ALP is to strengthen the effectiveness of leadership programs and professionals. Authentic and organic community leadership development requires taking a critical look at situations, opportunities, and challenges our communities face through the lens of the entire community and pursuing a course that enhances the well-being of all. For more information about the Association of Leadership Programs, visit www.alpleaders.org.
About Leadership Omaha
Leadership Omaha is a 10-month immersive program that empowers individuals to strengthen and transform the Omaha community. Since its founding in 1978, the program has been dedicated to developing effective leaders who embrace community trusteeship, deepen their understanding of community challenges, and refine their personal leadership styles.
At the heart of Leadership Omaha is a commitment to building a lasting impact. Participants are encouraged to explore their own values and priorities while gaining a deeper connection to the Omaha community. Leadership Omaha is a program of the Greater Omaha Chamber.
About the National Leadership Network
The National Leadership Network (NLN) is a collaboration between the one million community leadership program (CLP) alumni nationally from 1,000+ CLPs. Through open, honest conversations and a willingness to listen to and learn from differing opinions, NLN participants are committed to finding common ground, addressing the most pressing needs of their communities, and fostering local economic opportunity and long-term change. For more information about the National Leadership Network, visit www.nationalleadershipnetwork.org.