The Next Chapter

Celebrating 15 Years of Leadership and Legacy

Lura Hammond Announces Retirement After 15 Years as Executive Director of the Association of Leadership Programs

After 15 years of dedicated service, Lura Hammond, the founding Executive Director of the Association of Leadership Programs (ALP), has announced her upcoming retirement.

Since 2010, Lura has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization into the thriving national network of community leadership professionals it is today. Her dedication has created a dynamic community that offers invaluable resources, training, and connection opportunities for community leadership professionals, organizations, and programs of all sizes, both across the United States and internationally. 

Reflecting on her journey with ALP, Lura shared, "The privilege of leading ALP and working alongside so many passionate and committed professionals has been the honor of my career. Seeing the organization grow into a dynamic network has been truly rewarding. I am excited for what the future holds as ALP continues to evolve and expand its influence on community leadership development."

Andre Santiago, Chair of the ALP Board of Directors, remarked, "Lura’s vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment have laid a strong foundation for the organization - one that will continue to sustain and propel the organization forward, ensuring an exciting future with expanded impact and enhanced benefits for our members."

Honoring Lura's Legacy

As we celebrate Lura’s remarkable contributions, we invite members to join us in expressing gratitude and honoring her legacy. The ALP Board of Directors wishes to express their deep appreciation for Lura’s decades of service to the field of community leadership and looks forward to honoring her legacy over the coming months. A special tribute to Lura’s leadership and lasting legacy will take place at the 2025 ALP National Conference in Fort Worth, TX.

About Lura Hammond
Throughout her career, Lura has left an indelible mark on countless organizations and communities, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to community leadership development. 

Lura’s passion for community leadership is evident in her numerous affiliations and accolades. As a founding member of the Dallas Metroplex Leadership Network and a graduate of multiple community leadership programs, her influence is deeply embedded in the fabric of Texas’ leadership landscape and beyond. Lura is graduate of North Texas Leadership, Leadership Mesquite, Leadership Metrocrest, and Leadership Garland. 

Her dedication has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named a past Woman of the Year by the Business & Professional Women’s Club, Dallas Non-Profit Executive Director of the Year, and Texas District Exchange President of the Year. Lura has also been a driving force behind numerous community initiatives, serving on various boards and committees in her north Texas community. She is a Certified Nonprofit Manager, a Registered Parliamentarian, and holds the IOM designation. 

Lura’s journey has been shaped by her passion for leadership and her belief in the power of community. As she steps into retirement, she leaves behind a powerful legacy of service, dedication, and impact. The Association of Leadership Programs and countless colleagues and friends are grateful for her leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to fostering stronger, more connected communities.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition

To ensure a seamless leadership transition, the ALP Board of Directors has formed a transition committee to lead the process. The search for the next Executive Director will begin soon. As we take this next step in our organization’s journey, the ALP Board of Directors and the appointed transition committee will keep members and stakeholders updated throughout the process. More information, including a position description, will be made available in early July 2025.

What Members Can Expect
July/August/September: During these months, ALP members can expect regular updates on the transition process as we begin the search for a new Executive Director. The ALP Board of Directors and the transition committee will provide transparent communication regarding key milestones.

October/November/December: As the year progresses, the ALP Board of Directors will focus on finalizing the selection of the new Executive Director. The transition of leadership will be completed before the end of the calendar year, ensuring that the new Executive Director is in place and fully prepared to lead ALP into the next chapter.

For More Information
For more information, please refer back to this web page dedicated to the transition process over the coming months. We'll post all relevant information and updates here.

To contact the transition committee, email applications@alpleaders.org.

The transition committee is comprised of current and former board members and is being led by Cheri Gengler, Immediate Past Board Chair.