Leadership Academy

APA Virginia's 2025 Leadership Development Program

In the planning field, we need more people that are up for the challenge of leadership, including the required investment of time and energy to address the planning issues of our generation, such as housing, climate change, and racial equity. Above all, leadership is a commitment to people and the greater good. If you're looking to take that next step in your career, this Leadership Development Program will help to guide you in your pursuit to become the effective leader you wish to be. The program has a $75 registration fee for candidates who are accepted, due prior to the first class session.

2025 APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH JANUARY 24, 2025.

Program & Schedule

2025: Meetings are scheduled over the course of a four-month period in. The first three courses are scheduled as 5-hour sessions (10:00AM-3:00PM , including lunch) held in Richmond, Virginia. The final session will be held at the annual conference in Portsmouth, Virginia. Prior to each meeting, participants are expected to complete the requested course prep assignment to help them prepare for the meeting.

Location: Richmond, Virginia

Saturday March 22, 2025

Session 1 (morning): Introduction & Leadership Values - Lorna Parkins, FACIP, Kurt Christiansen, FAICP & Andrew Hopewell, AICP

Session 2 (afternoon): Mindset - Glenn Larson, FAICP & Earl Anderson, AICP

Saturday May 3, 2025

Session 3 (morning): Emotional Intelligence - Vlad Gavrilovic, AICP, Denise Harris, AICP & Rob Stalzer, FAICP

Session 4 (afternoon): Negotiation - Vlad Gavrilovic, AICP, Denise Harris, AICP & Rob Stalzer, FAICP

Saturday June 7, 2025

Session 5 (morning): Diversity & Inclusion - Kurt Christiansen, FAICP, Julie Pastor, FAICP & Arlova Vonhm, AICP

Session 6 (afternoon): Conflict Resolution - Lorna Parkins, FACIP & Julie Pastor, FAICP

Sunday July 20, 2025 (Portsmouth, Virginia)

Session 7 (afternoon): Leadership Reflections - Lorna Parkins, FAICP, Kurt Christiansen, FACIP & Andrew Hopewell, AICP


The application process for 2025 is now open. If you have any questions about the class, email the APA Virginia President at president@apavirginia.com.

Apply NOW: Access the 2025 Application

Photo Gallery—Inaugural Class: 2023 Leadership Academy

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