Leadership Development
← ACEC/MN Professional Development
Program runs September 2026 through April 2027.
Who it's for. Mid-career professionals already leading through projects, people, or initiatives who are ready to take on expanded roles with greater confidence and impact. Open to all disciplines and backgrounds within engineering firms.
Format. Seven in-person sessions plus one virtual follow-up, led by nationally recognized practitioners and subject matter experts.
Tuition. $4,500 members.
What you'll leave with.
- Three plans you will use immediately, covering personal leadership, team leadership, and business development.
- Practical skills in communication, negotiation, and AI-enhanced leadership built for real consulting engineering workflows.
- A working understanding of the business, workforce, and legislative forces shaping the profession.
- A cohort of peers and connections with industry leaders who understand your challenges.
One application covers both leadership programs. Questions? Contact Kelly at ksmeltzer@acecmn.org.
Sessions
Kickoff retreat at Grand View Lodge. Team Building Experience and Maximizing Personal Leadership for Lasting Impact. Jon Hauser, PE. Grounded in the formula Life Impact = Competence × Character × Leadership Level, participants strengthen leadership presence, align values with actions, and build the relational skills that set strong leaders apart.
Communications, Listening, and Negotiations. Dan Oblinger, hostage negotiator and FBI-trained crisis negotiation instructor. Eight active listening techniques and real-world communication skills that apply directly to leadership, team management, and organizational change.
AI-Enhanced Leadership. Tyler Moberg, Amplified Impact. The CRAFTing Framework and guided practice with leading AI tools, applied to decision-making, communication, and strategy.
Practical Business Development for Busy Leaders. Jim Rogers, Seller-Doer Academy. Business development reframed as relationship-building and client service, focused on a small set of high-leverage behaviors that generate repeat work and referrals.
Workforce Trends and Engineering Talent. Moderated by Megan Dayton, PhD, MBA, ACEC/MN CEO. Real labor market data and demographic trends that move leaders from reacting to making strategic talent decisions for their teams and firms.
Advocacy and Navigating the Legislative Process. David Schultz, PhD, Distinguished University Professor, Hamline University. How policy is made, how to engage in advocacy, and how to build relationships with lawmakers, including direct engagement through Day at the Capitol.
Leading Resilient and Engaged Teams. Paula Davis, JD, MAPP, founder and CEO of the Stress and Resilience Institute. Practical strategies for building resilient cultures amid disruption, closing with a panel of firm owners and senior leaders on the transition from manager to leader.
Earlier in your career? See the Emerging Leaders Series.