The ESSAE Association Leadership Academy Masters Institute offers an exclusive, executive-level cohort learning experience tailored for mid-to-senior level association professionals. Over the course of seven months, six sessions and monthly “Cohort Connections” virtual meet-ups, participants will engage in high-impact, interactive sessions led by accomplished association and corporate leaders. Each session blends expert-led discussions, strategic exercises, and peer collaboration to equip you with enhanced leadership and decision-making skills on critical association management topics.

2025 -2026 MASTER'S LEVEL
ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

When:   Fall 2025 - Spring 2025 (Fridays once a month - 6 sessions over 7 months, does not include December)
Where:  Latham, NY (in-person only)
Tuition: $975 (members) / $1500 (non-members)
Financial Assistance may be available: Rita Lashway Scholarship

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PROGRAM SCHEDULE

All sessions are typically held once a month on a Friday. Additional time is included for networking and idea-sharing amongst participants. Due to the interactive, cohort-based nature of the program, active participation is required and only those able to attend all sessions should register. 

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE

ALA Master's Level has been designed specifically for ALA alumni, executive and senior-level professionals from all association practice areas as well as industry partners. Take advantage of education specifically designed for executive and senior-level association professionals! It is vital to keep abreast of the ever-increasing and changing opportunities and challenges ahead.

Executives cannot rest on their laurels and must constantly demonstrate leadership to staff, boards, and members. The ALA Master’s Level will help participants hone skills, anticipate problems, seek resolution, and plan for the future. It also will support new executives, helping to ensure that they are prepared, innovative, and forward-thinking as they seek opportunities to better serve their constituents.

CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

Enrollment in the Association Leadership Academy Master’s Level is a commitment to learning and professional development in the association management field. To be recognized as an ALA Master’s Level graduate and receive an official certificate of completion, you must attend all sessions. Participants who are unable to fulfill the full attendance requirement in one year may apply for consideration to make up missed sessions the following enrollment year.  CAE credit is based on attendance of one hour of approved CAE content (does not require attendance at all sessions to earn one ore more hours of credit).

CAE CREDIT

ESSAE is an approved CAE Registered Provider.  This distinction is awarded to organizations that have formally registered with ASAE's CAE Program and is committed to providing education that meets the CAE Commission’s standards for helping individuals earn or maintain the Certified Association Executive credential. CAE Registered Providers have received guidance on such standards and pledged to properly represent course eligibility for CAE credit.  ALA Masters Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 may be eligible for 15- 30 credit hours.  

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

We understand you may need financial help when it comes to professional development. ESSAE has established a scholarship program to ensure the continued professional growth of colleagues who represent and are dedicated to our profession. Details can be found online: www.essae.org/rita-lashway-scholarship.

STAFF CONTACT

Carrie Laney, Executive Director
Empire State Society of Association Executives, Inc.
300 Great Oaks Blvd, Suite 300 | Albany, NY 12203
www.essae.org | @EmpireStateSAE | #ESSAEALA

Contact Us

WHAT DID GRADUATES THINK?

I had a great time learning from experienced association professionals while meeting and interacting with association peers who are facing many of the same opportunities and challenges I am right now. It was a uniquely beneficial experience that I am thankful to have been a part of. - Brian Fessler, Director of Governmental Relations, NYS School Boards Association

Participating in the Leadership Academy presented a unique opportunity to meet, engage with and learn from other association professionals. The thought-provoking information provided by the various speakers offered insight into valuable and timely topics. - Kate Kennett, Vice President, NYS Trucking Association

If you've been an association professional for any length of time, put ALA Masters on your list of continuing ed. Hear from subject matter experts on the topics most relevant to association management, participate in a workgroup to design a capstone project, and expand your network. You can never have enough resources. - Heidi Longton, CMM, CMP, DES, Director of Convention & Events, NYS School Boards Association

ALA Leadership Academy includes a small group project that is an excellent way to learn by working with others from the ESSAE community, and it was really great fun getting to know my group. - Tim Atkinson, Executive Director, NYSVMS 

The ALA Masters program addressed those areas of interest in everyone's mind. The presenters were incredible and the takeaways just what I needed to move our organization forward. - Georgi Bailey, Executive Vice President, AIA NYS