Apply Now: February 2025
Susan M. Ross Leadership Institute

This February, the Susan M. Ross Leadership Institute returns at a new location with facilitation by the esteemed Organizational Performance Group (OPG) of Woodbridge. The focus of the institute is on emphasizing the vital role of people in organizational success.

Tailored for Executive Directors and Senior Leadership, this two-day program will provide an immersive exploration of the essential skill of leading. It will focus on topics such as creative problem-solving, team dynamics, and the impact of unconscious behaviors. The program emphasizes communication skills – including style preferences, motivation, and listening – and explores how these skills influence effective leadership.

The program is rooted in established theories and practices and will directly relate to participants’ daily work as leaders. The majority of the program involves hands-on practice. Participants are encouraged to bring real challenges to explore collaboratively with their colleagues, with guidance and facilitation from OPG.

2025 Susan M. Ross Executive Leadership Institute

Monday, February 3^rd and Tuesday, February 4^th
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Breakfast service begins at 8AM)
House on the Hill
29 Oakwood Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850

To provide the opportunity to new attendees, this year’s program excludes participants from last year.

Apply Now

Applications due by January 13, 2025. Applicants will be notified by January 17, 2025.

Email Rebecca Cordero, CNE Manager, with any questions.

View selected photos from the 2024 Susan M. Ross Executive Leadership Institute

2025 Facilitators:

Leah Hancock

Leah Hancock is a Senior Associate at OPG where she guides organizations through strategic planning and culture change initiatives, and facilitates meetings, workshops, and retreats – all with the goal of helping individuals and organizations to increase their positive impact on the world. Leah began her career in nonprofits working on food systems programming and advocacy. She received her BA from Connecticut College and master’s degree in management through Harvard Extension School. Leah’s full bio is available here.

Jason Kitayama

Jason Kitayama is a Senior Associate at OPG and brings over 25 years of healthcare and higher education experience helping individuals and groups work better together. At OPG, Jason focuses on leadership development and coaching, which includes co-teaching OPG’s two-day Managers Bootcamp and four-day Abundance Leadership Immersion Program. Jason holds a BS in Business Administration from Emmanuel College, an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, and he is an ICF-Certified organizational development coach. Jason’s full bio is available here.

Click here to apply for the 2025 Susan M. Ross Leadership Institute.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE
In 2009, Susan M. Ross launched the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, a pivotal initiative that has since provided unwavering support to thousands of organizations and nonprofit professionals in Fairfield County. Our commitment is to empower the sector, ensuring it not only grows but also excels in overcoming the ever-changing challenges it faces.

To honor Susan’s enduring legacy, FCCF has proudly hosted the Executive Leadership Institute since 2019.

This exclusive program is specifically designed to uplift leaders in the field, bringing together Executive Directors and Senior Leadership from organizations across Fairfield County. Our goal is to provide a platform for learning, connection, and the creation of positive change in both their organizations and communities.

Selected photos from the 2024 Susan M. Ross Leadership Institute