Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership 2.0
For more information about how the Center for Leadership Development can help you, call 937.778.7805.
Lead with vision. Solve complex challenges. Strengthen your organization. Lead with
The Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership 2.0 is exclusively for graduates of Leadership Academy 1.0, this advanced, cohort-based experience is designed for nonprofit executives with five or more years of experience (executive director/president) who are ready to elevate their leadership, strengthen organizational sustainability, and drive meaningful change.
Through interactive workshops, executive peer learning, and strategic discussions, participants will apply insights and tools to a real organizational challenge or opportunity, developing an implementation-ready Leadership Impact Project they can put into action.
Invest in your leadership. Expand your impact.
About the Academy
The Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership 2.0 is held annually for five monthly sessions beginning in January and ending in May.
Session 1- January 27, 2027 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | Edison State at Piqua
Leading Self and Organization- In this session, participants will explore the connection between self-leadership and executive effectiveness and how to turn a broad concern into a workable framework to address and lead change.
Session 2- February 24, 2027 | 8:30AM-12:30PM | Edison State at Piqua
Setting the Direction and Building Accountability- Reflect on defined roles and systems for decision making and how to establish accountability for strategic choices and direction.
Session 3- March 24, 2027 | 8:30AM-12:30PM | Edison State at Piqua
Mobilizing Relationships and Communicating Action- Proactive planning is essential for organizational growth and success. Discover the components of strategic planning to unify your team around a shared vision and propel your organization forward. For long-term health and resilience, this process must include diversifying revenue to build stability and creating risk mitigation strategies to navigate unexpected challenges.
Session 4- April 28, 2027 | 8:30AM-12:30PM | Edison State at Piqua
Leading the Future and Sustainable Performance- Strengthen future-focused thinking to anticipate and address potential challenges and opportunities while protecting your organizational capacity and mission. This session will include a capstone presentation.
Session 5- May 21, 2027 | 8:30AM-3:30PM | Edison State at Piqua
Mosaic of Community Leadership Conference- Each May, this one-day conference brings together nonprofit representatives – including Academy participants and alumni – for specialized education and networking, with breakout sessions led by nonprofit professionals. Topics range from fundraising, communication, financial management, friendraising, leadership, and more! This is a valuable opportunity to connect and collaborate!
*Light Breakfast & Lunch Included at every session.
Inclement Weather Schedule: Due to the variability of winter weather and in preparation for a potential campus closure, a snow date is reserved for the following business day for each session. For instance, if the campus closes on January 21st, the session would then be conducted on January 22nd instead, so please plan accordingly.
Academy of Community Leadership Graduates
ACL 1.0- Class of 2026
Current Participates
ACL 1.0- Class of 2025
Back [L–R]
Front [L–R]
ACL 2.0- Class of 2025
[L–R]
ACL 1.0- Class of 2024
Back [L–R] Christina Raterman, Chad Henry, Tasha Weaver, Chris Lundquist, Tara McCafferty, Laura Price, Michelle Mason, Gail Newhouse, Dr. Rick Hanes
Front [L–R] Meredith McKee, Melissa Stanley, Brenda Pansing, Cami Snyder, Valerie Mullikin, Elizabeth Sweeny, Naomi Cantrell, Jennifer Knisely, Deb Zwez
ACL 1.0- Class of 2023
[A to Z] Tricia Alloway, Mara Braun, Mary Casey, Dawn Eilert, Kristie Fisher, Suann Kleinhans, Karen Moss, Michelle Perry, Katie Price, Christina Raterman, Cecelia Rice, Nancy Royer, Jason Via, Mandy Via, Timothy Wells
ACL 2.0- Class of 2023
[A–Z] Shelly Calvert, Cathy Oda, Kathi Roetter, Kathy Sherman, Stephanie Waller
ACL 1.0- Class of 2022
Back [L–R] Lorna Swisher, R. Michael Johnson, Josiah Shaffer, Jeffrey McAtee, Katie Vasil, Becca Cotterman, Chelsi Schulz, Paula Long, William Slagle, Dr. Rick Hanes
Front [L–R] Becky Snell, Karen Boone, Trisha Elliott, Shannan Byers, Bethany Harp, Krysten French, DeVanice Ball, Krista Smith
ACL 2.0- Class of 2022
Back [L–R] Dr. Rick Hanes, Jessica Minesinger, Jenny Fox, Kelly Snyder, Christy Prakel, Lorna Swisher
Front [L–R] Scott Barr, Amy Breinich, Susan Walker Hemm; Carol Jackson, Jordan Knepper
ACL 1.0- Class of 2021
Back [L–R] Dr. Rick Hanes, Kirk Nichols, Mollie Verdier, Corey Vaughn, Katie Clevenger, Lorna Swisher
Front [L–R] Melissa Nichols, Kim Bulgin, Danielle Sweitzer
ACL 2.0- Class of 2021
Back [L–R] Dr. Rick Hanes, Lorna Swisher, James Oda, Bill Lutz
Front [L–R] Martha Harris, Andrea Keller, Jessica Muhlenkamp
ACL 1.0- Class of 2020
There is no class photo available for the 2020 Academy for Community Leadership class due to the pandemic.
Graduates from this class include: Joy Alane Bankston, Tina Budde, Ryan Casto, Karen Eliason, Brittney Eshelman, Jenny Fox, John Geissler, Tina Hooks, Jenny Huelskamp, Alexa Joyce, MaryJo Leonard, Samantha Lockard, Kathryn Mayes, Deb McDermott, Jessica Muhlenkamp, David O'Leary, Diane Ontrop, Helen Scott, Nikki Sherck, Stephanie Silk, Gary Stanley, Sybil Truster and DeWayne Williams II.
ACL 1.0- Class of 2019
Back [L–R] Anna Baumeister, Kim Meier, Megan Sherman, Dee Gillis, Lorna Swisher, Ian Hinz, Dr. Rick Hanes
Front [L–R] Kathy Sherman, Janel Ranly, Sonja Holycross, Andrea Keller, Sue Parker, Tricia Atwood