ALV

Develop the skills, knowledge, and connections to lead in Virginia's association community.

Congratulations to our 2024-2025 ALV graduates!

Association Leadership Virginia (ALV) is VSAE's premier leadership development program for association professionals and industry partners. Through a six-month cohort experience, participants strengthen their leadership skills, deepen their understanding of association management, and build lasting relationships with peers from across the Commonwealth.

Unlike traditional leadership programs, ALV combines personal leadership development with the practical realities of leading associations. Participants explore topics such as governance, membership, marketing, advocacy, finance, volunteer engagement, and organizational leadership while learning directly from experienced association executives and industry experts.

Most importantly, participants leave with practical tools they can immediately apply in their organizations, a clearer path for their own professional growth, and a network of colleagues they can rely on throughout their careers. Plus, you'll receive over 30 CAE credit hours by participating in this program.

The 2026-2027 cohort kicks off October 9, 2026, and culminates with graduation at the VSAE Annual Conference, May 2-4, 2027, at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions.

The ALV Difference

Association Focused Learning
Developed by association professionals for association professionals, ALV addresses the unique opportunities and challenges of leading member-driven organizations.

Leadership + Association Management
Participants build leadership skills while gaining practical knowledge in governance, membership, marketing, advocacy, HR, finance, volunteer management, and other core areas of association management.

More Than 30 CAE Credits
Earn more than 30 CAE credits while investing in your professional growth and preparing for future leadership opportunities.

Meaningful Connections
The cohort model creates a collaborative learning environment where participants build lasting relationships with peers, mentors, faculty, and alumni from across Virginia.

Value for Your Organization
ALV helps organizations develop stronger leaders, increase employee engagement and retention, and build the confidence and decision-making skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex environment.

Who Should Apply?
ALV is designed for professionals at a variety of career stages, including:

Early-career association or industry partner professionals seeking knowledge, experience, mentors, and connections.
Experienced professionals preparing for greater leadership responsibilities or transitioning into a new role.
Prospective CAE candidates considering or preparing for the exam.
Current CAEs looking to sharpen their skills and maintain certification.
Aspiring or newly appointed chief staff executives.
Anyone committed to continuous learning, professional growth, and building a strong network within Virginia's association community.

What Graduates Say

The 30+ credits, the quality of the program and the personal relationships developed make the price a no-brainer. I can’t recommend this program enough. Jerry Layne, CAE

If you serve in an association, no matter your title or role, you are leading someone, whether an entire organization, a team, or groups of volunteers. The leadership skills ALV teaches are founded in association best practices. Carter Lyons, CAE

Schedule:

ALV is a six-session cohort program running from October 2026 through May 2027.

The full curriculum and schedule will be announced soon. Planned content areas include: