Lead Local Leadership Academy
prepares emerging and established leaders to better understand, serve, and strengthen their local communities. The program blends leadership development, civic education, local access, and hands-on community engagement to help participants build the knowledge, relationships, and confidence to lead where they live and work.
Invest in Your Next Leader
LEAD Local gives promising employees the skills, confidence, and connections to grow into stronger leaders.
Mid-Career Professionals
You have experience. You have perspective. You may also have that nagging sense that your next chapter should involve more influence, more purpose, or a different kind of leadership.
For Emerging Leaders
You do not need a leadership title to start becoming a leader. You just need the chance to grow, contribute, and learn how you lead best.
Apply Today
Apply as an Individual
Fill out the application below to enroll yourself in Lead Local Leadership Academy.
Time: 5-10 Minutes
Apply as a Sponsor
Fill out the application below to enroll a nominee under sponsorship.
Time: 5-10 Minutes
2026 - 2027 Calendar
The Cohort will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, from 9-12 noon, beginning in January of 2027. Locations will vary.
January 2027 - Orientation - Creating a Foundation for Success
Location: Niles-Maine District Library
Theme: Leadership as a Foundation for Professional & Community Engagement
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February 2027
Location: TBD
Theme: Leadership, Networking & Economic Development
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March 2027
Location: TBD
Theme: Leadership, Public Health & Organizational Well-Being
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April 2027
Location: Shure Inc.
Theme: Innovation, Values & Global Leadership
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May 2027
Location: Niles Village Hall
Theme: Civic Leadership, Knowledge & Lifelong Learning
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June 2027
Location: Niles-Maine District Library
Co-Host: TeamLogic IT
Theme: Digital Leadership & Modern Business Practices
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July 2027 - Capstone & Closing
Location: TBD
- Capstone Presentations
- Network Reflection & Recognition
- Program Completion Celebration
Program Expectations
Time Commitment:
Participants should expect an average of approximately 1-3 hours per week of independent learning to suppliment monthly sessions, including:
- Reading assigned chapters and/or articles
- Participating in instructor-facilitated online discussion boards
- Attending weekly in-person/online meetings
Meet Professor Hamid Akbari
Dr. Hamid Akbari brings more than four decades of experience in higher education, leadership development, and community service to Lead Local.
He has served as Dean of the College of Business at Winona State University and Dean of the School of Business at Carroll University, as well as in several leadership roles during his 28-year career at Northeastern Illinois University. There, he was recognized for teaching excellence as the Audrey Reynolds Distinguished Teaching Professor.
Dr. Akbari earned his Ph.D. in Business Administration from The Ohio State University, along with an MBA and MA in Political Science from the University of Toledo.
Throughout his career, he has combined academic leadership with hands-on community involvement, serving on numerous nonprofit, economic development, and civic boards. He also created leadership academies at both Winona State and Carroll University centered on servant leadership, ethics, and preparing individuals to lead within their organizations and communities.
Be part of the inaugural LEAD Local cohort.
Register now to take advantage of introductory pricing of $895 before the full program rate of $1,195 takes effect.
Chamber members save an additional $100.