Leadership Buckhead is designed to help professionals grow into more intentional, well‑rounded leaders.

Through a structured seven‑month program built around thoughtful, reflective themes, participants gain opportunities to learn from others while taking time to pause, reflect, and realign their personal and professional priorities.

Graduates often find that by investing in their own development, they become better prepared to lead in every area of life.

Yes. A new application must be completed each year to be considered for the upcoming program cycle.

You may defer your acceptance one time to the following program year.

The program spans seven months and includes the following mandatory components:

• Two‑day Opening Retreat (one‑night stay required)
• Two‑day Closing Retreat
• Graduation

Participants must also attend at least 4 of the 5 remaining Program Days, each of which requires a full business day.

Participants are allowed one absence outside of mandatory events (Opening Retreat, Winter Retreat, and Graduation).

Because Program Days require a full business day, applicants must secure employer support before applying.

We strongly recommend reviewing the program calendar in advance.

If you anticipate a conflict—especially with a mandatory event—it may be best to wait and apply in a future year.

The Opening and Closing Retreats are essential components of the Leadership Buckhead experience. They are intentionally designed to set the foundation for the class’ journey and to bring meaningful closure to the program. The Opening Retreat establishes trust, connection, and shared understanding—key elements that shape the group dynamic for the entire seven‑month experience. The Closing Retreat allows participants to reflect, integrate what they’ve learned, and celebrate their growth as a collective.

Because these retreats are central to building community, fostering vulnerability, and ensuring a cohesive learning environment, full participation is required for all members of the class. These shared experiences are part of what makes Leadership Buckhead transformative and impactful for every participant.

Yes. Tuition is $2,000, non‑refundable, and includes:

• Course materials
• Meals and beverages
• Two retreats
• Graduation

Leadership Buckhead is a two‑year commitment.

Year One:
Participants engage in monthly programming from October through May, including class‑specific assignments, activities, and optional informal small‑group gatherings.

Year Two:
Graduates work in small peer groups to plan and deliver an assigned Program Day for the next year’s class.

No. Our program was initially created by the Buckhead Business Association but is a separate 501c(3) and participants are not limited to residents or employees in Buckhead.  The program now caters to a diverse group of individuals from throughout the metro Atlanta area.

Leadership Buckhead seeks a diverse pool of candidates from all backgrounds, occupations, and levels of leadership. Every Spring, Leadership Buckhead extends an invitation to social media followers and email subscribers to apply through our nomination process. Self-nominations are permitted and encouraged for interested candidates. However, applications are scored blindly by our Board of Directors. In late Summer, all candidates are personally informed of their application status via email. To view the Program Application, visit https://leadershipbuckhead.org/apply-now/.

20-30 people are selected from a competitive pool of applicants for each class.