2027 PLA Leadership Academy
Experience
“The experience helped me take my skills to a higher level with confidence, perspective, and access to networking support that helped me achieve my next level of leadership as a library director. The PLA Leadership Academy was a transformative experience for me.”
—Kimberly Knight, Director of Public Libraries, Virginia Beach (VA) Public Library, 2017 alum
The PLA 2027 Leadership Academy cohort will be comprised of up to 35 individuals from a broad spectrum of public library backgrounds and experiences. Each participant will join a small group of no more than five peers and one coach on a shared journey of discovery.
Over the four-day in-person experience, participants will take part in interactive workshops led and developed by Adam Goodman, director of the Center for Leadership at Northwestern University. Participants will engage in learning with their small group, larger cohort peers, and coaches, with ample time for self-reflection.
PLA has assembled a corps of experienced public library leaders to serve as professional coaches. These coaches will participate in the in-person program and provide professional insight and support into the future. After the four-day in-person program, cohort members will continue to connect and network with their cohort and coach virtually.
“The PLA Leadership Academy was incredibly beneficial in helping me to explore a variety of ideas that supported my professional development in areas like strategic planning, change management, and organizational leadership. I completed the program feeling empowered to evaluate and improve my own skillsets and look for new opportunities to develop services and programs at my institution.”
—Connie Chow, Executive Director, Huntsville-Madison County (AL) Public Library, 2019 alum
Pre-Work
In preparation for the Leadership Academy, selected participants will be expected to:
- Attend an orientation webinar
- Complete required readings
- Complete Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment (at PLA’s expense)
In-Person
The curriculum has been carefully designed to maximize education, experience, and team-building opportunities. Each daytime and evening event is an important component of the Academy and relies upon the active participation of every attendee. Through four days of discovery, reflection, and connection, participants will be able to:
- Identify their individual leadership style and values
- Navigate uncertainty, organizationally and personally
- Develop and engage supportive teams and systems
- Leverage their personal leadership style to manage challenges and opportunities
- Craft an Individual Leadership Development Plan
Beyond the Academy
Participants will continue to connect and network with their cohort and coach virtually after the in-person program. PLA will offer opportunities for the community to come together, both online and in person.
Past participants have reflected that this long-term network of peer leaders has been as significant as the in-person program to their ongoing career development, resulting in meaningful friendships and support in navigating next steps, obstacles, and opportunities.
