The Executive Academy for Emerging & Executive Leaders

Develop the Leaders Your Organization Needs for the Next Decade

Modern executives must navigate complex environments, anticipate emerging challenges, steward resources wisely, and lead people through constant change. The Leadership Academy for Emerging and Executive Leaders prepares current and future leaders across public safety, not‑for‑profit organizations, and for‑profit enterprises to operate at that level.

This five‑session program builds the strategic, operational, and people‑centered leadership capabilities required of today’s executive leaders. Participants learn how to think and plan at the organizational level, lead with clarity and accountability, manage budgets with confidence, strengthen internal culture, and communicate effectively with governing bodies, stakeholders, and the public. Each session develops practical, executive‑ready skills—strategic planning, leadership and management systems, budgeting, team development, and community/media relations—equipping leaders to guide their organizations with confidence and long‑term vision.

Course Logistics & Participation Requirements

Registration: Select the number of attendees and complete payment by credit card—no PayPal account required. Your emailed receipt serves as your proof of registration.

Dates: March 2 - 6, 2026. Please add them to your calendar and plan to join each online session at least five minutes early.

Daily Schedule: Each session begins promptly at 08:00 MST. Participants may take personal breaks as needed, and a group break of up to 30 minutes may be scheduled each day.

Technology & Participation: Each participant must use a computer or laptop with both a camera and a microphone. A roster is maintained for compliance and documentation. To earn the full 40‑hour Certificate of Completion, students must pay tuition and attend all five workshops. If an unavoidable conflict arises, contact the instructor directly to discuss options.

Homework: None.

Materials: All participants will receive copies of the course materials and a Certificate of Completion.

Who Should Attend:
Ideal for individuals preparing for executive‑level promotion, as well as current Supervisors, Managers, Directors, Division Leaders, Deputy Chiefs/Deputy Directors, and other senior‑level personnel. Organizations may also enroll high‑potential employees from any division—operations, administration, communications, finance, human resources, or program management. Civilian and non‑sworn personnel are welcome.

COURSE OUTLINE: The Leadership Academy for Emerging and Executive Leaders

(Online & LIVE)

Session 1 – The Executive Leader as Visionary & Strategic Planner

Topics include:

• Strategic issues facing organizations over the next decade
• Executive‑level strategic and tactical planning methods
• Improving organizational productivity, quality, and learning
• Developing an effective Mission and Vision
• Principles of strategic planning
• Building a Planning Cycle Calendar aligned with your organization’s budget

Session 2 – Executive Leadership & Management Systems

Topics include:

• Creating an environment that supports sound decision‑making and accountability
• Implementing an effective performance review system
• Strengthening communication across ranks, teams, divisions, and disciplines

Session 3 – Executive Finance & Budgeting

Topics include:

• Preparing for high‑stakes budget presentations
• Aligning organizational goals with the budget process
• Presenting and defending your budget to boards, councils, committees, and stakeholders
• Engaging decision‑makers throughout the budgeting process
  (This is not an accounting or bookkeeping class.)

Session 4 – Executive‑Level People Management & Organizational Culture

Topics include:

• Defining the “team” at the organizational level
• Building and sustaining high‑performance, mission‑focused teams
• Identifying and overcoming obstacles to team performance
• Senior leadership’s responsibility to model expectations and culture

Session 5 – Executive Community & Media Relations

Topics include:

• Why every organization needs a proactive public‑facing communication strategy
• Fundamentals of marketing, community relations, and media engagement
• Structuring the role of an effective Public Information Officer or spokesperson
• Handling negative press and conducting press conferences
• Sharing your organization’s story without relying solely on traditional media
• Key elements of a successful communication and marketing program

Check out Steve's book by clicking the cover.

“In a social media world where influencers like Simon Sinek and Jocko Willink appeal to the masses (myself included), I submit to you the original author and organizational guru preaching ownership and pragmatic leadership...Stephen L. Kent. There are so many books and tutorials on leadership, and there are certainly many perspectives and personalities to match. But if you despise falling into the trap of a victim mentality and want a reminder or initial lesson on why public service is a noble calling worthy of your full efforts, look no further. In a manner that fires you up - Kent lays out the framework for success masterfully. Full five stars for this book, especially if you work in law enforcement and feel discouraged or are going through burnout and need recharged.” - Bart, Senior Decision Maker

“Direct and unapologetically straightforward, Steve Kent does not burn up time trying to get you to like him or feel good about yourself. Rather, he provides you with a straightforward model to achieve an effective culture in your organization that will position you for success whether you're a law enforcement professional or in any other field of endeavor that spends other peoples' money. I couldn't recommend a better "must read" for the aspiring or veteran public servant.” - EB, Major General, Retired