A leadership development program to hone the professional skills and management abilities of individuals likely to lead agencies serving people in North Carolina with intellectual and developmental disabilities is seeking qualified candidates.

The training program, funded by the N.C. Council on Developmental Disabilities, features sessions with nationally recognized authorities in the field and activities to enhance leadership skills.

“The goal of the initiative is to identify and support emerging, early career leaders and give them the knowledge and skills needed to become transformational leaders who can significantly impact the lives of North Carolinians with disabilities and their families,” said Holly Riddle, the Council’s executive director.

Called Advancing Strong Leadership, the initiative will begin its first session in March 2013 and subsequent sessions in the year-long program will continue through February 2014.

Applications must be submitted by Jan. 11, 2013. Individuals employed by organizations and agencies that provide services to, advocate for, or fund community-based supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families are eligible to apply.

Up to 25 people will be selected to participate.

Those selected must have the support of their employing organization, and are required to participate in all seven sessions, which range from half-day to two-and-a-half day sessions, some of which will be virtual.

For questions and additional information, email Nancy Weiss, Director, National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, University of Delaware: mnweiss@udel.edu

The North Carolina Initiative is offered by the National Leadership Consortium at the University of Delaware, and supported by the NCCDD.