As an extension and evolution of our commitment to provide high-quality professional development and network-building opportunities for our members, MAX offers a competitively selected, cohort-based leadership development program known as Leadership MAX.
Leadership MAX is a leadership development program designed especially for developing leaders in the workforce development field.
OUR VISION
Through Leadership MAX, we aim to bring emerging and experienced leaders together to learn, collaborate, and drive lasting impact to create the region’s next generation of workforce leaders.
OUR APPROACH
Powered by our MAX Board of Directors, Leadership MAX features a combination of retreat-style, full day, field trip, and service-learning opportunities over the course of a year.
Click here to learn about our recent Leadership MAX cohorts.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Amazon has long been a highly impactful partner in metro Atlanta and Georgia’s economic development landscape, accounting for an estimated 34,000 jobs in the state according to company records. Amazon, which has built a culture around solving problems, partners with communities across the nation.
PROGRAM SPONSOR
Goodwill of North Georgia has a simple mission: we put people to work. At career centers throughout North Georgia, Goodwill offers job-search resources, helps with writing a professional résumé and cover letter, provides access to employment opportunities, delivers hands-on skill training, and so much more.
FUTURE COHORTS
The MAX Board of Directors plans to support future cohorts of Leadership MAX on an annual basis. If you’re looking to grow in the workforce development community and develop into a community of peer leaders that you can continue to connect with to solve problems together in the years to come, then we encourage you to apply for a future Leadership MAX cohort.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- When will MAX accept applications for the next cohort? The application round for the Leadership MAX Class of 2027 will begin in August 2026. Stay tuned!
- Who can apply for Leadership MAX? Leadership MAX is for emerging, existing, and seasoned leaders who are members of MAX in good standing.
- What will be the size and composition of the Leadership MAX cohort? Cohorts are comprised of approximately 20-25 professionals of diverse backgrounds.
- How often will the Leadership MAX class meet? Each Leadership MAX class has monthly opportunities to meet either as a class or engage in service learning.
- What kind of engagements should I expect through Leadership MAX? Leadership MAX will include retreat-style, full day, field trip, and service learning opportunities over the course of a year.
- What topics will we explore through Leadership MAX? Content-specific Learning Days will be held on a monthly basis. Examples of planned days include Data Day, Policy & Lawmaking Day, Resource Development Day, and Employer Engagement Day.
- What is the tuition for Leadership MAX? The current tuition is $1,750, subject to change.
- When will the Class of 2027 L-MAX applicants learn about their application status? A L-MAX committee will review applications in October 2026. Chosen applicants for the 2027 cohort will be notified in the following November and announced at the MAX Annual Meeting in December.
- Are scholarships available for participating in Leadership MAX? Yes, up to two partial scholarships (covering 50% of the tuition) are currently available for each cohort.
- What types of sponsorship opportunities are available to support Leadership MAX? MAX always welcomes program sponsors, learning day sponsors, scholarship sponsors, and more! Contact Joy Wilkins to explore how you can support the future leadership development of colleagues in the workforce development profession.