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Leadership Fairfax Institute (LFI)

The Leadership Fairfax Institute (LFI) is a program designed for the most promising established leaders and professionals from the business, nonprofit, and government sectors throughout the Greater Northern Virginia Region. LFI participants will enhance their leadership capacity, build a robust network, and deepen their understanding of the complex issues facing our communities.


Throughout this nine-month program, participants will engage in experiential learning, discussion groups, and site visits. They will engage in conversations with leaders and experts, interact with community decision-makers, and gain the insights and tools necessary to address complex regional challenges. The program aims to develop, connect, and inspire leaders to build a thriving and more inclusive community. 


Leadership Fairfax is the area’s premier civic leadership program, developing visionary leaders and preparing them to make a meaningful impact throughout Fairfax County and the Greater Northern Virginia Region.

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WHY LEADERSHIP FAIRFAX INSTITUTE?

Strengthen your knowledge of community issues through a systems thinking lens:


  • Connect with county officials including the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Chief of Police, Fire Chief, County Sheriff and Judicial representatives
  • Explore topics such as economic mobility, workforce development, technology, healthy communities, and policy development
  • Use the County as your classroom and visit government facilities, community centers, nonprofit organizations and business locations
  • Take a bus trip to the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond and meet with elected officials and experts in government affairs


Strengthen your network throughout Fairfax County and the Greater Northern Virginia Region:


  • Interact with your cohort from various sectors and build collaborative relationships 
  • Access to Leadership Fairfax’s over 2,500 Alumni on our Member website including directory, job board and program resources
  • Member pricing to our signature events: Northern Virginia Leadership Awards and the Board of Supervisors’ Breakfast, in addition to full member benefits


Strengthen your collective impact:


  • Learn from a broad perspective of opinions, styles and world views
  • Deepen your understanding of your leadership style 
  • Identify opportunities to engage in community leadership to create positive change

ELIGIBILITY & SELECTION CRITERIA

  • Serve as an established mid to senior level leader, owner or entrepreneur in your business or sector
  • Be a civic and community minded leader or aspire to be one
  • Commit the required time to the program including the mandatory opening program days 
  • Utilize leadership skills and knowledge for the long-term benefit of the community


As part of the application, you must submit a résumé and two letters of recommendation. A $100 non-refundable application fee is due at that time.

TUITION

Tuition for the LFI Program is $5,700. If accepted and enrolled into the program, you and/or your organization will be responsible for a $500 deposit to hold your spot. The remaining tuition fee is payable by the start of the program. Tuition covers:


  • All program costs including meals, venues, materials, leadership assessments, bus trip to Richmond, equipment and program management
  • Access to membership benefits 
  • Two tickets to Commencement (one ticket for graduate, one ticket for guest)

TUITION ASSISTANCE

We offer limited tuition assistance, which is based on demonstrated financial need. If you indicate on your application that assistance is requested, you will receive an email link to that application. Tuition assistance requests are evaluated separately and are not a factor in the selection process. 


Payment plans are available. 

LFI CLASS DAYS OF 2024 - 2025

Thursday, September 19, 2024: Opening Retreat

Friday, September 20, 2024: Opening Retreat

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Thursday, January 23, 2025: Road to Richmond (Optional)

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Wednesday, June 4, 2025: Commencement Celebration

LFI CLASS DAYS OF 2025 - 2026

Thursday, September 18 and Friday, September 19 (Mandatory Opening Days)

Thursday, October 23

Thursday, November 20

Thursday, December 18

Thursday, January 22

Thursday, January 29 – Optional Road Trip to Richmond

Thursday, February 19

Friday, February 20 – Optional Tour of Public Safety Operations Center

Thursday, March 19 

Thursday, April 23

Thursday, May 21

PROGRAM COMMITMENT

  • 1 day monthly / 9 months
  • Third Thursday of the month
  • 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

For additional details, email info@leadershipfairfax.org

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