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Executive Curriculum for Emerging Leaders (EXCEL) is an initiative by Talbert House’s Institute of Training and Development to develop, train and nurture local nonprofit leaders. Click here for the Class III application packet (MS Word and PDF). The application deadline is July 14. Click here for the Reference form only (MS Word and PDF).

• Read what sponsors, faculty and participants are saying about EXCEL

Why is leadership training important for nonprofits?
Traditionally, the nonprofit sector has not focused on training the next generation of key executive-level positions, and reviews of recent literature indicate an aging workforce will impact nonprofits.

What makes this program different?
Many local corporations are supporting EXCEL by providing executive facilitators. This unique partnership with the business community provides the class with a great opportunity to learn what works in the business sector, while customizing each session with the specific needs of non-profits.

Corporate executives from the following companies have participated as faculty: Deloitte, Fidelity, Fifth Third Bank, GE Aviation, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Kroger, Macy's Inc., Midwest Manufacturing Solutions, Procter and Gamble, United Way of Greater Cincinnati and US Bank.

Community leaders also are invited to speak during lunch sessions on their views on leadership. Past lunch speakers include:

Milton Dohoney, Cincinnati city manager
Rev. Michael Graham, president of Xavier University
Mike McCuen, regional president of National City Bank
Kathy Merchant, president of Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Jim Schwab, regional president of U.S. Bank
Ellen van der Horst, president of Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
Dr. Nancy Zimpher, president of University of Cincinnati

What do the sessions include?
EXCEL has been designed to include the following five elements:

I. Classroom Modules
The classroom curriculum was designed based on feedback from several focus groups that provided input on the leadership skills and competencies most needed by senior managers. The group will meet for 12 full days over a nine month period. Click here for Class II's full curriculum (PDF). Please note: Faculty is subject to change.

II. Individually Designed Development Plan
The program will begin with validated assessments on each participant which will serve two purposes (i) it will create a benchmark for evaluating the impact of the program and (ii) the participant and his/her mentor will use the results to design an individual development plan; setting individual goals.

III. Formal Coaching/Mentoring
The participant will be assigned a mentor. The mentor will receive mentor training and will meet with the participant on a regular basis to work on the individual development plan and other issues as they arise.

IV. Project Learning
At the end of the nine months of classroom training, a project will assigned to small groups of participants. The projects will be designed by the organization that sent the participant with a focus on solving a substantive issue or looking at a new opportunity. Each project will be designed to enable the participants to use the skills and knowledge learned from the mentoring process and classroom modules.

V. Networking
In order to encourage continued application of learning and continued use of resources, an alumni group will be created that will meet on a bi-monthly basis.

Who is eligible to attend?
A successful applicant will be high potential management member with minimum experience equivalent to bachelor degree and five years experience in management of significant area of his or her organization’s business, including personnel, budget, policy and procedure, and program integrity.

An applicant must be nominated by an executive of the applicant’s organization, have the full support of his or her employer, and be provided with a mentor from the applicant’s own organization.

What are the session dates for EXCEL Class III (2008-2009)?
The following are the scheduled dates for EXCEL. These dates are subject to change.

September 3, 2008 (opening lunch)
September 11
October 2
October 23
November 13
December 11
January 8, 2009
January 29
February 26
March 19
April 16
May 7
May 28

What is the cost of the program?
The total cost is $2,450. Due to the generosity of the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, each participant will receive a $500 scholarship, bringing the cost to $1,950 for the year-long program.

What organizations are sponsoring EXCEL?
Thanks to the sponsors of EXCEL Class II: United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Fidelity Investments, Daniel & Susan Pfau Foundation, National City Bank, Greater Cincinnati Foundation and Midwest Manufacturing Solutions.

What is the application deadline for EXCEL?
The deadline for applications for Class III (2008-2009) is no later than July 14, 2008. All application materials, including references, must be received by this date.

Who do I contact with questions?
Questions about EXCEL can be directed to Marva Duvall, The Institute of Training and Development at Talbert House, (513) 751-7747 or at marva.duvall@talberthouse.org.

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