Leadership Excellence Institute (LEI)

Why LEI?

NALHFA’s Leadership Excellence Institute is a selective, immersive experience designed to help mid- and manager-level professionals sharpen leadership skills and accelerate career growth in affordable housing.

Following a successful inaugural year, NALHFA is excited to launch the second year of LEI with the 2026/2027 cohort. Our first LEI class had a meaningful and engaging experience, building new skills, strengthening peer connections, and gaining leadership tools they can carry forward in their organizations and communities.

Through a strategic partnership with Capstone Performance Solutions, LEI offers a highly interactive and customized leadership development experience that prepares rising and mid-career housing finance agency leaders for expanded responsibility, future leadership roles, and greater influence within their organizations and across the industry.

Program Highlights

  • Tailored Curriculum: The Leadership Excellence Institute is a uniquely tailored program for NALHFA member leaders. The program is designed to equip rising and mid-career professionals with the skills, strategic insight, confidence, and leadership practices needed to elevate their organizations, drive innovation, and advance excellence across the housing finance industry.

  • Blended Learning: The cohort experience includes virtual and in-person facilitated sessions, peer learning, e-learning modules, and applied leadership work throughout the program year.

  • Executive Coaching: Participants are individually paired with an executive coach for five one-hour virtual coaching sessions designed to elevate leadership skills, confidence, influence, and executive presence.

  • The Excel Project: Using design thinking, each participant will address a real challenge within their organization and develop innovative solutions that generate impact and visibility.

  • Excel Circles: Small peer accountability groups meet throughout the program to share wins, challenges, and feedback on their leadership journey.

  • Leaders’ Lens: Senior leaders open select sessions with candid discussions on lessons learned, challenges faced, and insights from the top.

Estimated Time Commitment

  • Live Sessions: Approximately 63 hours, including cohort workshops

  • Individual Coaching: 5 hours

  • E-Learning: Approximately 12 hours

  • Surveys & Assignments: Approximately 35 minutes

    Total: Approximately 80 hours

Who Should Apply?

The NALHFA Leadership Excellence Institute is designed for mid-level to early-senior-level leaders who are ready to invest the time required to sharpen their leadership competencies, expand their strategic influence, and maximize business impact.

Cohort size is intentionally small to allow for deeper engagement, personalized development, and meaningful peer learning. Admission is selective, and seats are limited.

Ideal candidates are NALHFA member-agency managers or supervisors ready to:

  • Enhance strategic leadership

  • Drive team and organizational performance

  • Gain confidence and visibility in their roles

  • Prepare for expanded responsibility and future leadership opportunities

How to Apply

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026/2027 Leadership Excellence Institute cohort. Applicants and supervisors must each complete their respective online forms by September 1, 2026 at 11:00 PM EST.

  1. Complete the Leadership Excellence Institute Application Form
    Applicants should complete the online application form, upload a resume and professional headshot, answer the leadership questions, and sign electronically.
    Complete the LEI Application Form

  2. Request a Supervisor Nomination
    Applicants should ask their supervisor to complete the online Supervisor Nomination Form. The supervisor nomination helps determine the applicant’s eligibility, readiness, and organizational support for participation.
    Complete the Supervisor Nomination Form

  3. Review Important Program Policies
    Applicants and supervisors should review the program policies, commitment requirements, video and photography expectations, and program investment information before submitting materials.

Applications will be reviewed based on application quality, supervisor endorsement, and cohort diversity.

Important Links and LEI Policies

Commitment Requirements

  • Attendance at all sessions

  • Completion of pre/post-tasks, surveys, assignments, and e-learning modules

  • Participation in individual executive coaching sessions

  • Engagement in peer learning and cohort discussions

  • Adherence to video/photography etiquette, professionalism, and confidentiality

Benefits You’ll Gain

  • Stronger credibility and leadership presence

  • Enhanced ability to drive organizational goals

  • Personalized coaching to meet stretch objectives

  • Expanded networking with peers across HFAs

  • Greater confidence, clarity, and influence as a housing finance leader

Apply Today

Don’t miss this chance to accelerate your leadership journey and elevate the impact of affordable housing in your community.

Application deadline: September 1, 2026 at 11:00 PM EST

Start your LEI application now!

Supervisors may complete the nomination form here: Supervisor Nomination Form

For more information about the NALHFA Leadership Excellence Institute, contact Jonathan Paine, NALHFA Executive Director, at [email protected] or 202-367-2496.