Leadership Dallas

Leadership Dallas (LD), established in 1975 by the Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC), is the region’s premier leadership development program. Each year, 55 individuals are selected through a competitive process based on proven leadership potential within their organization and in the community.

LD improves the quality of life in our region by:

• • • Educating participants on critical regional issues.
    • Fostering connections among motivated peers.
    • Inspiring positive change through applied learning.

THE BENEFITS

The LD program unlocks leadership potential and inspires class members to elevate engagement within their organizations and communities. Employers witness a heightened commitment, while the community enjoys immediate benefits from active participant involvement and future benefits from the collective dedication to community leadership by LD graduates.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Participants are thoughtfully selected to foster a collaborative exchange of ideas through class members with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds.

Ideal candidates are senior and executive leaders, with preference given to those from DRC member companies. Additionally, a limited number of spots are available for nonprofit executives, particularly those in C-suite roles, regardless of DRC membership status.

• • • Passion for the region and a commitment to improving the quality of life for all people.
    • Dedication to community involvement through past and current initiatives.
    • Leadership potential and significant achievements within their organizations.
    • Desire to strengthen leadership skills to align with regional needs.
    • Commitment to invest the essential time and effort required for program fulfillment, backed by complete organizational support.

Leadership Dallas class members may be absent for a maximum of 16 hours and still qualify for graduation. Classes are held monthly from 8:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on the following dates:

2025-2026 Class Dates:

• Past, Present, Future | Friday, Oct. 10, 2025
• Health Care| Friday, Nov. 7, 2025
• Public Policy| Friday, Dec. 12, 2025
• Economic Development | Friday, Jan. 9, 2026
• Education | Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
• Talent & Workforce | Friday, Feb. 27, 2026
• Criminal Justice| Friday, Mar. 27, 2026
• Innovation | Friday, Apr. 17, 2026
• Arts & Culture | Friday, May 1, 2026
• Launch Day | Friday, May 15, 2026

Inclement Weather Reschedule Days:

The dates below are reserved as contingency days in case a class day is cancelled due to inclement weather. If these dates are not needed, they will be removed from your calendar.

• Friday, May 22, 2026
• Friday, May 29, 2026

Mandatory Sessions:

• • • Welcome Reception |Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025
    • Retreat |Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025 – Friday, Sept. 19, 2025

APPLICATION FEE

A $100 application fee is required for all applicants.  The online application is deemed complete only upon the submission of the required fee. Once the application is submitted, applicants will receive a link to process the payment.

SELECTION

The Leadership Dallas Selection Committee meticulously reviews every completed application packet to identify candidates poised to leverage their leadership abilities for the long-term benefit of our region.

Being invited to participate in Leadership Dallas is an honor, and with numerous qualified candidates, the selection process is rigorous. It is not uncommon for applicants to apply multiple times before being selected. Candidates who are not selected are encouraged to reapply.

TUITION

The tuition fee for Leadership Dallas is $9,000. DRC members receive a discounted tuition rate of $7,500. Companies not currently DRC members but interested in joining can contact memberinfo@dallaschamber.org.

Tuition covers all program execution costs and is nonrefundable.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Partial scholarships are provided to select candidates in need of financial assistance. The scholarship funds are named after treasured alumni and are open to all candidates. Special consideration is given to candidates in the following categories: small businesses, minority-owned/led businesses, nonprofits, and government employees. Learn more about each scholarship here or contact leadership@dallaschamber.org to make a donation.

Where can I find the application?
Leadership Dallas Class of 2026 applications will open on our website Monday, March 3, 2025, through Monday, May 5, 2025.

Will there be an information session?
Yes, an in-person information session will be held at the DRC on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 6 p.m. This session will cover program logistics, expectations, and provide a chance to ask questions. The RSVP link will be available on our website soon.

Do I have to attend an information session to apply?
While not mandatory, attendance is highly recommended. Information sessions offer valuable insights into the program, an opportunity to hear directly from alumni about their experiences, and guidance on crafting a standout application.

Can I view the application before completing it online?
The option to preview the application is not currently available. However, you will be able to return to your account throughout the process before submitting the final application.

What is required for a complete application to be considered?
The application packet is made up of six components: application, resume (PDF only), professional headshot (jpeg, minimum 1 MB), three completed references, employer participation agreement, and the application fee. You will be asked to upload your documents during the online application process. Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email confirmation with a link to pay the application fee. All components must be received by the stated deadline for your application to be considered by the selection committee.

Can multiple people from my organization apply to participate?
While multiple people from your organization can apply, we typically only accept one applicant per company into the class. We recommend that only one representative applies per year.

Do I have to be a City of Dallas resident or employed by a company in Dallas city limits to apply?
No, it is not a requirement to live or work within Dallas city limits to apply.

Do I have to demonstrate financial need to receive a scholarship?
Applicants requesting a partial scholarship are required to provide a brief explanation of their circumstances as part of the application process.

Does my employer have to complete the Employer Participation Agreement by the application deadline?
Yes. Your application packet will be considered incomplete and unreviewed until all components are received.

How and when will my employer be contacted?
Your employer will be contacted via email once you enter their email address into your application. The request, sent from “Leadership Dallas” at noreply@mail.smapply.net, will include a link to the employer participation form.

What will my employer be asked to do and how long will it take?
Your employer will be asked to fill out a form and sign a statement indicating their support. This should take approximately five minutes or less.

Will I be notified when my employer completes the agreement?
No, but you can check your account to see if the agreement is pending. If it is still pending, you can send a reminder email directly from your online account.

My employer states that they did not receive an email request. What should I do?
After submitting your application, an email is sent to the address you provided. Ask your employer to check junk or spam folders, as some servers may filter the email.

If I am self-employed or the top executive in my company how should the Employer Participation Agreement be completed?
Complete the form with your contact details and fill out the agreement. This ensures your application is considered complete and will be reviewed by the selection committee.

Can my employer also serve as a reference?
Yes, but you must list them in the reference section for additional feedback beyond supporting your application.

How and when will my references be contacted?
Your references will be emailed once you enter their addresses into the application as a reference. The request will come from “Leadership Dallas” at noreply@mail.smapply.net.

What will my references be asked to do and how long will it take?
References will be asked to answer a short questionnaire about your leadership capabilities. This should take approximately 30 minutes after they create an account. More detailed information and specific examples make for a stronger reference.

Do my references have to be completed by the application deadline?
Yes. Your application packet will be considered incomplete and unreviewed until all components are received.

Will I be notified when my reference(s) complete his/her response(s)?
Yes. You will receive a system-generated notification for each completed reference.

What do I need to know about the retreat?
The retreat is typically held at a location approximately 90 minutes outside of Dallas and includes an overnight stay. Participants are expected to attend both days in full, as the retreat is designed to foster meaningful connections and set the tone for the program. Please plan accordingly to ensure your full participation and engagement.

What if I can’t attend the retreat?
If selected for the program, attendance at the retreat is mandatory. Missing the retreat may impact your ability to participate in the program. We recommend applying in a year when you can attend.

When will I be notified of the decision regarding my application?
Applicants will be notified in late July or early August.

When will the class officially be announced?
The class will be officially announced via a DRC press release in late July or early August.

Congratulations to the members of the 50th class of Leadership Dallas, the premier leadership development program in the Dallas Region. Learn about this ambitious group of professionals.

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