The Advanced Leadership Institute's New Approach to Executive Education for Local and National Leaders

The Advanced Leadership Institute's New Approach to Executive Education



For the past seven years, The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) has dedicated itself to cultivating leadership through high-level education and development programs. As the organization continues to grow, it seeks ways to increase its impact both regionally and nationally. To achieve this goal, TALI is undertaking a strategic consolidation of its National Executive Leadership Academy (NELA) and its flagship Executive Leadership Academy (ELA), merging them under the name National Executive Leadership Academy. This merger aims to create a more immersive and enriching experience for participants, enhancing opportunities for professional networking and learning.

Evan Frazier, the President and CEO of TALI, shared insights about this new phase: "After successfully graduating two cohorts from our national program and with our seventh cohort of the Executive Leadership Academy currently underway, we identified a significant opportunity for improvement. By merging these two programs, participants will gain access to broader networks and diverse perspectives crucial for navigating today’s global marketplace. Every leader in both corporate and nonprofit sectors must effectively connect and engage in the international arena."

The revamped National Executive Leadership Academy will kick off in February 2026 and will be offered in a hybrid format spread over five months. This approach caters to participants from across the nation, incorporating two week-long in-person sessions at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, four online sessions, and a two-day conference in Dallas, Texas.

Importantly, the program will remain committed to addressing the specific challenges faced by Black leaders and their allies. Topics of emphasis include "Defining Your Leadership Brand," "Global Management and Strategy," and "Resilience for Executives of Color." Those eligible to apply must be senior-level managers or executives with at least ten years of relevant experience.

The TALI® Alumni Network, which currently boasts 255 skilled leaders from Pittsburgh and beyond, includes 184 graduates from the ELA and NELA programs to date. TALI’s mission has always been to empower high-performing leaders to foster their personal development while driving beneficial results for their organizations and their communities. Reflecting this commitment, 100% of the 2024 cohorts from ELA and NELA affirmed that TALI enhanced their capability to contribute to their organizations’ success.

Moreover, 90% of participants in the 2024 cohorts believe that TALI had a positive influence on their career progression. These impressive outcomes underscore TALI’s lasting impact on leadership development, organizational efficiency, and community enhancement.

Aleya Crable Jennings, a 2024 National Executive Leadership Academy graduate, praised the program's transformative effect: "As one of only three participants from Pittsburgh, I experienced first-hand how this program can significantly elevate professional growth. The immersive educational experience, coupled with a national peer network, has equipped me to make a meaningful impact on my organization's success."

Eric Boughner, Chairman of BNY Mellon Pennsylvania and TALI Vice Chair, echoed Jennings' sentiments, emphasizing the organization’s role in facilitating leadership advancements across the board: "TALI's programs are vital for any organization's success. Partnering with TALI means investing in nurturing and retaining top talent, a true win-win situation."

In addition to the newly structured NELA, TALI will keep its focus on enriching the Pittsburgh business landscape with various initiatives, including:
  • - The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) for individuals with three to five years of experience, designed to assist strong contributors aspiring for supervisory roles. This cohort will start in January 2026.
  • - A workshop titled "Unlocking Leadership Excellence" dedicated to new and seasoned managers, aimed at building management skills and addressing leadership challenges.
  • - The inaugural TALI® Leadership Conference in October 2025, set to welcome TALI alumni and leaders from the wider region.
  • - Custom programming for employees of TALI sponsor organizations.

The Advanced Leadership Institute is devoted to equipping leaders with the essential strategies, insights, and networks to excel. While competitive, TALI’s programs embrace a diverse array of qualified individuals, regardless of their ethnic or racial backgrounds. To discover more about TALI’s offerings or to apply for NELA or ELP, visit TALI's official website.

About The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI)


TALI is on a mission to fortify organizations, institutions, and communities by fostering leadership through executive education tailored to support, develop, and retain Black leaders and their allies. TALI programs prioritize relevant content for Black leaders while remaining open to all qualified applicants. The academic partnership with Carnegie Mellon University is instrumental in delivering TALI’s course content, supported by numerous key corporations and foundations in the Pittsburgh area, including BNY Mellon Foundation and UPMC. For further details about The Advanced Leadership Institute, please visit www.taliinstitute.org.

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