#United States #Washington #Leadership Development #Baldrige Foundation #NLA Council

The Baldrige Foundation's New Initiative: NLAC

On August 21, 2025, the Baldrige Foundation announced an exciting new initiative—the National Leadership and Advisory Councils (NLAC). As a hallmark of the Institute for Performance Excellence, this program aims to cultivate leadership development among top executives and emerging leaders by creating a robust peer network that meets monthly.

What is the NLAC?

The NLAC is a selective membership program designed specifically for Chief Executive Officers, C-suite executives, Vice Presidents, Directors, Managers, and emerging leaders who are committed to elevating their organizational capabilities. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for leadership growth, focusing on performance excellence grounded in the renowned Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework.

The framework serves as the nation’s leading model for organizational performance, and the NLAC is positioned as a premier opportunity for executives seeking to enhance their skills and drive the future success of their organizations.

Applications Now Being Accepted

As the program gears up for its official launch in December 2025, the Baldrige Foundation is currently accepting applications for Executive Chairs and NLAC Members. This is a rare chance to join a select group of leaders who are dedicated to achieving excellence and innovative change in their respective fields.

Key Benefits of Joining the NLAC

Members of the NLAC can expect:

• - Monthly masterclass sessions with leading experts. These classes will cover crucial leadership competencies and strategies that seek to propel organizational success.
• - Peer networking opportunities that allow members to connect with a passionate community of high-performing executives focused on innovation and excellence.
• - Expert-led roundtable discussions that address the most pressing leadership challenges faced by today’s organizations.
• - Access to AI-driven organizational assessments, offering real-time insights and actionable data that can refine and enhance organizational strategies.
• - Exclusive access to a variety of resources from the Institute for Performance Excellence, including comprehensive training, certifications, and an extensive library of tools aimed at accelerating leadership capabilities.
• - A private online portal that provides continuous access to resources, peer support, and best practices to assist members in their leadership journey.

The Role of Executive Chairs

Executive Chairs will play a pivotal role in the councils, steering their groups through the program while implementing advanced strategies to ensure continuous improvement amongst members. NLAC Members will engage collaboratively, sharing insights, addressing organizational challenges, and driving effective change.

A Message from the Leadership

Josh Racette, President and CEO of the Baldrige Foundation, shared his thoughts on this initiative: _“The National Leadership and Advisory Councils represent an exclusive opportunity for senior executives and emerging leaders to engage in sustained leadership development.”_ He emphasized the selective nature of the program, which aims to unite a group of elite professionals who will be influential in shaping strategic outcomes in their organizations.

Proven Impact of Baldrige Framework

The Baldrige framework is well-regarded for its ability to systematically enhance organizational performance across various sectors, with its beneficiaries often seeing significant improvements compared to their non-Baldrige counterparts. The framework has generated substantial documented returns on investment—$820 in cost savings and performance improvements for every dollar spent on Baldrige-related activities, making participation in initiatives like the NLAC financially advantageous.

This launch promises to serve as a catalyst for leaders across various industries, pushing the envelope on what is possible for organizational growth and excellence. As applications open, the Baldrige Foundation invites committed leaders to take part in this transformative experience.

For more information or to apply, please contact Mark Wayda at 614-600-0432 or via email at [email protected].

About The Baldrige Foundation

The Baldrige Foundation has been dedicated to promoting long-term support for the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program since its inception in 1988. It aims to enhance organizational performance both within the United States and internationally.