Executive Leadership

This track offers a comprehensive overview of the key roles and functions commonly present within philanthropy operations and development services. Participants will learn from distinguished faculty and peers throughout this course, as essential competencies and skills are refined to cultivate high-performing professionals and leaders in operational management.

Attendees are invited to discuss the distinctive features of their organizations’ operational structures and share strategies developed to address challenges. The objective is to identify best practices and innovative solutions that enhance the effectiveness of fundraising teams.

View the 2026 blueprint below to see how the track is structured, including the topics covered each day.

This track is exclusively for senior leaders. If you are not currently in or newly promoted to a lead role such as Executive Director, CEO, Chief Development Officer, Chief Philanthropy Officer, etc., you will be required to complete a formal application form and supply a letter of recommendation from a supervisor, mentor, or AHP volunteer leader.

Sessions will help you enhance your knowledge as a highly reliable executive, from improving your healthcare and financial acumen to fortifying yourself to flex to the increasing demands of the role.  Domains covered include:

• The healthcare industry
• Becoming the high reliability executive
• The Chief Development Officer role, formal and informal
• Building and sustaining a team
• Creating a culture
• Change management
• Managing YOU
• Financial acumen (system and philanthropy)
• Creating a playbook for your shop
• Strategic planning and management
• Integration/deploying strategy
• Board/Volunteer management
• Panel discussions

Each participant will be assigned a mentor on the first evening, for an opportunity for you to engage during your Madison experience. 

Your registration also includes additional enrichment opportunities exclusive to the Executive Leadership track:

• Six months of ongoing 1:1 and group mentoring, plus additional virtual cohort discussions designed to help you put the Madison lessons into practice.
• A Monday evening welcome dinner with your faculty and fellow participants.
• A special reception with all Madison Institute faculty to help extend your network and make new connections

CDOs: If you currently serve as a top philanthropy executive (CDO/CPO, etc.), you may register for the Executive Leadership track directly. Use the Register link at the top right of this page.

Future CDOs: If you are not currently in a chief philanthropy executive role, please complete this formal application form. The application requests information about your current role, asks how participation in the Executive Leadership track will help you achieve your goals, and allows you to upload your letter of recommendation.