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Apply for Leadership Nashville

Program Requirements

To be considered for Leadership Nashville, you must complete an application and meet the following qualification criteria:

Proven senior leadership experience
Significant community leadership roles
Strong familiarity with Nashville's priorities
Ability to make time commitment

The Leadership Nashville class is selected from a competitive group of applicants each year. Tuition for 2026-2027 is $1,000.

The Selection Process

An independent, alumni volunteer Selection Committee formed each year reviews applications and selects the class members for the upcoming year based on a class mix of qualified, dynamic leaders with demographic, organizational and perspective diversity. This carefully formed class results in wonderfully qualified leaders sometimes applying multiple years before their Leadership Nashville experience. Note: If you are actively involved in a campaign for public office, please let us know and we will invite you to apply another year.

Important Dates for Class of 2027

Formal application period begins January 2026
Nominations for Leadership Nashville are accepted year-round. To nominate someone for the Class of 2027, please submit a nomination by March 31, 2026.
All applications are due by April 24, 2026
Class of 2027 announced June 2026

Applications for the 2026-2027 class are open now and due by April 24, 2026.

Program Dates for Class of 2027

The Opening Retreat will be held October 2-3, 2026. If you have a conflict with this date, please do not apply for this year’s class. However, please do let us know if you’d like to be considered for the 2026-2027 class.

Orientation & Alumni Dinner	September 24, 2026	3:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Opening Retreat	October 2-3, 2026	Overnight all day Friday and Saturday
Government & Media Day	November 5, 2026	7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Diversity Day	December 3, 2026	7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Business Day	January 7, 2027	7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Education Day	February 4, 2027	7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Quality of Life Day	March 4, 2027	7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Public Safety Day	April 1, 2027	7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Arts & Entertainment Day	May 6, 2027	7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Closing Retreat	May 28-29, 2027	Memorial Day Weekend; Overnight all day Friday and Saturday

Instructions for Applicants

For first-time applicants:

Applying to Leadership Nashville begins with a nomination or requesting an application through the Nomination Form located here. Once you have been nominated for Leadership Nashville (or submitted yourself as a nominee), you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the full application. This may take up to 48 hours.

Your application can be worked on over time and you can save changes as you go. Feel free to take your time and ensure your answers are thoughtful. Once you are finished, you submit your application by typing your name and current date in the relevant fields at the bottom of the page. This will notify the Leadership Nashville Team that your application is Ready For Review. Thank you for your interest in Leadership Nashville

**Please Note: You MUST have your Applicant Form completed, digitally signed, and saved before the April 24th deadline or your Applicant Form will not be considered for this year's program**