Leadership Development
2022 Program Update
We have made the difficult decision to conclude the Executive Directions leadership development program offerings at CCVO.
Thank you to those who’ve helped shape Executive Directions over the years. We are deeply grateful for your participation and support.
EXecutive directions ascent
The Executive Directions Ascent program provides the next step for emerging nonprofit leaders who are challenged to grow within their organization or in the nonprofit sector.
Click here to learn about the history of Executive Directions and the dedicated individuals who shaped the program.
About the Program
During the eight-week Ascent program, participants join nonprofit peers in a learning community that will help them understand their roles as leaders and develop the confidence to grow in their careers.
Guided by specific topics and a skilled facilitator, nonprofit managers and directors come together biweekly for cohort learning that includes inquiry and conversations to help participants experience deeper self-awareness, develop peer connections, and grow to becoming a more effective nonprofit leader. The framework of the program is based on three core themes: People, Profit, and Purpose. Within these themes, cohort members explore the role of leaders in topics such as:
Change management
Human resources and team building
Financial management
Community engagement, policy, and advocacy
Ascent graduates report that they experience:
Strong connections with other leaders outside of their organization
Increased confidence in taking risks and dealing with tough issues
Deeper understanding of governance and board roles
Positive relationships to work collaboratively inside and outside of their organizations
“Ascent’s personalized learning was a first step into learning more about my strengths, being more self-aware and realizing the importance of taking an individual approach to my leadership. It gave me the opportunity to share through discussions and have someone listen who didn’t judge.”
Program Details
Who: Directors, managers, and other mid-senior level nonprofit leaders.
When: Eight weeks, encompassing eight half-day group sessions and six biweekly small group discussions.
Where: Groups sessions are held online. Small peer discussions may be held online or in person (post-physical distancing restrictions) if participants desire.
Cost:
CCVO Member organizations: $1,750
Non-CCVO Member organizations: $2,000
To see if your organization is a CCVO Member, please visit the CCVO Member Directory.
Please note: individual and student CCVO memberships are not eligible for the Executive Directions discount.
Canada-Alberta Job Grant
Participants may wish to apply for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant to offset two-thirds of the total program fees. Grant applications must be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the start date. Full details on the grant program can be found on the Canada Alberta Job Grant website.
Thank you to those who’ve helped shape and support Executive Directions
CCVO has and continues to collaborate with a range of outstanding professionals who have shaped and contributed to the success of the program.
Wayne Stewart, Executive Directions Founder
Corey Olynik, Executive Directions Founder
Ruth Esau, Principal, Executive Directions & Executive Directions Coach
Leslie Tamagi
Greg Campbell
John Rooke
Larry Thiessen
Lisa Falkowsky
Alison Stutz
Sidney Craig Courtice
Tracey Braun
Fawna Bews
Executive Directions ASCENT ALUMNI
Ascent Cohort 2
Ascent Cohort 3