Executive program announces inaugural class

The Executive Leadership Academy recently announced the first class in the eight-month executive education program.

The Advanced Leadership Initiative, a regional initiative to address corporate diversity by investing in African American executive talent, in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University started the academy. The university will serve as an academic partner.

Academy participants will be provided with training, tools, and exposure to increase the visibility and success. They will be paired with experienced executive coaches and mentors and will be instructed by educators from the Tepper School of Business.

Nearly 60 professionals applied to be part of the first class, and 24 were chosen.

“These 24 individuals represent the future of African Americans in executive suites and boardrooms,” said Evan Frazier, founding director of The Advanced Leadership Initiative and Senior VP of Community Affairs at Highmark Health. “Today represents the fulfillment of an initial vision to build a world-class executive education program that will advance African American executive leadership in the Pittsburgh Region. Our hope is to create ladders of opportunities for cohort members as they seek to make a positive impact in their chosen fields.”

During his keynote address at the opening reception, author and professor Dennis Kimbro will speak about strategic achievement.