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Expand Leadership Capacity
Who the Program is For
The HRI Leadership Academy brings together established senior leaders with meaningful enterprise responsibility.
The HRI Leadership Academy brings together leaders who carry substantial organizational responsibility. This selective program is tailored specifically for professionals whose day-to-day decisions directly steer the strategy, finance, and operations of their company.
“Joining the HRI Leadership Academy gives you the opportunity to become a better leader and bring new skills and perspectives back to your company. Even CEOs looking to retire in the next 10 years can take what they learn and have a greater impact on their own business and the industry as a whole.”
Kyle Fessler
Woodburn Nursery & Azaleas, OR
Who Applies
Minimum Requirements
- 5–7 years of leadership experience
- 7–10 years of industry experience
- AmericanHort member company
The class is approximately 12 people, selected through a competitive process, with intentional representation across nursery, greenhouse, retail, landscape, interiorscape, breeding and propagation, and allied segments. The mixed-segment cohort is a program feature because horticulture operates through a deeply connected value chain. Participants leave with a trusted, cross-segment, national peer network.
Application Process
Program Application Process
Phase One
Candidates complete a brief written application online, including background information, and a resume.
Deadline to apply
February 5
Phase Two
Following application review, selected candidates will advance to the second phase. This includes providing two letters of recommendation, an essay, and additional information.
Deadline to complete
March 15
Phase Three
Finalists will be invited to participate in the final phase—a video interview with the HRI Leadership Academy review panel. Interviews will be held in April. The results of the interviews are used to select a class.
Interviews
April
Applicants are notified of the selection outcome by May and will be required to provide written acceptance in June. The class will be formally announced at Cultivate. Class members are encouraged to be present during the announcement, but it is not a requirement. Travel to the Cultivate announcement is at the class member’s expense.
In addition to information gained from the application, essay, and interviews, consideration is given to industry segment, maturity, commitment to personal development, geographic location, and other factors in selecting the members of the class.
Selection
Selection Criteria
Candidates are evaluated on:
- Evidence of demonstrated leadership qualities as illustrated by industry and community involvement, or other activities as shown on the application
- Evidence on the nature of the applicant’s probable contribution to the green industry and/or related areas through growth experiences gained from the program
- Evidence of ability to consider the broad interest of the greater community
- The likelihood to grow as an individual because of this experience
- The applicant’s character, reputation, and personal life, as evidenced by references; must be of high quality and reflect leadership capability
- The applicant’s personal and business commitment and plan to participate in all the classes and activities
- The applicant’s demonstrated leadership experience and relevant industry work experience as shown on the application
Program Requirements
Candidates must:
- Demonstrate strong leadership ability
- Demonstrate active participation in the green industry
- Demonstrate commitment to the time required to participate in all HRI Leadership Academy activities
- Demonstrate a commitment to remain in the green industry during the 12-month program and beyond
Minimum Requirements:
- 5–7 years of leadership experience
- 7–10 years of industry experience
- AmericanHort member company
Apply
Class of 2028 applications close February 5. Selection is competitive and class size is limited.