Essential skills: selected CEO essential skills, see topic list

The application and registration period for the 2026 NLE CEO Cohort is now closed. The 2027 cohort application period will likely open in late summer 2026. Ensure you receive the latest NACHC training program information and subscribe below.

Overview

NACHC’s Leadership Exchange for Chief Executive Officers (CEO NLE) is a five-month training program for health center CEOs to grow in proficiency of selected essential skills and learn with and from peers. The program includes expert-led courses, practice-based capstone projects, mentorship from experienced FQHC CEOs, and peer networking.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze real world case studies to evaluate how selected essential skills are applied by health center CEOs.
• Apply emotional intelligence and effective communication in your role as an executive leader.
• Establish a professional support network of peers and mentors in the health center field.

Topics Include

• Emotional intelligence and communication skills
• Effective organizational and adaptive leadership
• Finance and reimbursement
• Strategic Planning
• Joy in Work
• Personnel Management & Teamwork
• Effective Board-CEO Partnership
• Quality Management

Best For

This training is most appropriate for individuals new to the CEO role, new to the health center field as a CEO, or those seeking a refresher in executive leadership competencies and an expanded peer network. The sessions address essential skills development for learners at the novice, advanced beginner, competent levels. It is open for all health center CEOs (or equivalents) to apply.

Course Format/Schedule

The CEO NLE is a five-month cohort-based learning program. To successfully complete the program, participants are required to attend a 2-day in-person opening session in the Washington, D.C. area, attend 6 virtual sessions, and develop a capstone project in small groups.  Participants will have optional opportunities to meet and network at the NACHC 2026 Workforce Conference and the NACHC 2026 Community Health Conference (CHI)

• February 7-8, 2026: In-person opening session in the Washington, D.C. area
• February-June 2026:  6 virtual sessions and 5 virtual capstone group meetings

Registration Information

Registration: $750, We recognize this is a challenging period for health center executives, so we’re pleased to offer the Leadership Exchanges at this reduced rate.

The registration fee includes participant fees for all in-person and virtual workshop attendance, mentor group participation, and breakfast and lunch at the in-person opening session. Registration does not include hotel costs or other travel expenses.

How to Apply

Potential participants must complete an application and be accepted into this program. Upon submission of the application, NACHC staff will review and notify you of your acceptance within five business days. After the application is accepted, NACHC will send the participant registration/payment instructions and any relevant hotel block information. Participants are responsible for coordinating and covering the costs of their own travel arrangements (flight, hotel, etc.) to in-person events. Travel expenses are not included in the registration fees.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the course is full or until registration closes on January 23, 2026. A waiting list will be developed once the course has reached capacity. Wait listed applicants will be given priority to fill a cancellation spot.

Additional Information

This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $6,625,000 with 16 percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.

See the full course outline here.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation requests received in writing to [email protected] on before 01/09/2026 will be assessed a $100 processing fee. Cancellations received after 01/09/2026 are non-refundable and non-transferable. “No-shows” are non-refundable.