Administrative Professionals Academy

APA provided me an opportunity to focus on self-awareness and identify my strengths and growth opportunities.

I’ve discovered what I value and expect from leadership and realize how effective I can be at implementing those same values—all while networking with my peers.

– 2019 participant

Expand Your Leadership Capacity

The Administrative Professionals Academy (APA) is a leadership development program created especially for administrative staff. APA empowers administrative professionals to grow personally and professionally.

Participants increase their skills by completing individual and group projects and receiving targeted course instruction. A major benefit of this program is networking with other professionals from government, university and business settings.

All courses and projects are designed to assist with identifying and cultivating your individual leadership style. This is achieved through the lens of the Naifeh Center’s core values of integrity, relationships, innovation, service and excellence.

APA consists of six full-day sessions over 12 months. Participants also complete project-based learning outside of the classroom. The program culminates with a graduation ceremony where participants receive a certificate of completion. Courses can be completed in Nashville or online.

Topics Covered

• Self-awareness
• Vision and purpose
• Managing time
• Customer service
• Dealing tactfully with difficult people/situations
• Practicing effective communication
• Understanding others
• Conflict management
• Problem solving, critical thinking
• Understanding generational differences
• Public speaking
• Influencing and managing up

Participant Benefits

• Targeted leadership development training
• Increased understanding of personal leadership styles and strengths
• Professional networking opportunities
• Exposure to community leaders
• Strengthened professional skills
• Enhanced leadership knowledge and capacity

Join In-person or Online

Participants can join the Nashville cohort, which meets in person, or the online cohort. Cohorts receive the same lessons from the same instructors, so participants may alternate locations if scheduling difficulties arise.

Program Cost

• 2024-2025 Administrative Professionals Academy Course: $2,200

This cost includes all program materials, individual leadership assessment tools, online training modules and activities.

2024-2025 Course Schedule