ACD Emerging Leaders Program
Emerging Leaders Program— now in its eleventh year!
The Emerging Leaders cohort consists of highly motivated professionals who are ready to step into advanced leadership roles within their organizations. This program is ideal for employees who currently lead or influence others, manage teams, or have been identified for advancement by senior leadership. Those with existing managerial or leadership responsibilities will particularly benefit from the Emerging Leaders program.
Qualifications/attributes of an ideal candidate include, but are not limited to:
- 5-7 years of leadership experience or demonstrated leadership potential, initiative, and commitment to the chemical distribution industry
- High performers with a track record of success
- Individuals who are prepared to engage in self-reflection and introspective work, as well as contribute to the experience of the cohort
- A commitment to staying involved for the full two-year program (2025 and 2026)
- Demonstrated commitment to the principles of Responsible Distribution, environmental stewardship, and ethical leadership
2025 – 2026 Emerging Leaders Tentative Curriculum
Please note that this schedule is tentative and subject to change.
2025 Meeting Dates (Tentative)
- March 5 | 1:00-3:00 pm EST | Virtual
- Welcome to the Program
- Meet your Cohort
- Code of Conduct
- Planning Your Leadership Growth Strategy
- April 9 | 1:00-3:00 pm EST | Virtual
- Being a Responsible Leader
- Introduction to ACD’s Responsible Distribution program
- Discussion of Diversity in the Modern Workplace
- May 13 | In-Person (Washington, DC)
- One day meeting in concert with the Washington Fly-in
- Bolstering Your Network
- Hot Topics in Policy and Government Affairs
- Tour and activity downtown
- Highly recommended to also participate in Washington Fly-in on May 14-15
- July 23 | 1:00-3:00 pm EST | Virtual
- Project Management & Productivity
- August 12-15 | In-person (Louisville, KY)
- ChemEdge Conference
- Conference participation is mandatory; conference registration is included with the program fee.
- Leadership sessions on either side of the conference to include:
- Honing your Communication Style
- Leading in the Industry: An Overview of ACD Committees
- October 8 | 1:00-3:00 pm EST | Virtual
- Taking Your Employees to the Next Level
- November 11-13 | In-Person (Florida)
- Two half-day sessions in concert with the Annual Meeting
- Strategic Choices in Difficult Situations
- Navigating New Digital Paradigms
2026 Session Topics: working with different personality types, leading through organizational and industry change, creating processes, how to best represent yourself and your organization, sustainability/ESG, supply chain and rail, financial acumen, strategic planning, and developing an executive perspective
Testimonial from an Emerging Leaders Program Graduate:
" The Emerging Leaders program offers leader at all levels in our industry the platform for professional development and increase their network. Having such a diverse group of participants from across the country, in various roles, amongst a variety of companies, has helped broaden the perspective of what the program offers. Many graduates of the Emerging Leaders program have gone on to lead their respective companies and I am excited to see the program grow with the continued support of NACD and its members."
- Pete Messina, Branch Manager, PVS Nolwood Chemicals
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Lead Program Sponsor
Diamond Corporate Sponsor & Strategic Partner
Platinum Corporate Sponsors
