Public Executive Leadership Academy (PELA) is our premier leadership experience for government professionals from the School of Government. We are celebrating over two decades of excellence in Public Executive Leadership.

2026 PELA dates: July 12-17 and August 2–7, 2026, in person at the School of Government.

The application period is opened in January 2026 and closes May 15, 2026.

Visit the Public Executive Leadership Academy home page for scholarship information, faculty lists, and alumni. 

The Public Executive Leadership Academy provides municipal and county managers, assistant/deputy managers, and department directors the opportunity to learn more about themselves as leaders and to gain skills to lead and manage change in their communities. Participants will learn skills in facilitation, media relations, and emotional resiliency. They will better understand their leadership approach and how it affects their interaction with stakeholders, staff, and elected officials. They will choose a "real world“ project that integrates lessons from PELA for leading regional, community, or organizational change and develop a plan for carrying it out through peer consultation. Participants will also work on a personal leadership development plan that will incorporate feedback from faculty, peers, and a leadership self-assessment.

Program acceptance requirements: A minimum of seven years of supervisory experience in local government, at least five of which must have been as a municipal or county manager (CAO), assistant/deputy manager, or department director.

2026 Fee: $5,400 (includes hotel, parking, and most meals)

Please note: PELA is an immersive residential program where participants are together for the length of the program. Hotel accommodations are provided as part of the tuition cost, and participants must stay with the group at the hotel, regardless of whether they are local. There are significant benefits to this experience. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact Kim Nelson or Miranda Day.

Scholarship Information: Scholarships are available through NCCCMA for NCCCMA members. 

The 2026 NCCCMA Scholarship Application can be downloaded HERE. Scholarship questions and completed scholarship applications must be submitted to Patrick Niland, NCCCMA professional development committee chair, patrick.niland@unioncountync.gov

* Important: The scholarship application deadline is TBD. We strongly encourage you to apply for the scholarship at the same time you apply for PELA. While acceptance into PELA and access to scholarship funds are not guaranteed, applying early ensures you will be considered for financial support if needed.