Leadership Asheville

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Fostering a Better Community

Leadership Asheville exists to build collaborative leadership capacity and foster an equitable, inclusive and sustainable community for all. To do this, we promote community leadership and civic responsibility by developing, connecting, and engaging citizens throughout the region to address the challenges and opportunities we face. If you are interested, please consider applying to participate in our flagship program.

Visit our News page to stay up to date on Leadership Asheville!

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Classes Graduated since 1982
1,400 +

Program Graduates
40 +

Years of Service

Flagship Program

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Flagship Program

The Leadership Asheville Flagship Program is a ten-month, cohort-based experience for 30–35 emerging and established leaders from across the region. Participants meet one full day per month, September through June, exploring the pillars of community life in Western North Carolina — from healthcare and education to arts, economic development, and social equity.

Participants come from across sectors, including business, nonprofit, education, and government. Cohort size is intentionally small to foster deep relationships and honest dialogue.

Learn About the Flagship Program

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Executive Directors Roundtable

A space for non-profit leaders to connect and learn.

Learn More

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Buzz Breakfast Series

Buzz Breakfast is traditionally a three-part breakfast event series focused on one theme held each summer.

Leadership Development Programs & Services

Did you know Leadership Asheville offers leadership development programs and services for businesses and organizations in our community? We do—and here are just a few of the opportunities available.

Leadership Programs

The Power of Self-Leadership
Designed to increase emotional intelligence and help individuals lead with clarity, authenticity, and purpose. Participants gain tools to better manage decision-making, communication, and behavior—leading to more intentional leadership.
The Leader as Coach
Supports organizations in building a culture of development. Participants learn practical coaching frameworks and tools to create meaningful, growth-oriented conversations and elevate leadership effectiveness.
Effective Feedback and Difficult Workplace Conversations
Focused on strengthening communication skills for managers and supervisors. Participants learn how to balance accountability with relationship-building while navigating challenging workplace conversations.
Creating Team Synergy and High Performing Teams
A dynamic workshop focused on improving team effectiveness. Covers stages of team development and situational leadership strategies to help teams perform at a higher level.

Custom Services

Strategic Planning Facilitation
Support for organizing and guiding strategic planning sessions to help your organization move forward with clarity.
Meeting Facilitation
Professional facilitation for organization-wide meetings or trainings to ensure productive and engaging outcomes.
Team Building
Experiential exercises designed to strengthen collaboration and accelerate team development through structured processes.
Conflict Resolution
Guidance and tools to help organizations navigate and resolve workplace conflicts effectively.
One-on-One Executive Coaching
Personalized coaching experiences tailored to individual leaders, supporting focused growth and leadership development.

What Graduates Say

“Leadership Asheville fundamentally changed how I see my role in this community. The relationships I built are still some of the most meaningful of my professional life.”
— LA 38 Graduate · Nonprofit Sector
“I came in thinking I’d learn about leadership. I left knowing Asheville — its history, its tensions, its enormous potential — in a way I never had before.”
— LA 40 Graduate · Business Sector
“I feel more confident in my future as a leader and more connected to my community. I want to help tackle the issues we face and contribute in a positive way.”
— LA 40 Graduate

Contact Us

Sarah M. Goldman

Sarah M. Goldman

Executive Director, Leadership Asheville

Office: 213 W.T. Weaver Building
Phone: (828) 395-8337
Email: sgoldma2@unca.edu

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