Online Application, required documents, and payment are due October 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM.
Program Overview
ABC of Metro Washington’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a structured, high-impact, and customizable professional growth experience designed for emerging leaders across the construction industry. This 17-month journey equips participants with the leadership acumen, strategic insight, and industry perspective needed to advance their careers, contribute meaningfully to their companies, and help shape the future of our region’s construction workforce.
Program Benefits and Objectives
Sharpen leadership capabilities through practical and applied learning focused on communication, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making.
- Build a powerful peer and mentor network, engaging with seasoned C-suite executives, business owners, and thought leaders across all facets of the industry.
- Gain deeper involvement with ABC of Metro Washington, including access to exclusive association events, advocacy efforts, and professional development resources.
- Demonstrate readiness for elevated leadership roles—both within their companies and across the broader industry ecosystem.
- Drive personal and professional growth by aligning their strengths and values with long-term career aspirations and industry opportunities.
- Customize their experience through electives and hands-on activities designed to match their interests and expand their influence.
Program Structure
Throughout the 17-month program, accepted participants (students) will complete both required coursework and elective leadership experiences to earn credits toward graduation. Students are expected to attend all regular class meetings.
The program is open to all chapter members; however, 85% of class slots are prioritized for General Contractor and Subcontractor members.
Coursework Includes
Interactive sessions with guest speakers, instructors, and a dedicated Mentor Group of respected industry leaders. Project site tours, leadership case studies, roundtable discussions, and small group research presentations. Networking opportunities with key decision-makers and influential ABC leaders.
Session topics may include (but are not limited to):
- Leadership Styles and Personality Assessments
- Team Building and Team Leadership
- Major Legislative and Policy Issues Affecting the Contracting Industry
- Generations in the Workplace
- Entrepreneurship and Business Leadership
- Public Speaking and Communication Skills
- Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence
- Contractor Relations/Communications – between general contractors, specialty contractors, and suppliers
- Group Research Activities and Presentation.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are expected to be on time and attend all program meetings. Total attendance at all regular class sessions is considered required coursework for program completion, including the class-organized, self-directed team-building outing. The schedule for the program will be set well in advance.
Approximate Fees and Hours
LDP tuition is $2,865; the approximate additional cost for required activities is $2,050. Other fees depend on the electives chosen:
- 5 Monthly Networking Events at $150 each for two hours;
- 1 Construction Summit (February 12, 2026), cost included for 1 day;
- 1 Strategic Leadership Retreat (Fall 2026) at $1300 for 3 Days;
- Management Education Training, at $129 for 4-8 hours, is not required but encouraged.
The LDP Advisor Council will review applications. The Advisory Council may call applicants for an interview. Applicants will be notified of acceptance status by December 15, 2025. Orientation will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The February session is the mandatory Construction Summit on February 12, 2026. ABC of Metro Washington will return or refund charges to those applicants who are not accepted.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
- Applicant must be employed by a member in good standing of ABC of Metro Washington and must not have previously held a position on ABC’s Board of Directors.
- Applicants must be able to complete and sign this application, obtaining the Employer’s full support, which demonstrates a commitment to providing the necessary personal and financial resources to complete this program.
- Applicant must have at least three (3) years of experience specific to the construction industry (experience is subject to LDP Advisors’ discretion).
CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED. ABC of Metro Washington reserves the right to limit the number of participants per member firm per class cycle. Not all applicants may be accepted.
For more information, please contact Kamita Marbury-Draughn at kmarbury@abcmetrowashington.org or 301-595-9711.