MLI 2026 Application

  • 2026-2027 Participant Application

  • Instructions and Guidelines

  • Instructions

  • Please be sure to fill out each section completely. Approval from your employer/supervisor (if applicable) is required as part of the Maddox Leadership Institute application process to confirm that they approve of your request to attend the MLI workshops during traditional working hours. When you submit your application an email will generate to your supervisor using the information below requesting their approval. If you are self-employed or a community member, you will have an opportunity to self-select that in the questions below and an approval email will NOT be generated. 

  • Please complete and return this application NO LATER THAN May 31, 2026. If employer approval is required, it must be received by May 31st as well. 

  • Applicants will be notified by June 19, 2026 of acceptance and further details of the program.

  • Selection Criteria

  • The Maddox Leadership Institute (MLI) seeks to identify individuals who are most likely to utilize their leadership abilities to benefit Lea County and its communities. Participation is open to all Lea County residents over the age of 18. The Maddox Leadership Institute will select approximately 30 leaders from private, public, and non-profit sectors. Special consideration will be given to ensure diversity of race, gender, occupational background, and community. Areas of representation will include business/professional, religion, education, health care, social services, and government. This program is highly competitive and for this reason, we encourage applicants to reapply if not initially accepted.

  • Participant Responsibilities

  • The Maddox Leadership Institute kicks-off with an orientation at the JF Maddox Foundation Office on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm followed by a reception at Rockwind Grill from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm. This is followed by a two-day retreat beginning on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 9:00 pm - 4:00 pm and Friday, August 14 from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm (at Hobbs City Hall Annex). Then monthly sessions will occur on Thursdays from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm through April 2027. Participants are allowed one unexcused absence before they are ineligible for graduation. There are nine sessions total, and attendance at the orientation, retreat, and final session are mandatory. Failing to attend the retreat and final session will result in automatic ineligibility to graduate. In addition, there are alumni activities held throughout the year. These activities are voluntary.

  • Questions

  • For any questions please do not hesitate to contact Mayra Lovas:

    Mayra Lovas - VP of Grants | 575.393.6338 Ext. 140 | mlovas@jfmaddox.org

  • Class Topics and Schedule

  • The Maddox Leadership Institute meets monthly, on Thursdays from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (breakfast & lunch provided), and concludes with graduation on the evening of Thursday, April 22, 2027.

  • Class Topics and Schedule

    Session Topic Date
    Session 1 Orientation & Opening Retreat Icebreaker/Expectations/Housekeeping JF Maddox Foundation 3:00pm - 5:00pm (reception to follow) 08-12-2026
    Orientation & Opening Retreat Day 1 - Understanding Leadership & Understanding Lea County Thursday from 9:00pm - 4:00pm Day 2 - Emergenetics - Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm 08-13-2026 & 08-14-2026
    Session 2 Vertical & Horizontal Leadership Into to peer coaching & action learning (9:00am - 4:00pm) 09-17-2026
    Session 3 Multi-generational leadership & Effective Communication (9:00am - 4:00pm) 10-22-2026
    Session 4 Group Dynamics & Decision Making (will include running effective meetings) (9:00am - 4:00pm) 11-19-2026
    Session 5 Leaders as Boundary Spanners & Collaboration Navigating Change (9:00am - 4:00pm) 01-21-2027
    Session 6 Managing Conflict (9:00am - 4:00pm) 02-25-2027
    Session 7 Non-Profit Board Best Practices: Use Design Thinking to work through - How might we recruit and orient board members? (9:00am - 4:00pm) 03-25-2027
    Session 8 & Graduation Personal Action Plan (9:00am - 4:00pm) Graduation (6:00pm - 8:00pm) 04-22-2027

  • General Information

  • Gender*
  • Ethnicity
  • Date of Birth:*
     - -
  • Shirt Size
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Which of the following best describes your current industry:*
  • Describe your current position:*

  • Approval from your employer/supervisor is required as part of the Maddox Leadership Institute application process to confirm that they approve of your request to attend the MLI workshops during traditional working hours. When you submit your application an email will generate to your supervisor using the information below requesting their approval. If your employer does not receive this email, or if you have questions/exception requests, please contact Mayra Lovas, mlovas@jfmaddox.org. Employer confirmation must be received by the application deadline. 

  • Written Responses

  • "To be a part of MLI means that I get the opportunity to transform as an individual who is equipped to revolutionize and inspire growth in our community."

  • Commitment

  • If selected as a participant, it is important both the applicant and employer understand the level of commitment required to be a part of the Maddox Leadership Institute. Signing this application implies understanding and commitment to the attendance terms (attendance to the orientation, retreat, and capstone session are mandatory). The participant is then allowed ONE unexcused absence. Failure to meet these requirements will result in dismissal from the program and ineligibility to graduate.
  • Commitment and Consent:*
  • Date:*
     - -
  • Should be Empty: