The CORE (Connecting Our Regions Execs) Program is Leadership Montgomery’s flagship offering. Through this program, established executives from across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors will expand their knowledge, influence, and effectiveness as leaders and advocates for Montgomery County.

Once a month for nine months, participants engage in a hands-on learning curriculum that includes in-depth discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing Montgomery County.

This program offers programming that supports established leaders in their professional lives. CORE provides executive-level conversations, interaction, and topic exploration with other county decision-makers and influencers. In addition to external connections, the CORE program allows the opportunity for individualized growth through small group discussions that raise the issues that matter to leaders and their organizations and communities.

In addition, the program offers exclusive opportunities beyond session days, such as learning enhancements, group projects, and special engagement events.

While there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to program acceptance, participants typically possess the following:

• Years of professional experience: 10 years +
  
• Job Title(s): C-Suite, VP, Managing/Executive Director, Partner, Owner, Chief/Assistant Chief, Superintendent/Associate Superintendent.
  
• Organizational responsibilities: Decision-making, personnel, and budgetary oversight for departments/ divisions.
  

Participants leave the program as part of an alumni network of more than 2,500 leaders who are better informed of county history and present- day realities. They also emerge better connected to the people, organizations, and service opportunities that can collectively move Montgomery County forward.

Organizations supportive of their staff member’s participation can gain additional visibility and recognition as being committed to the improvement of  Montgomery County as well as engaged employees with access to a network that can assist in helping businesses thrive.

The CORE Program occurs monthly from September to May of each year, with two-day retreats in September and May. Each session day typically runs from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.   Session dates for the Class of 2026 are:

Thursday- Friday, September 11-12 (mandatory opening retreat)

Wednesday, October 22

Wednesday, November 19 (joint session with EL and Elevate)

Wednesday, December 10

Wednesday, January 14

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

*Thurs-Fri, May 14-15, 2026 (Overnight Retreat)

*Mandatory overnight retreats. 

Other Key Dates

Cohort Meet & Greet

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Homecoming

TBD Fall 2025

Graduation

Friday, May 29, 2026 

Applicants MUST:

1. Currently serve in a senior executive role in the public, private, or nonprofit sector
   
2. Either live or work in Montgomery County, MD
   
3. Have the full support AND expressed permission to apply from the organization for whom the participant works
   
4. Complete and submit an application for the CORE Program AND
   
5. Submit two (2) letters of recommendation
   

The full tuition cost is $6,500. Tuition assistance is available through an application process and is subject to available funds. Applicants must submit tuition assistance requests before or on the program application due date.

Program applications can be found here.   For more info, contact us at 301.881.3333 or sarah.burnett@leadermont.org