Application Deadline 8/8/25
Program Overview
Leadership Academy empowers the next generation with the skills and confidence to lead effectively in both their professional and personal lives.
This two-day program offers the latest practical techniques and tools to help participants unlock their leadership potential. These new skills will give them more confidence and self-assurance, enabling them to be stronger leaders in their organization and all aspects of life.
Those best suited for the Leadership Academy include the following:
- Individuals identified as future senior corporate executives.
- Existing managers.
- Strong entry-level managers.
- Individuals identified as potential future leaders.
Application Process
The Leadership Academy fee is $699 and includes two days of classes, continental breakfast and lunch on both days, and a networking reception the evening of the 17th. The required class text, Strengths-Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow by Tom Rath, is also included.
Admission to the CTA Leadership Academy is open on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is limited to 30 participants. Applications and payments are due by August 08, 2025. If you qualify for the program, you will be notified within three business days of submitting your application.
The candidate’s application package must contain the following documents:
- The Leadership Academy Application
- Business Resume
- One letter of reference from the candidate’s company senior executive outlining the candidate’s potential, decision-making abilities, accomplishments, and goals. This letter must also include a statement affirming the company’s commitment to the program by providing time for the candidate to complete the necessary work and travel to the seminar.
- A short and brief essay describing why the participant is interested in the program, what they hope to gain from participating, and their long-term goals within the industry.
Questions may be directed to Jeneca Torres, V.P. of Membership and Business Development, at (916) 373-3503 or jtorres@caltrux.org.
Past Leadership Academy Participating Companies
Lamb Fuels, Inc.
About Dr. Steven Swafford, IOM, Balance Warrior + CEO
Dr. Steve Swafford, IOM, Balance Warrior + CEO, has worked more than 30 years for and with corporations, non-profits, trade associations, family-owned businesses, and professional societies in areas of strategy, leadership development, communication, customer experience, and executive management. He brings a practical knowledge of strategy and executive leadership with past organizations such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), and American Subcontractors Association (ASA) where he most recently served as the executive director. He is active in California Society of Association Executives (CalSAE) and American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) leadership serving on the Board of Directors; past Membership Committee Chair; past Professional Development Committee Chair (aka Purple Cow Posse); Southern California Regional Council; University leadership advisor; and volunteer staff pastor. Steve is a Full-Time Practitioner Faculty for Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School and a 15-year faculty member for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute of Management and serves on the Curriculum Committee for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. A native of Kansas, Steve has a B.S. in journalism from Kansas State University; a M.Div. from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC; and an Ed.D. from Pepperdine University's School of Education & Psychology focusing on Strategic Organizational Change. Steve is co-founder of Leadership Outfitters, LLC with offices in Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Hartford, CT, Ft. Lauderdale, and Boston, MA.
