Leadership Accelerator

Quick Links: Course Overview/Statement of Need • Program Format • Registration Fees • Eligibility Criteria • Application Process

Leadership Accelerator

The ACC's Leadership Accelerator is a high-impact, immersive leadership development program designed specifically for ACC early career members (defined as within seven years of CV fellowship). This program equips emerging leaders with the essential knowledge, skills, and practical experience to make lasting impacts across their ACC communities and their institutions.

Structured as a small group experience, the program develops leadership capacity through innovative and interactive modules, peer collaboration and expert facilitation. Each year, a new class of promising leaders is selected to participate in the nine-month long program.

Course Overview / Statement of Need

The demands on today's cardiovascular leaders extend far beyond clinical expertise. Effective leadership now requires agility, self-awareness, clear communication and the ability to lead through changing complex systems.

The ACC's Leadership Accelerator addresses this need by focusing on five key developmental objectives:

  1. Define your leadership identity and develop a vision for how you will lead into the future.
  2. Activate leadership muscles like energy management, mindset, and internal strengths.
  3. Grow executive presence through awareness, agility, and authenticity.
  4. Develop advanced communication skills, including vital conversations and managing productive conflict.
  5. Navigate and lead change in complex environments by building trust and influence.

Participants will explore topics including leader agility, energy management, peer coaching, values, storytelling, networking, trust-building, strengths-based leadership and much more.

Program Format

The program runs from October to June and includes both in-person and virtual components:

  • In-Person Kickoff: October in Washington, DC
  • Virtual Sessions: Seven 60–90-minute sessions held between October and June (a mix of after-hours and workday availability)
  • Final In-Person Session: June

All sessions are highly interactive and facilitated by experienced leadership professionals. The small-group format (limited to 16 participants) ensures personalized attention, networking and collaborative learning.

Program Fees

  • The cost for participation in the program is $995.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for acceptance into Leadership Accelerator, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • An ACC Early Career member (defined as within seven years of completing CV specialty education, residency, or training) or CV Team member (NP, RN, Pharmacist, PA, Psychologist, etc.).
  • Be active within a domestic or international ACC Chapter.
  • Participate in at least one ACC Member Section.
  • Have participated in at least one ACC program within the previous 12 months (e.g., Annual Scientific Session, Chapter Meeting, ACC educational course, Legislative Conference, etc.).
  • Able to commit to the time requirements, including both in-person and virtual sessions throughout the program.

Application Process

Applications for the class of 2026 are now closed. The process included:

  1. A statement of interest (your personal "story" and why you are interested in participating in this program)
  2. A CV
  3. Two letters of support

Sixteen participants will be selected for the class of 2026. Selection is based on leadership potential, engagement with ACC and commitment to growth.

Email Leadership_Accelerator@ACC.org for inquiries or additional information.