ACFAS Chris Mahaffey Leadership Development Program

This program is dedicated to Chris Mahaffey, MS, CAE, FASAE who served as the College’s Executive Director from 2003-2020.

Developed by ACFAS members and for ACFAS members, the ACFAS Chris Mahaffey Leadership Development Program provides the knowledge, resources, mentoring & networking opportunities to develop the key skills needed to succeed as leaders and ambassadors of the profession while infusing the diversity and talent of future leaders into the ACFAS volunteer pipeline. The program is offered in two Levels; view the program brochure for details on the curriculum for both Levels.

We are excited to welcome the inaugural cohort of the ACFAS Chris Mahaffey Leadership Development Program!

Program Information

Register for Level 1- For ACFAS members only.
Apply for Level 2 - The 2023 Application for Level 2 closed on March 31. Please watch for the 2024 application to open in early 2024.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • Acquire and enhance essential skills needed to succeed as future leaders and ambassadors of the profession both within and outside the College
  • Gain a deeper understanding of ACFAS and its volunteer program in preparation for continued/advanced service within the College.
  • Engage in a comprehensive educational program for professional development that also serves to expand their ACFAS peer network. 


Level 1 is now open to the entire ACFAS membership at no cost. Level 1 must be completed by April 3 to be considered for admission to Level 2.


About the Program

Level 1
Self-paced modules that are open to the entire ACFAS membership at no cost. Level 1 must be completed in order to be considered for admission to Level 2.

Level 1 Modules

               Introduction to the Program
               About ACFAS
               Advancing the Specialty
               Implementing the Strategic Roadmap
               Leadership Journeys and Program Next Steps

Level 2
Level 1 completion is a prerequisite; 10-15 applicants will be accepted into the 2023-24 cohort. Level 2 includes eLearning, virtual sessions, mentorship, and a capstone experience at the Annual Scientific Conference in Tampa, Florida February 1-4, 2024. Those who are admitted will be notified mid-April and the cohort will begin Level 2 on May 1, 2023. Once admitted to the program, attendees will be responsible for a $250 program fee.

Level 2 Modules

               Program Introduction
               High Performing Individuals
               Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving
               Effective Meetings
               Communication Skills
               Leadership Styles and Team Building
               Leading With Influence and Motivating Others
               Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
               Networking for Success


Note: Level 2 is only open to Fellows of the College. Admission to or completion of the Leadership Development Program does not guarantee placement into an ACFAS committee or leadership position.


     Stryker is the Exclusive Sponsor of the ACFAS Leadership Development Program.