Become a Leadership Ohio Fellow
Becoming a 2027 Fellow is a 4 step process:
Nomination. Invitation. Application. Selection.
1. Nomination Is Not Application
Individuals must be nominated to become a Leadership Ohio Fellow. The individual must be a resident of Ohio or the tri-state area and working in Ohio, and must have a minimum of 15 years of professional experience to be eligible for application. Once nominated, a LO representative will review your nomination to determine you meet the criteria. Upon acceptance, you will receive an invitation to apply for Leadership Ohio. 2027 Class size limited to 44 uniquely qualified Ohioans.
NOTE: If you are not connected to any of the individuals or organizations listed, you may seek a nomination by sending a request and the URL of your LinkedIn profile to [email protected].
Nominations may be submitted by:
- Leadership Ohio Board of Trustees
- Leadership Ohio Executive Director
- Leadership Ohio alumni
- Leadership Ohio sponsors/partners
- Ohio Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Member of Ohio House or Senate
- Senior Executives of Ohio Chamber of Commerce and/or member-organizations
- Executive Directors of local leadership development programs
- Other: See below
2. Invitation
Once an individual is selected, an invitation is sent out asking them to apply. A link to the application form will be provided at that time.
3. Application
At the time of application, a $100 application fee is required. The application fee is non-refundable and non-applicable to tuition, which will be due prior to your training.
2027 tuition is $7500. Leadership Ohio does have a scholarship program that is available on a limited basis. Learn more about our scholarship Program here.
EARLY ADMISSION: Applications received on or before November 10, 2026 will be given priority review on a rolling basis and are eligible for early admission.
STANDARD ADMISSION/FINAL DEADLINE: All applications must be submitted by December 15, 2026
4. Selection
All nominations are reviewed by LO representatives. Applicants that are selected are admitted in the spirit of forming a diverse and dynamic class where a diversity of viewpoints are encouraged. Seating is limited and only 44 applicants are accepted into each class of Leadership Ohio each year.
Selection is at the discretion of staff and/or Trustees. Leadership Ohio does not provide feedback on applications or candidacies and all application materials are held in confidence.
2027 tentative calendar
All dates, times, and locations are subject to change.
Session times are approximately 8:30 am to 7:00pm on Fridays and 9:00am to 2:30pm on Saturdays. The exceptions are the Opening Retreat, which will occur on Thursday from 8:30 am to 7:00pm and Homecoming Saturday and Graduation Saturday, which are both scheduled from 9:00am until 4:00pm.
Program runs monthly March 2027 - November 2027
- March 18-20 (opening session, 2.5 day) - MANDATORY ATTENDANCE - in order to be considered for 2027 fellowship
- April 16-17
- May 21-22
- June 25-26
- July 16-17
- August 20-21
- September 17-18
- October 15-16
- November 19-20 (commencement)
Statehouse Announcement
Opening Retreat
March 18-20, 2027
Session Format
Leadership Ohio programming is in person unless otherwise noted. Regarding Covid-19 or other unforeseen circumstances, we are committed to adhering to state and community policies and will also make our own determinations related to health and safety. We do not and will not offer any hybrid sessions, meaning the entire class will meet either in-person or virtually, but not both at the same time. Leadership Ohio reserves the right to adjust its operations to be in-person or virtual, and accordingly, admitted Fellows must commit to be adaptable.
Attendance
Full participation in sessions is expected, however, you may request an excused absence. Attendance at the Opening Retreat is mandatory. If you have any concerns regarding dates or attendance, please reach out at [email protected].