education & meetings

ACD Aspiring Leaders Program

Start Building Your Leadership Foundation

The Aspiring Leaders Program is designed for early-career professionals in chemical distribution who are focused on future leadership roles and committed to building a successful career in the industry.

Apply Now View the Curriculum
Aspiring Leaders Program participants

Who It's For

Designed for Emerging Talent With Leadership Potential

The ideal candidate is highly motivated and has demonstrated leadership potential through experiences such as leading school clubs, team activities, or taking on informal leadership roles within their organization.

The Aspiring Leaders Program is tailored for individuals with less than five years of professional experience who are committed to growing their careers in chemical distribution.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

  • Under five years of professional experience with demonstrated leadership potential, initiative, and commitment to the chemical distribution industry
  • High performers who want to build a track record of success to advance their careers
  • Individuals prepared to engage in self-reflection and introspective work, as well as contribute to the experience of the cohort
  • A commitment to staying involved for the duration of the program
  • Demonstrated commitment to the principles of Responsible Distribution, environmental stewardship, and ethical leadership

Application Information

Take the Next Step

Please complete your application online using the appropriate link below. A separate recommendation form should be completed by the applicant's supervisor or person recommending them.

Program Fee

$1,795

Includes ChemEdge registration

Applicant Form

Complete the online application for consideration in the Aspiring Leaders Program.

Complete Application

Supervisor Recommendation

The applicant's supervisor or recommender should complete the separate recommendation form.

Submit Recommendation

2027 Program

Aspiring Leaders Tentative Curriculum

Please note that this schedule is tentative and may be subject to change.

February 251:00-2:00 pm EST | Virtual

Getting Started as an Industry Leader

  • Meet your cohort
  • Getting the most out of the program
  • Planning your leadership growth strategy
March 251:00-2:30 pm EST | Virtual

Launching as an Industry Leader 

Panel discussion with Leadership Institute alumni.

April 151:00-3:00 pm EST | Virtual

Positive Influence: Leading from Where You Are

Hot Topics in Chemical Distribution

May 12-13In-Person | Washington, DC

Washington Fly-In and Leadership Sessions

  • May 12: Washington Fly-In (optional)
    • Dinner with Emerging & Executive Leaders
    • Please note that the Fly-In incurs an additional fee.
  • May 13: Leadership sessions with Emerging & Executive Leaders (required)
    • Belonging and Allyship in the Workplace 
    • Giving and Receiving Feedback 
June 101:00-3:00 pm EST | Virtual

Discovering Your Values & Building Your Network

July 141:00-1:45 pm EST | Virtual

Getting the Most out of ChemEdge

August 11-13In-Person | Texas

ChemEdge and Leadership Sessions

  • August 11: Pre-Event Workshops (optional)
  • August 12-14: ChemEdge and Leadership sessions
    • ChemEdge registration is included with the program fee; pre-event workshops incur an additional discounted fee.
September 91:00-2:00 pm EST | Virtual

Demonstrating Your Leadership Value

A pathway to your next step: Professionals who do not yet meet the Emerging Leaders qualifications are encouraged to apply, as Aspiring Leaders is a gateway to that program.

Participant Perspective

Leadership Growth That Makes an Impact

“I am certain my involvement in the Aspiring Leaders program developed the skills necessary for a recent promotion and growth opportunity at my company. I feel extremely blessed to have a chance to take this next step of my career.”

— Michael Zolnierczyk, Business Development Manager, Vigon, Aspiring Leaders '25

Program Support

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Lead Program Sponsor
Diamond Corporate Sponsor & Strategic Partner
Platinum Corporate Sponsor
Platinum Corporate Sponsor
Event Sponsor
Event Sponsor