" I would like to thank…alumni members of Leadership Fairfax who volunteered their time, energy and financial resources this past spring to spruce up our Parliament Home. Your group’s combined efforts made a tremendous difference both inside and outside in just one day and brought smiles…when they returned to their home. "

Dennis Manning
President and CEO of Community Residences

About Us

"Leadership Fairfax educates, prepares, inspires and connects leaders to serve and strengthen our community."

“When you walk into a crowded room it’s easy to spot the graduates of Leadership Fairfax – they just stand out!” – Gerry Connolly, Congressman 

Leadership Fairfax is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to finding, training and growing leaders in Northern Virginia. Through its three programs, LFI, ELI and LLP, Leadership Fairfax seeks to build leaders who raise the tide not only in their organization or local community but in the whole Northern Virginia area.  Graduates from all three programs become part of and stay connected to a fast growing number of servant leaders.

The return on investment for completing one of Leadership Fairfax’s programs is considerable. Graduates are better educated, have a unique understanding of how the community works and how they can grow their business better. Additionally, they become part of a network of more than 1300 graduates that they can call on anytime - LFI alumni can be likened to a fraternity of the top 1% of business people in the area. 

Our goals are accomplished through activities that lead to a better understanding of the issues that face Fairfax County while building lifelong connections among alumni. Graduates represent a diverse alumni in the arts, business, education, government, health, religious and social service sectors. Leadership Fairfax is nonpartisan and inclusive.

Leadership Fairfax sponsors three community leadership programs each year:

  • The LFI Program is developed around a comprehensive 10-month curriculum of community issues and skill development. The profile of an LFI graduate is a senior leader from the corporate, small business, nonprofit or government sector.
  • The Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) is a  10-month program built around four principal areas: skill building, mentoring, community service projects and community board service. The profile of an ELI graduate is a more junior professional who might be classified as a “rising star” in their field and is in early to mid-career stage.
  • The Lifetime Leadership Program (LLP) is offered in partnership with Volunteer Fairfax, and includes programs presented by Leadership Fairfax, Volunteer Fairfax, George Mason University and the Positive Aging Coalition.  Participants will enjoy new social and community connections while learning more about Fairfax County and its needs and converting a wealth of knowledge into meaningful roles.  The six program days are spread over a 2 ½ month period.  The program also includes a community service component.

Interested applicants for the LFI and ELI programs must fill out an LFI/ELI application. Those interested in the LLP Program must fill out an LLP application.  Candidates are selected and rated on established leadership criteria and are chosen based on their past demonstration and future commitment to the ideals of trusteeship and volunteerism.

Leadership Fairfax also sponsors SERVEFairfax which uses the skills and abilities of our graduates to serve the surrounding community in positive ways. Under the SERVEFairfax umbrella is the “Leadership @ Your Service” program that matches skilled volunteers with opportunities in the community.

To learn more about Leadership Fairfax, feel free to contact us!