Become an Member of an NLAC Group
Step into a leadership network that challenges convention and inspires bold thinking. The National Leadership and Advisory Councils are designed for leaders who are ready to question assumptions, act decisively, and influence what comes next. Engage with peers from across sectors to sharpen your decision-making, accelerate impact, and lead with purpose. This is where performance-driven leadership takes shape.
Why Now?
Because You Don’t Have to Lead Alone—Join a Legacy of Excellence.
For over 35 years, the Baldrige Framework has been the gold standard for leadership development and organizational excellence. Now, through the National Leadership & Advisory Councils (NLAC), you can apply this proven formula in your own leadership—backed by a trusted peer network.
Why the NLAC is Different
For more than three decades, the Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework has guided organizations of every size and sector to measurable, sustainable success. Every U.S. President since Ronald Reagan has supported it as the nation’s standard for excellence.
NLAC brings Baldrige to life in a peer-based format—giving you:
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A curated council of 10–15 leaders who understand your challenges
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Proven, Baldrige-based strategies for measurable results
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A private, non-competitive space for honest, confidential, high-value discussions
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Immediate tools and action plans ready to use the next day
The Plan - How it Works
The National Leadership & Advisory Councils (NLAC) unite high-performing executives and emerging leaders in a powerful peer network dedicated toThe National Leadership and Advisory Councils (NLAC) is the nation's premier professional development and advisory network of Chief Executive Officers, C-Suite Executives, Vice Presidents, Directors, Managers, and Emerging Leaders. As the sole leadership development program for the Institute for Performance Excellence, NLAC offers exclusive access to high-quality leadership development, industry benchmarking, and a robust network of high-performing leaders. driving excellence across organizations, industries, and communities. Grounded in the nation’s premier quality framework, NLAC equips leaders to solve real-world challenges, shape strategic outcomes, and elevate performance at every level.
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You’ll leave each month with fresh perspective, renewed purpose, and measurable progress.
Apply
Join a peer council based on your role, sector, or region. Groups are remote to maximize flexibility.
Engage Monthly
Attend a 4-hour virtual session with masterclass content, action planning, and peer insight.
Grow as a Leader
Access an exclusive online portal, strategy tools, and national-level leadership resources.
NLAC Member Benefits
Membership with the National Leadership & Advisory Councils provides unparalleled benefits. We are backed by the technology infrastructure of the Institute for Performance Excellence, which allows members to gain access to a leading online social community that is focused on developing leaders and using systems thinking to improve themselves and their organizations.
$9,500 / Annually
Financing for individuals and organizations is available
Benefits for You
Monthly 4-hour NLAC Group Meetings
Each monthly NLAC meeting is a focused 4-hour session that combines leadership roundtables, expert-led masterclasses, and strategic peer discussion to help members grow, connect, and lead with greater impact.
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Monthly Masterclass Sessions
High-impact, expert-led deep dive designed to equip council members with practical strategies, performance tools, and executive insights rooted in the Baldrige Framework.
Expert-Led Roundtables
Gives members a chance to discuss real leadership challenges, share ideas, and learn from one another to drive better results.
Monthly Leadership Commitments & Action Planning
Each NLAC meeting concludes with members setting clear leadership commitments and action plans, turning insights into accountability and driving real-world progress between sessions.
Access to the Institute for Performance Excellence
NLAC members receive full access to the Institute for Performance Excellence for every employee at their organization, providing organization-wide learning, tools, and training grounded in the Baldrige Framework.
Private Online Portal for NLAC Members
Each NLAC member receives access to a private online portal designed to share resources, continue discussions, and connect with fellow leaders between sessions.
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National Conferences
Receive one (1) complimentary registration to the Quest for Excellence® Conference and a $500 voucher toward any of our educational programs