Developed by ACFAS members and for ACFAS members, the ACFAS Chris Mahaffey Leadership Development Program provides the knowledge, resources, mentoring and 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.
Leadership Development Program – Level 1
All ACFAS Members can register at any time for Level 1 of the program. This level is virtual, complimentary, and can be completed at your own pace. The content is broken into six modules that focus on the history of the College and include video content of the College’s leaders speaking about their personal experiences as leaders within the foot and ankle surgical profession.
Leadership Development Program – Level 2
Level 2 applicants must be ACFAS Board Certified Fellow Members of ACFAS. Completion of Level 1 is required to be considered for Level 2. The program is highly selective. The 2024-25 application for Level 2 closed on March 31. The 2024-25 cohort will be announced to the membership in May.
View the program brochure for details on the curriculum.
Participants of the ACFAS Chris Mahaffey Leadership Development Program 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.
All ACFAS Members can register at any time for Level 1 of the program. This level is virtual, complimentary, and can be completed at your own pace. 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 includes monthly online modules, live webinars, mentor connection, and an in-person workshop and capstone presentation/ceremony at ACFAS 2025. Level 2 is only open to ABFAS Board Certified Fellow Members of ACFAS and completion of Level 1 is a prerequisite. The application process is blinded and requires provision of demographic information, a CV and headshot, one referral, and three essay questions.
Admission to or completion of the Leadership Development Program does not guarantee placement into an ACFAS committee or leadership position.
Program Schedule
| March 31 | Deadline to apply for Level 2 |
| May 1 | 2024-25 Leadership Development Program Cohort Announced |
| June 1 | 2025 Leadership Development Program Cohort Begins; monthly modules through March 2025 |
| March 26, 2025 | 2025 Leadership Development Program Cohort’s In-Person Capstone Workshop, in conjunction with the 2025 Annual Scientific Conference in Phoenix |
Registration Fee
The participation fee for Level 2 of the program is $350.
Level 2 Modules
Program Introduction and Goal Setting
High Performing Individuals
Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving
Effective Meetings
Communication Skills
Leadership Styles for Influence, Negotiation, and Team Building
Leading with Credibility and Confidence and Motivating Others
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion/Emotional Intelligence
Networking for Success
Congratulations to the inaugural cohort of the ACFAS Chris Mahaffey Leadership Development Program – Class of 2024!
Stryker is the Exclusive Sponsor of the ACFAS Leadership Development Program.