Partners Program

The ACT-IAC Partners program is unlike any other leadership development program and provides participants with:

• A facilitated open and trusted partnership with a 1 to 1 ratio between government and industry who collaborate in a not for attribution environment that allows team to “walk in others' shoes”
• Enhanced leadership and communication skills to help drive your team and organization towards better results
• Experiential leadership training based on OPM’s Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)
• Opportunity to collaborate with other executives facing similar challenges
• Collaborating to provide leadership sessions for your cohort on topical issues
• Led by practicing senior government and industry professionals
• Up to 75 Continuous Learning Points

The successful Partner will:

• Have in general 15+ years of experience in progressively responsible positions across a multitude of business activities – including, but not limited to, program/project management, technology management, financial management, procurement, business development, and marketing.
• For Government - Candidates should be a GS 15 (or a High Step 14) or equivalent (minimum gate for consideration); currently serving in a leadership role that deals with significant people issues, multiple processes, and complex technologies. The candidate should be considered promotable to the highest level of Government leadership such as SES within the next 3-5 years.
• For Industry - Candidates should currently be serving in a leadership role that deals with significant people issues, multiple processes, and complex technologies, and be promotable to corporate officer levels at the VP, S.VP. President, COO, CTO, CIO, and CEO levels within the next 3-5 years.
• Candidates who have recently “switched” from government to industry or industry to government, should have 2 years of experience “on the other side” as the program is designed to share what it is like to walk in each others’ shoes.
• Be able to dedicate an average of 20-25 hours per month for Partner activities between March and October and attend all required sessions in person.
• Be recommended by a Sponsor within their organization or agency

*Please note only one person per industry member company should apply and can be accepted. Industry applicants must be from a member company in good standing

This is a highly competitive program and agencies/companies are encouraged to nominate only their strongest candidates.

Applications open annually at the Imagine Nation ELC conference in October. A sample application can be found HERE.

An application seminar is hosted in November to provide interested members an opportunity to ask questions and get guidance on how to make their application the best it can be. 

Ready to Apply? Get Expert Guidance! 

To help interested members put their best foot forward, ACT-IAC hosts an Application Seminar each November. Whether your considering applying this year or planning ahead, the seminar is a great opportunity to gather valuable insights, ask questions, and get tips on how to make your application as strong as possible. 

"As leaders we are perfectly imperfect. This program was a great opportunity to show you your strengths and weaknesses and help you grow to become not only a better leader, but a better YOU!"

Johnesha Harrison, DMI, Partners 2024 Graduate

"I can't think of a better program that I've participated in that directly aligned with my work in Public Service and Technology to propel my leaderships journey forward.  The connections forged through this program are unmatched.  This is a great space for leaders to get real and drive transformational growth."

Tobi Pratt, GSA, Partners 2024 Graduate

"I gained so much perspective on leadership and teambuilding. I'm excited to put this into practice."

Jeff Jensen, Leidos, Partners 2024 Graduate

"Participating in partners 24 is one of the best experiences of my professional life. The blend of government and industry to share ideas over the class is unique. I learned so much from the class leaders, my POD and all the partners. This is the best way to do a leadership class! I am excited to become a fellow and grow my network as we step into the next challenges. Partners is the best leadership program I have ever been through. I highly recommend for anyone looking to take career to next level."

Jason Kuhl, USDA, Partners 2024 Graduate

"ACT-IAC Partners program provided a roadmap on how I can unleash human magic to transform organizations through trust, leadership through influence, patience, and long-term thinking."

Joshua Reese, Changeis, Partners 2024 Graduate 

"The Partners program has enabled me to form valuable connections and friendships across industry and government, and given me that most valuable thing for a lifelong-learner: even more things to learn!"

Justin Ubert, DOT, Partners 2024 Graduate

"Participating in the ACT-IAC Partners program has been a transformative experience, providing invaluable insights into effective collaboration between government and industry. It's equipped me with the tools to leverage resources, build coalitions, and drive impactful change in my role."

Adam Cline, USDA, Partners 2024 Graduate

"This program was an unparalleled learning and networking experience. I joined hoping to takeaway a couple gems...but I received so much more than a that (My backpack is topped up with valuable gold nuggets and diamond gems). I gained cherished friends and advisors, and some incredible and fun memories.  Thank you to the wonderful ACT IAC Partners 2024 leadership team and all my Partners!"

Caroline Nelson, CGI Federal, Partners 2024 Graduate

"The ACT-IAC Partners Program is truly unparalleled. It offers experiential learning bringing together unique perspectives from both government and industry. Beyond the knowledge gained, the program helps build a lasting network of peers who will support,grow,and learn together well into the future.It creates the foundation for collaboration and growth that will endure for a long time."

Priya Thotakura, FDIC, Partners 2024 Graduate

“Great program! Impossible to describe the benefits you will get.”

Todd Lennox, USDA, Partners 2023 Graduate  

“What a rare opportunity to forge such meaningful relationships across government and industry!”

Jeremy Arensdorf, Jefferson Consulting, Partners 2023 Graduate         

“An excellent leadership program that focuses on your personal development and engaging in a broader network to collaborate, learn, and problem solve. Incredibly valuable!"

Kent Colwell, ASRC Federal, Partners 2023 Graduate         

“Learn about yourself, others and your future path toward leadership success!”

Richelle Wright, VA, Partners 2023 Graduate 

“’The greatest gift you can give yourself is a little bit of your own attention.’ Anthony DeAngelo. This has been one of the best experiences of my entire career and has allowed for amazing connections and conversations that will drive the future of government and industry collaboration.”

Jenny Bonner, Riva Solutions, Partners 2023 Graduate         

“The ACT-IAC partners program is more than just a professional development program. It's the program you don't know you need, and it's worth every second of your time.”

Nathan Manzotti, GSA, Partners 2023 Graduate        

“The Partners Program is not a training program - it's a leadership experience that results in genuine, trusted, and long-term relationships.”

Keri Gentilcore, NTT Data, Partners 2023 Graduate   

“The Partners program builds trust and understanding between sectors.  I gained practical leadership skills and forged lifelong connections that I will carry with me. I'm excited to pay it forward as an ACT-IAC Fellow.”

Venu Naguboyina, Navitas Business Consulting, Partners 2023 Graduate          

“It's better than you imagine.”

Pauline George, Department of Labor, Partners 2023 Graduate