MCAA is delighted to extend our congratulations to the newest graduates of our Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI). On November 6th, the members of ALI Class 25 earned their diplomas, officially joining the distinguished roster of alumni who have completed MCAA’s flagship executive leadership program.
MCAA’s Advanced Leadership Institute is all about translating leadership theory into real-world impact and equipping participants with practical tools they can apply immediately. Faculty introduced the concepts, led exercises to apply theory to participants’ lived experience as mechanical industry leaders, and helped participants synthesize it all into practical, actionable strategies for handling the real-world challenges they face on a daily basis.
Just as importantly, the two-week program fostered lasting professional relationships and a strong peer network. While it’s true that UNC provides us with a globally-ranked educational experience at a top-notch facility, it is the participants that make the Advanced Leadership Institute the unparalleled executive leadership program that it has become.
As the program drew to a close, MCAA President Brian Hughes joined us to address this year’s graduates and honor the achievements of this exceptional group. He highlighted the value of community and encouraged ALI 25 grads to maintain the connections they have built in this program – just as he has maintained connections with his classmates from ALI 3 (including Steve Dawson, who was seated at the back of the room as ALI Committee Co-Chair… it’s truly a small world!). In closing, President Hughes shared this advice with our new grads: “Don’t make this your last MCAA event: be a lifelong learner. ALI is a great way to end 2025. Take it to the next level in 2026.” Whether that be attending the MCAA Annual Convention, our MEP Innovation Conference, or any of the many other programs on the MCAA calendar, the team that oversees the Advanced Leadership Institute looks forward to crossing paths!
MCAA member company executives who are interested in the program can check out the ALI Course Page for more information, including the application release date for ALI 26.