I am grateful to the SLA for equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools, resources, and relationships they will need to move our community forward.
Associate Vice President for Community Engagement
Ball State University
About Shafer Leadership Academy
We know you want to grow your leaders and help them reach their full potential. But without an easy way to develop people, you can feel you are missing opportunities to make an impact.
We understand it’s hard to develop great leaders by yourself. Each year, we provide leadership training to help 3000 people through our leadership programs. Our work impacts leaders in all industries including higher education, manufacturing, banking, healthcare and non-profit organizations.
Inspiring positive change in our community.
For more than 50 years, Hamer and Phyllis Shafer invested their lives into building leaders in our community. That’s why Shafer Leadership Academy is dedicated to continuing their work of growing leaders who make an impact on their families, organizations and community. Continue Reading »
Our mission.
Shafer Leadership Academy provides inclusive leadership development so that people, organizations and communities reach their full potential.
Future vision.
Empowering people to inspire positive change in their community. Our participants excel in their careers, enrich the lives of others and transform their communities.
Core values.
At Shafer Leadership Academy, we believe that growing your people is the best way to increase your impact. Our core values help you multiply your success and increase your impact on those you serve.
EMPOWER
See potential in others + conduct outreach + see outside of ourselves
MODEL INCLUSIVENESS
Invite varied voices to the table + embrace differences
SERVE
We grow by serving others and our community + we encourage service in others + goodwill
SHOW COMPASSION
Kindness + empathy + thoughtful concern + willingness to help others
FOSTER CATALYSTS
Be the change you want to see + hopeful + can do attitude
PROMOTE SELF-DISCOVERY
Self-awareness + awareness of personal passion + continuous learning
Read our full Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion Statement »
Our Team
Mitch Isaacs
Executive Director
Mitch Isaacs works closely with the organization’s board of directors to fulfill the mission of the organization. He is responsible for creating vision, connecting with stakeholders, administering program offerings and leading the organization in meaningful ways.
Tisha Gierhart
Program Director
Tisha Gierhart is primarily responsible for all activities related to the development, delivery, and assessment of leadership programs. In this role, she focuses on building collaborative relationships with SLA’s participants and partners.
Jeff Robinson
Development Director
Jeff Robinson is responsible for finding new member organizations and custom program clients. Jeff works with countless other non-profit, for-profit businesses, and community advocacy groups to provide opportunities which benefit the entire community.
C. Ted Ward, II
Membership Director
Ted Ward works to deepen existing relationships with SLA member organizations and connect new members to the region’s premiere professional development organization.
Eilis Wasserman
Program Manager
Eilis Wasserman serves as part of Shafer’s Programming Team leading program initiatives. Eilis is responsible for activities related to the development, delivery, and assessment of leadership programs presented.
I still remember activities that we participated in and utilize the lessons I took away from the program years later.
Assistant Dean for Students
UNH School of Law
Confident leaders and engaged board members make our community strong. That’s why it made sense to partner with Shafer Leadership Academy.
President
The Community Foundation of
Muncie and Delaware County, Inc.
Muncie and Delaware County, Inc.
Do you need an easy way to develop your people?
At Shafer Leadership Academy, we believe that growing your people is the best way to increase your impact. So find a program that’s right for you. Now is the time to invest in your people. Let’s multiply your success with more effective and enthusiastic leaders.
Align your team and increase your success.
Do you need help creating a plan to develop and grow your people? Our leadership assessment will give you clarity about your biggest opportunities and next steps to align your teams.