High Potential Marketing Leaders Program
IN-PERSON AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA CAMPUS
November 12–13, 2026
The High Potential Marketing Leaders Program is an intensive professional development experience designed for early-career marketing professionals who have demonstrated exceptional promise in their first one to five years in the field.
Delivered in partnership with The CMO Institute and the Culverhouse College of Business, this program equips participants with the leadership mindset, strategic marketing knowledge, and professional relationships needed to accelerate their careers. Through faculty-led instruction, applied learning exercises, and peer networking, participants gain practical tools to strengthen their effectiveness and prepare for future leadership opportunities.
topics
- Leadership mindset and executive presence
- Marketing strategy and competitive positioning
- Building influence across organizations
- Data-driven decision making
- Marketing analytics and artificial intelligence
- Marketing finance and ROI
- Professional networking and career development
- Strategic career planning
Program OVERVIEW
Designed for:
This program is designed for marketing professionals with one to five years of experience who are seeking to accelerate their professional growth and prepare for future leadership roles.
Ideal participants include:
- Marketing specialists and coordinators
- Brand managers and assistant brand managers
- Digital marketing professionals
- Marketing analysts
- Agency professionals
- High-potential marketing employees identified for future leadership roles
Participants will:
- Develop a leadership identity and strengthen the skills and presence associated with effective marketing leaders.
- Build core marketing competencies in strategy, analytics, digital marketing, and financial accountability.
- Gain insight into the challenges faced by senior marketing leaders and Chief Marketing Officers.
- Strengthen their professional network through meaningful connections with faculty, peers, and industry leaders.
Format:
Hosted on campus at The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business, the High Potential Marketing Leaders Program combines academic insight, practical application, and professional networking.
Participants should plan to be on campus from approximately 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on November 12 and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on November 13. A detailed schedule will be provided prior to the program.
The program includes faculty-led sessions, interactive workshops, case studies, panel discussions, structured networking opportunities, and action-planning exercises. A networking reception on the evening of November 12 provides additional opportunities to build relationships with peers, faculty, and industry leaders.
Participants will also attend a networking reception designed to foster meaningful connections among cohort members and industry professionals.
This program is not eligible for federal financial aid. No academic credit will be awarded.
About The CMO Institute
Founded in 2005, The CMO Institute advances marketing leadership through research, education, and community building. Through collaboration with leading academic researchers, senior marketing executives, and respected institutions, The CMO Institute helps bridge the gap between cutting-edge theory and financially accountable marketing practice.
For more information, visit ChiefMarketingOfficer.com.
INSTRUCTORs
Faculty and speakers are drawn from the Culverhouse College of Business and The CMO Institute and include:
William L. Koleszar
Executive Director, The CMO Institute
Dr. Mike Wittmann
Chair, Department of Marketing,
Culverhouse College of Business
INSTRUCTORs
Faculty and speakers are drawn from the Culverhouse College of Business and The CMO Institute and include:
William L. Koleszar
With an MA in Public Relations and PhD in Communication and Information Sciences, Dr. Alexa Chilcutt is the faculty lead for the Executive Business Communication and co-lead for the Academy of Women in Leadership programs at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.
Additionally, Alexa provides training for TCU Neeley Business School’s Executive Education program and The University of Alabama Executive Education and EMBA programs. Topics include business communication, executive presence, and executive presentation skills.
Corporate clients have included Exelon Corporation, Constellation Energy, Hoya Corporation, Prometric, Brinker International, Allstate, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, German-based company igus, and Johns Hopkins International Medicine Concierge Services.
Publications include “Engineered to Speak: Helping You Create and Deliver Engaging Technical Presentations” published by Wiley IEEE PCS Professional Engineering Communication Series with Dr. Adam Brooks, and articles featured in Workplace Health & Safety, MedEdPORTAL, Journal of American Dental Association (JADA), Association of General Dentist’s “Impact” magazine, Public Relations Journal, and Georgia Academy of General Dentistry’s Explorer magazine.
With an MA in Public Relations and PhD in Communication and Information Sciences, Dr. Alexa Chilcutt is the faculty lead for the Executive Business Communication and co-lead for the Academy of Women in Leadership programs at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.
Additionally, Alexa provides training for TCU Neeley Business School’s Executive Education program and The University of Alabama Executive Education and EMBA programs. Topics include business communication, executive presence, and executive presentation skills.
Corporate clients have included Exelon Corporation, Constellation Energy, Hoya Corporation, Prometric, Brinker International, Allstate, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, German-based company igus, and Johns Hopkins International Medicine Concierge Services.
Publications include “Engineered to Speak: Helping You Create and Deliver Engaging Technical Presentations” published by Wiley IEEE PCS Professional Engineering Communication Series with Dr. Adam Brooks, and articles featured in Workplace Health & Safety, MedEdPORTAL, Journal of American Dental Association (JADA), Association of General Dentist’s “Impact” magazine, Public Relations Journal, and Georgia Academy of General Dentistry’s Explorer magazine.
Dr. Mike Wittmann
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