Leadership Academy

NC REALTORS® William C. Bass Leadership Academy

The NC REALTORS® William C. Bass Leadership Academy identifies, inspires and mentors emerging leaders. This leadership development program is designed to guide each participant through their own self-discovery process and to teach the necessary skills to become a more positive influence within the community and the industry.

In 2016, the official name of the program was changed to honor of William C. Bass – an NC REALTOR® with a legacy of leadership and dedication to REALTORS®, the association and the industry. Bass was also an early champion of the Leadership Academy and helped steward its success throughout the years.


Mission

(a) To identify and develop new leaders who are members of NC REALTORS®.

(b) To ensure the NC REALTORS® William C. Bass Leadership Academy is diverse, non-discriminatory, geographically representative and forward thinking in its vision, application and administration.

(c) To ensure that the program is designed to develop leadership skills that can be applied to benefit the candidates in their family life, community, local boards and associations, and state and national associations of REALTORS®.

Leadership Academy Alumni

Application Process

How Do I Apply?
Interested members should submit an application by October 30 each year.

The 2025 application period has ended. Please check back in October 2025 to apply for the class of 2026.

Connect with Us
If you have questions about the NC REALTORS® William C. Bass Leadership Academy, please contact us at 336-294-1415 or jhughes@ncrealtors.org.

Applicant Profile: Who Should Apply?

REALTOR® members who have leadership experience within their community or at their local association but have not yet been actively involved at the state or national level.

REALTOR® members who have demonstrated leadership abilities who are passionate about the real estate industry.

You may be overqualified if you:

  • Serve(d) as chairman on two or more committees at the state or national level
  • Serve(d) as NC REALTORS® RVP
  • Serve(d) on NC REALTORS® Executive Committee
  • Serve(d) on NC REALTORS® Leadership Team or Extended Leadership Team

Participants are chosen by a Selection Committee. Upon selection, the candidates may be asked to interview with group members. Responses to industry challenges and leadership aspirations are given careful consideration, as they reflect personal point of view and vision.

2025 Sessions

The NC REALTORS® William C. Bass Leadership Academy is a ten-month program with training sessions structured around NC REALTORS® annual meetings and events.

Attendance at every session is necessary to graduate. Participants who have an unexcused absence for more than a full day of one session will be dropped from the program and encouraged to reapply. Selection for subsequent year’s program cannot be guaranteed.

Please note: Dates may be subject to change.

  • Virtual Session: December 6, 2024 | 1:00-2:30pm | Welcome to Leadership Academy
  • Retreat One: December 9-10, 2024 | Greensboro | Leading Myself
  • Retreat Two: January 28-30, 2025 | Winston-Salem | Fundamentals of Leadership (in conjunction with NC REALTORS® Vision Quest/Winter Leadership Meetings)
  • Virtual Session: February 18, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm
  • Retreat Three: March 11, 2025 | Greensboro | What Leaders Know
  • Retreat Four: April 8-9, 2025 | Raleigh | Leaders as Advocates (in conjunction with NC REALTORS® Legislative Meetings)
  • Virtual Session: May 6, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm
  • Retreat Five: July 8-10, 2025 | Chicago, IL | What Leaders Do
  • Virtual Session: August 5, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm
  • Retreat Six: September 17-19, 2025 | Raleigh | Leading the Industry
  • Graduation: October 20-23, 2025 | Cherokee (in conjunction with NC REALTORS® Convention)
Fees

What is the Financial Commitment?

Participants will be billed $1,250 upon acceptance into the NC REALTORS® William C. Bass Leadership Academy. Tuition covers retreat programming and materials, overnight hotel accommodations for Retreats 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6 with single occupancy participant rooms, and round trip travel from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago, IL, for Retreat 5. The cost of travel and ALL FEES associated with NC REALTORS® Convention ARE NOT INCLUDED IN TUITION. These will need to be factored in as an addition to the price of tuition.

 

Who to Contact

Jessica Hughes

Chief Operating Officer

(336) 808-4229 x229
Expertise
  • Internal operations
  • NC REALTORS® Strategic initiatives
  • Human Resources
  • NC REALTORS® William C. Bass Leadership Academy