New Training Program with University of Denver Helps Address Leadership Development Gap for First-Time Managers

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. – June 16, 2026 –  As organizations work to develop and retain talent, many employees are stepping into management roles, but more than half of first-time managers report receiving no training, and 26% say they did not feel prepared to lead others. To help organizations develop the skills and confidence of their next generation of talent, Denver South is launching the Denver South Leadership Academy, a new professional development program for emerging leaders and frontline managers.

The academy, powered by University of Denver Executive Education, will welcome its inaugural cohort on September 15, 2026. The nine-week hybrid program combines in-person instruction at Denver South’s offices with live online learning sessions and focuses on practical leadership skills, self-awareness and real-world application.

Leadership development can also support retention. Research from Korn Ferry found that 67% of employees would stay with a company that offers opportunities for growth and advancement.

“Strong local leaders are essential to the long-term success of our region’s businesses and communities,” said David Worley, President and CEO of Denver South. “The Leadership Academy is designed to help employers invest in their emerging talent, equipping participants with practical leadership skills they can apply immediately while also building a stronger pipeline of future leaders and creating growth opportunities that help organizations retain top talent.”

Denver South is partnering with University of Denver Executive Education to deliver the program, bringing together academic expertise in leadership development with Denver South’s ongoing work supporting employers and workforce development across the region.

“One of the biggest challenges in leadership development is making sure the learning continues after participants return to their day-to-day responsibilities,” said Erin Flaherty, Executive Director of Executive Education at Daniels College of Business. “This academy is intentionally designed to bridge that gap. Participants will not only explore core leadership practices, they will apply them, reflect on what they are learning and leave with a clearer roadmap for how they want to lead.”  

The Leadership Academy is grounded in adult learning principles and designed to fit the realities of today’s workplace. Through a blend of immersive in-person sessions and structured online learning, participants will be able to apply concepts directly to their day-to-day responsibilities throughout the program.

“Many organizations have talented employees who are stepping into leadership roles for the first time but haven’t had access to formal leadership development,” said Julie Nathan, Director of Business Engagement at Denver South. “We created this program to fill that gap. Participants  will gain tools, confidence, and a network of peers facing similar challenges, while employers benefit from more effective, engaged and resilient leaders.”

Participants will build practical leadership skills through experiential learning, leadership assessments, peer collaboration and real-world application. Areas of focus include leadership styles and values, coaching and employee management, decision-making, delegation, building high-performing teams, feedback and conflict resolution. Participants will also complete a personalized leadership roadmap and receive a University of Denver micro-credential upon graduation.

To ensure a highly interactive and personalized experience, enrollment is limited to 15 participants per cohort. The program is industry agnostic and open to employees of Denver South primary employers.

As an opportunity for the inaugural cohort, Denver South is subsidizing half of the program cost for eligible employers located within the Denver South region. The special pilot pricing is available for the first cohort in exchange for participant and supervisor feedback that will help inform future sessions.

Applications are open through August 14, 2026. The inaugural cohort will run from September 15 through November 10, 2026.

For more information or to apply, visit https://denver-south.com/leadership-academy/.

About Denver South

Denver South has been the nexus between public and private sectors for more than three decades, driving forward regional collaborations to make the area one of the premier places in the world to start, grow and locate a business. Its primary focuses are transportation and economic development in and around the South I-25 highway and rail corridor south of Denver, Colorado. The organization brings together government, business and community leaders to work collaboratively for the success of all. From creating a broad aspirational vision for the future to tackling issues like mobility, creating dynamic public spaces and attracting the workforce of the future, Denver South strives to make the region a great place to live, work and play.