Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon.gov Homepage

ASCENT Transformational Leadership Program


ASCENT’s Transformational Leadership Program (TLP) helps develop leaders who are real, purposeful, and focused on creating meaningful change.

Former program names include Aspiring Leadership Program; Managers Leadership Program.

The ASCENT Program will accept applications from non‑supervisory state government employees for the 2027 program year beginning September 1, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to review the 2027 Transformational Leadership Program flyer​ before completing the online application. ​ 

​​​
How To Apply
Applications submitted online, hyperlink within the flyer. Please see the About the Application section of the program flyer for further information. Only completed applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.
  • Applications open on September 1, 2026, at 8 a.m. PT
  • Applications close on September 30, 2026, at noon PT
  • Applicants will be notified by November 25, 2026
Application Process​
Transformational Leadership Program selection is made through a competitive application process resulting in a cohort of 25 leaders.
​​​

​Leaders are being called to:
  • Inspire others to think and act in new ways, maximize learning and growth opportunities to optimize performance.
  • Engage effectively with others to deliver results and transform teams and organizations.
  • Foster relationships with employees, partners, and customers to co-create the desired new future.

Leadership requires awareness, vision, and action. The future we desire is possible as we show up authentically, courageously and intentionally to change the existing culture, collaborate better and adapt systems.


How do we create the results we seek in the midst of
immense change, complexity, and diminishing resources.​

The answer is Transformational Leadership.


Leaders at all levels of an organization are responsible for more than maintaining current performance. Leaders are being called to lead transformation of systems, processes, and organizational cultures through authentic and intentional engagement.​

​Outcomes For Self

  1. ​A clearer sense of your purpose, values, and vision, and how your leadership supports your team and the larger system.
  2. Stronger self awareness and a better understanding of your strengths, your impact on others, and opportunities for growth.
  3. Greater consciousness of the beliefs and assumptions that shape your actions, helping you make lasting, positive changes.
  4. A mindset that supports taking ownership of your work and the results you create.
  5. More confidence in designing the future you want for your work and your life.
Outcomes for Others and Systems​

  1. ​Knowledge of tools and processes that help teams and larger systems make meaningful change.
  2. Stronger skills for navigating change, uncertainty, and risk.
  3. Strengthen communication and a clearer understanding of your own needs and feelings of others.
  4. Knowledge of how to build and maintain trusting relationships, including recognizing your own role in challenges that may affect trust.
  5. The ability to identify opportunities to increase your influence and take effective action in today’s complex and fast‑changing environment.




​


​ASCENT's Transformational Leadership Program (TLP) is a multi-month (typically 9 months) that includes 18 workshop days, 1:1 and group coaching, mentoring, and compelling developmental activities influenced by the foremost thought leaders in the field of leadership.​

Program participation is open to state or Oregon employees with manager approval to apply and attend. Cohorts of 25 are recommended by ASCENT alumni graduates through a competitive application process open every September. The program runs January to September.​​

​

​Presenters
  • Fariborz Pakseresht
    Former Director Oregon Department of Human Services 

  • Lisa Sumption
    Director Oregon Parks and Recreation Department 

  • Jami Quiring
    ASCENT Alumni 

Consultant Partners​
  •  Innovative Growth Solutions LLC
    • Shirlene Warnock  and Jeanne Nyquist 

​
​
 

Quick Links