NextWave Federal Finance Leadership Program

Unlock your leadership potential to inspire, empower, and drive impactful change.

The 2025 Application is closed.

Congratulations to the inaugural 2022 Cohort and to the 2023 Cohort and 2024 Cohort!

Overview

Sonia Jolly — “I am proud to have been a part of such an amazing program. The curriculum, staff, and cohort all come together to create a dynamic learning environment filled with new ideas and perspectives around emotional intelligence, transformative leadership, and change management. If you share a passion for federal finance and a desire to lead people and programs towards success, I highly recommend you apply for the next available cohort and begin becoming leader you want to be.”

**Mark M. Sanchez, CGFM, CDFM-A, PMP**
Office of Programming, Budgeting, & Finance
U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters

**NextWave Cohort Graduate 2024**

The NextWave Federal Financial Leadership Program provides for the perfect combination of self-discovery, education, and networking. The structure of the program is well thought out, and I appreciate how it focused on learning about ourselves and how we work with others before delving into the more technical side of driving transformational change. As a new leader, I’ve already applied some of the concepts to my current role and foresee it being beneficial as I progress in my career.

**Katie Spaeder, CPA, CFE**
Senior Auditor
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, OIG

**NextWave Cohort Graduate 2024**

“I am proud to have been a part of such an amazing program. The curriculum, staff, and cohort all come together to create a dynamic learning environment filled with new ideas and perspectives around emotional intelligence, transformative leadership, and change management. If you share a passion for federal finance and a desire to lead people and programs towards success, I highly recommend you apply for the next available cohort and begin becoming leader you want to be.”

**Mark M. Sanchez, CGFM, CDFM-A, PMP**
Office of Programming, Budgeting, & Finance
U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters

**NextWave Cohort Graduate 2024**

The NextWave Federal Financial Leadership Program provides for the perfect combination of self-discovery, education, and networking. The structure of the program is well thought out, and I appreciate how it focused on learning about ourselves and how we work with others before delving into the more technical side of driving transformational change. As a new leader, I’ve already applied some of the concepts to my current role and foresee it being beneficial as I progress in my career.

**Katie Spaeder, CPA, CFE**
Senior Auditor
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, OIG

**NextWave Cohort Graduate 2024**

The NextWave Federal Finance Leadership Program (NextWave) is a transformative journey that empowers experienced GS 13-15s (federal government employees) in financial management to become visionary leaders. This program offers a platform for forward-thinking individuals to redefine the finance function within the federal government.

Program Experience

NextWave consists of three phases, combining educational sessions, interactive engagement with federal CFOs/DCFOs, and self-reflection exercises. Participants will also collaborate on a team capstone project to simulate real-life transformation opportunities. Additionally, participants can earn up to 17 CPE credits throughout the program. Please view the 2025 Schedule. Some sessions are virtual and some are in-person (at a venue in Washington, D.C.). Cohort members are expected to attend ALL sessions.

Phase 1: Better Me

Participants embark on a self-discovery journey, identifying their unique personas and exploring the attributes that align with their personal and professional growth. By nurturing a transformative mindset, individuals lay the foundation for their leadership development.
Time commitment: 2 educational sessions (lectures) and 1 interactive session - approximately 12 hours

Phase 2: Better Us

Participants reimagine the role of finance within the federal government, envisioning how OCFO functions can deliver greater value to employees and key stakeholders. This phase encourages innovative thinking and challenges the status quo, fostering a culture of excellence.
Time commitment: 2-3 educational sessions (lectures) and 1 interactive session - approximately 12 hours

Phase 3: Better Working World

Seasoned executives share their invaluable experiences and insights, revealing the strategies they employed to drive change throughout their careers. Participants gain invaluable wisdom from these leaders, empowering them to become catalysts for transformation.
Time commitment: 2 educational sessions (lectures) and 1 interactive session – approximately 12 hours

Transformation Simulation

Participants will engage in an immersive learning experience on methodologies and tools for designing the ‘vision of the future’ for their organization, and an actionable approach for realizing desired outcomes.
Time commitment - 3 educational sessions (lectures) – approximately 6 hours

Capstone Group Project

Participants integrate their newfound knowledge and experiences into an executive presentation and actionable report, addressing complex challenges faced by today's financial organizations. This collaborative team project provides an opportunity to apply their learning and achieve transformational success. View the 2023 Cohort Report.
Time commitment: Interactive team assignment - approximately 28 hours

Application Process and Fee

The selection process will include an interview. Acceptance into the program is limited to a maximum of 30 individuals. The 2025 application is closed.

AGA is proud to offer this leadership program at no charge with the support of our Corporate Partner, EY.

Questions? Please contact Susan Fritzlen.