Take the Next Step in Your Leadership Development!
Over seven sessions in 2026, FCD Alumni are invited to take the next step in their leadership development. Featuring our esteemed faculty, Tom Meier of Equis Consulting, Todd Martin of Pierson Ferdinand, and Chris Conklin of Miller Newberg, our “graduate students” will tackle increasingly complex topics related organizational leadership and fraternal structure topics. Additionally, the FCD Master Class will engage in a thesis-style project to develop “the fraternal of the future.”
Learning Objectives:
Take leadership competencies to the next level
Gain a strong understanding of the structural, legal and regulatory requirements of fraternal benefit societies
Identify key fraternal financial performance ratios and risk management strategies
Boost creative thinking to drive organizational and sector modernization
Faculty:
Tom Meier
Executive Coach
Todd Martin
Fraternal Alliance Legal Counsel
Chris Conklin
Actuary
Cost: $549
Students: Recommended for FCD Alumni; Others Can Inquire*
IMPORTANT DATES
February 17, 2026
Virtual
March 12, 2026
Virtual
March 2026
Thesis Group Meetings
Virtual
April 9, 2026
Virtual
May 6-7, 2026
Pittsburgh, PA
October 2026
Thesis Group Meetings
Virtual
November 2026
Austin, TX
REGISTRATION
Registration Fee:
$549 per student
SESSIONS
Session # 1: February 17, 2026 – Virtual
Noon – 2:15 p.m. central
Dealing with Paradox as a Resiliency Skill presented by Tom Meier. Thesis project introduction.
Session #2: March 12, 2026 – Virtual
11:00 am – 12:45 p.m. central
Fraternal Structure & Risk presented by Todd Martin.
Session #3: March 2026 – Virtual
TBD – Scheduled independently with each group.
Thesis Think Tank
Cohorts meet virtually to advance their thesis projects with Alliance oversight.
Session #4: April 9, 2026 – Virtual
1:00 – 3:15 p.m. central
Fraternal Legal Landscape presented by Todd Martin. Thesis project group discussions.
Thesis Project – Build the Fraternal of the Future
Session #5: May 6-7, 2026 – In-Person
*In conjunction with Spring Symposium - separate registration required.
Pittsburgh, PA | No virtual option. In-person only.
Day One:
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. eastern
Resilience, Change Management, & Emerging Skills Network Presented by Tom Meier. Fraternal Financials presented by Chris Conklin.
Day Two:
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. eastern
Thesis group working breakfast
*FCD Master Class students are encouraged to attend the Spring Symposium – separate registration is required.
SUMMER: Cohorts Meet Virtually Once
Alliance provides high-level agenda and scheduling assistance.
Session #6: October 2026 – Virtual
TBD – Scheduled independently with each group no earlier than Oct 12.
CEO Sounding Board
During virtual review session, fraternal CEOs will provide groups with feedback on their upcoming presentations. Other faculty members will be invited to provide feedback.
Group Presentation Outlines due to Alliance by September 28.
Session #7: November 2026 – Thesis Presentation - In-Person
*In conjunction with Spark! Lunch and Learn – complimentary registration.
Tentatively November 11-12, 2026
Austin, TX | No virtual option. In-person only.
Day One:
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Thesis group meetings.
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Spark Lunch & Learn Welcome Reception begins at 5:30 pm.
Day Two:
8:00 a.m.
Presentation Check In; Breakfast with Spark Lunch & Learn Attendees
10:30 a.m. - Noon
Thesis presentations
(Check Spark Lunch & Learn schedule of events here for additional details.)
*Non-FCD Alumni with previous leadership development program experience are eligible to attend with permission from the Alliance.