L.E.A.D. Academy Meeting #1
The Iron Works | Columbus, GA
Defining Great Leadership: From Operator to Strategist

The Georgia Association of Convenience Stores (GACS) is investing in the future of the convenience store industry with the launch of its brand new L.E.A.D. Academy. It is an eight month leadership development program designed to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders.

Over the past six months, GACS has worked closely with Board members Matt Jones, Gabe Manning, Tracie Murphy, and Rob Otersen, alongside facilitator Dr. Larry Grays, to create a high impact academy tailored specifically to the challenges and opportunities facing today’s c-store industry.
The academy is designed for owners, decision makers, and high potential team members who are ready to strengthen their leadership capabilities. Through immersive learning experiences, participants will learn how to:
  • Develop stronger leadership skills
  • Gain confidence in decision making
  •  Adopt a more strategic mindset
  • Learn how to transition from day-to-day operator to visionary leader
The Academy will take place in person over the course of eight months, with participants meeting one day each month at locations across Georgia. Each session will feature approximately eight hours of curriculum, facility tours, guest speakers, and interactive Q&A sessions with industry leaders and executives.
The inaugural class officially kicks off on October 21, 2026, the day before the GACS Annual Trade Show. Participants will begin the experience with a full day of leadership programming featuring an impressive lineup of speakers, including Slaton Whatley, Glenn Snow, and Lt. Colonel Mike Dempsey.

Future sessions will feature leaders and executives from organizations such as Chick-fil-A, Savannah Bananas, Lockheed Martin, Georgia Department of Public Safety, and Coca-Cola, providing participants with exposure to a wide variety of leadership perspectives and business strategies.
The October kickoff experience extends beyond the classroom. Participants will attend an exclusive dinner with members of the GACS Board of Directors, creating opportunities for meaningful one-on-one networking. The following day, attendees will walk the GACS Trade Show floor alongside some of the industry’s most respected leaders, gaining valuable networking opportunities and firsthand industry insight.

Enrollment for the academy is intentionally limited to just 36 participants in order to foster meaningful interaction and high impact learning. The $1,500 program investment includes required reading materials, DISC assessment fees, and registration fees for GACS events associated with the academy.
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Interest in the program has already been strong, with seats filling quickly as members recognize the unique opportunity. The L.E.A.D. Academy is more than a leadership course. It is a long term investment in the people who will shape the future of Georgia’s convenience store industry for years to come!
Georgia Association of Convenience Stores.  All Rights Reserved.
200 East Memorial Drive, #1   Dallas, GA 30132
Phone: (770) 736-9723 | [email protected] | sitemap