Contract Management Leadership Development Program (CMLDP)

CMLDP is an award-winning, 12 month leadership development experience that is more than a training program, it’s a community where high potential professionals sharpen their skills, grow as leaders, and build meaningful connections with leaders in the profession.

 

Discover the Program

The NCMA program is designed for early career professionals who want more than just experience on their résumé. It’s an opportunity to gain confidence, sharpen foundational skills, and learn directly from leaders who once stood exactly where you are now. Our past participants have gone on to distinguish themselves in contract management, pricing, program management, finance, procurement, logistics, legal, business development, and related fields. If you’re looking for a meaningful next step - one that challenges you, supports you, and expands what’s possible in your career - this program was designed with you in mind.

As a participant in this program, you’ll receive hands on leadership training, structured career guidance, and practical feedback that helps you improve how you write, speak, and present yourself professionally. You’ll work on meaningful group projects with guidance from experienced coaches, practice public speaking in a supportive environment, and build relationships with NCMA senior leaders and past CMLDP participants who are genuinely invested in your success.

Most importantly, you’ll realize you’re not navigating your career alone. You’ll become part of a network that encourages you, challenges you, and opens doors, both now and in the future. If you’re ready to build a strong foundation, grow your confidence, and take an intentional step toward the career you envision, this program is a powerful place to begin.

Program Year 2026 - 2027 CMLDP Applications

The application window will be from Friday, May 1st to Friday, June 19th. The number of participants per program cycle varies from 15-20 individuals. Candidates can expect to be notified by Friday, August 14th of application status.

Apply Now 

For additional questions, please contact [email protected].

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements include the following:

  • NCMA membership is required to apply
  • 3-7 years experience
  • Not yet held a supervisory or management position (or have < 1 year experience)
  • A strong desire to become a leader and cultivate change within your professional career and organization
  • The application process requires a current resume and letter of recommendation that demonstrates the candidate as a top performer who will thrive and benefit from the program
  • The application process includes a blind review by NCMA volunteer leaders

Time Commitment and Expectations

The Leadership Development Program is time-intensive commitment. Participants should dedicate 4 – 6 hours monthly to course activities and must commit to the following:

  • Monthly virtual leadership sessions (August – June)
  • Individual, small group, and team discussions and projects
  • Scheduled communication with assigned mentor
  • NCMA involvement at the local Chapter or national level for two full years after program completion

Attendance at 3 required in-person events:

  • Introductory CMLDP In-Person Event - Reston, VA (October 2026)
  • Nexus - San Antonio, TX (February 2027)
  • World Congress - Denver, Colorado (July 2027)

Cost and Benefits

The program is grounded in a strong belief that developing confident, impactful leaders requires meaningful investment. NCMA and its members contribute a minimum of $5,000 per participant, providing program materials, thoughtfully curated events, and complimentary conference (Nexus and World Congress) registration. Participants are responsible for a $500 program fee. This shared investment reflects a commitment, by the participant and the participant’s organization, of the program’s value. Together, this commitment creates a transformative experience that fosters growth, connection, and lifelong leadership impact.

  • Earn CPE/CLE hours for participation
  • Receive complimentary registration to Nexus and World Congress
  • One free Self-Paced Exam Prep Course for CFCM or CPCM upon program completion
  • Disc Assessment
  • Networking opportunities with senior leaders and advisors
  • Assigned mentor

CMLDP Program Participants

Learn how past CMLDP participants have gone on to distinguish themselves in contract management, pricing, program management, finance, procurement, logistics, legal, business development, and related fields.

CMLDP 2025-2026 Coach

Adam Goldstein is currently Head of Audits, Inquiries, and Risk Analytics, at the Social Security Administration. He previously served as the agency's Senior Procurement Executive--overseeing $2 billion in annual procurement spend. He previously completed the agency's Senior Executive Development Program, where he held numerous programmatic executive roles. Prior to joining SSA, Adam served as Deputy Director of the Army's 408th Contracting Support Brigade in Kuwait, Chief of Contracting for the Agricultural Research, and Service Contracting Division Chief for CENTCOM Joint Theater Support Contracting Command in Afghanistan. He previously held positions with CACI and several other agencies.

Adam is an Honor Graduate of CMDLP (2009), holds both CFCM and CPCM certifications, and is a Fellow of NCMA.

CMLDP 2025 -2026 Cohort

The CMLDP 2025 cohort is comprised of the following NCMA members:

  • Josie Aleese-Wilder, CCMA, Southwest Key Programs
  • Mandela Byam, Sapient Logic
  • Lola Cole, Enlightmeds Technology Solutions
  • Arian Diggs, – BOWA Construction, Senior Manager of Strategic Affairs & Partnerships
  • Asif Gangat, Conneckkt
  • Malona German, Kids Central, Inc.
  • Jewel Honga, Dine Development Corporation
  • Consuella Hopkins, SPAARK
  • Monika Jarvis, CFCM, Joint Strategic Technologies
  • Daphney Jean-Minter, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  • Soltanet Jones, Amentum Services, Inc.
  • Molly- Margaret Kovacs, CCMA, General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT)
  • Brittany Mabry, LMI
  • Christopher Miller, CFCM, SRC, Inc.
  • Hae- Dorothy Monroe, Analytic Acquisitions, LLC
  • Maroufath Ogoussan, D.C Office of Contracting and Procurement
  • Joseph Perry, Davidson Technologies, Inc.
  • Zaryalai Safi, CFCM, CPCM, Interior Business Center, Acquisition Directorate
  • Natalie Topp, United Airlines
  • Emily VanPatten, CFCM, Leonardo DRS
  • Elisabeth Warn, Idaho Environmental Coalition, LLC

Past CMLDP Participants

Use the link below to discover the esteemed CMLDP alumni network across 55+ organizations & agencies. 

View List 

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