Executive Management Institute

April 25–30, 2027

Registration is now open!

Executive Management Institute (EMI) is a rigorous, immersive education experience designed for new and current senior leaders in the lumber and building materials industry. The program provides participants with the opportunity to master and integrate tools, frameworks and strategies for leading their organizations in a business environment that is constantly evolving. As one of the industry's premier leadership development programs, EMI equips participants with the knowledge, perspective and connections needed to lead with confidence and drive long-term success.

MBA-level education. Lumber-professional approved.

Our 2027 EMI is building on the success of previous years. A committee of lumber executives have collaborated with Kellogg School of Management faculty to design a curriculum tailored to the needs and experiences of lumber professionals like you. Located in the heart of Northwestern University’s Evanston Campus, the Kellogg Global Hub is a modern, light-filled building on the shores of Lake Michigan. Participants are met with technologically advanced classrooms and collaboration spaces, as well as private dining room and break areas.

Congratulations to the Executive Management Institute Class of 2025

About EMI

EMI is a rigorous immersive educational experience designed for new and current senior leaders in the lumber and building materials industry. The program offers participants a unique opportunity to master and integrate tools and frameworks for leading their organizations in a business environment that is constantly evolving. Additionally, participants will expand and strengthen their professional network within the forest products industry.

EMI’s course content is designed for professionals in, or preparing for, senior management roles — weaving the needs, challenges and opportunities facing the industry throughout the curriculum. Taught by educators from the Kellogg School of Management, one of the world's top-ranked business schools, this course equips top-performing executives to make decisions and take strategic action based upon both traditional and innovative business practices.

Designed as an intimate learning experience with limited enrollment, the course allows participants to fully engage with faculty and peers. Over five days, participants will explore case vignettes, participate in interactive lectures, share personal experiences, engage in dynamic readings, network with fellow industry executives, collaborate in small-group exercises and connect the dots through guided reflection.

The program is organized around five themes: strategy, including finance; sales management; innovation; negotiation; and managing change, with special emphasis on understanding culture.

At the conclusion of the program, participants will be able to:

	Construct a theory of personal leadership within their professional context		Evaluate their own growth as leaders by employing active reflection
	Assess their current leadership strengths and weaknesses and formulate and execute a personal plan to maximize leadership strengths and minimize weaknesses		Integrate concepts learned in the program into their professional context
	Recognize and implement best practices in team leadership		Develop rewarding relationships with cohort of peers they can turn to for the rest of their careers

Who Should Attend?

The ideal course participant possesses at least 10 years of management, supervisory and/or financial management experience (in any field), and is a current or incumbent senior leader within a lumber and building materials company or division who wishes to hone leadership and management skills.

Prior to attending EMI, it is recommended that course participants obtain an understanding of a balance sheet and profit-and-loss statement. Participants should also possess prior people management experience, excellent computer skills and superior verbal and written communication skills.

At all times, participants are expected to:

Be Present – Unplug from your "day job" completely during the daily course hours
Be Prepared – Read course materials in advance of the sessions
Be Participatory – Actively participate in course and group activities, discussions and exercises
Be a Leader – Proudly represent your company and our industry
Be Open-minded – Come with a thirst for knowledge and interest in new perspectives