The need for strategic planning to ensure future leaders led to the development of the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Leadership Academy. Leaders envisioned an approach to identify and strengthen future leaders from within the organization. Based on transformational and servant leadership precepts, the Academy includes a proven curriculum, mentorship, and projects at the affiliate and national levels to develop leadership skills of participants. The skills learned in the Academy are applicable in all family and consumer sciences (FCS) settings and beyond including, but not limited to, secondary and higher education, business, research, and Cooperative Extension. The development process of the AAFCS Leadership Academy serves as a best practice model for professional leadership development.