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Responsible Care® and Sustainability Future Leaders Program

I am pleased to share that nominations are open for the 2026 Responsible Care® & Sustainability Future Leaders (RCSFL) Program. This selective initiative cultivates early-career professionals with the potential to shape Responsible Care® and sustainability across our industry.

Strong leadership is vital to the success of chemical manufacturing. The Future Leaders Program provides unmatched opportunities in leadership, technical skill development, and relationship building - equipping participants to navigate today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Following the success of our 2025 class, the 2026 cohort will gain deeper insight into the regulatory, policy, and reputation issues shaping our industry, while strengthening the leadership skills needed for the future.

I encourage you to nominate high-potential individuals from your environment, health, safety, security, or sustainability teams. This program is an investment in your organization and in the continued leadership of our industry.

Thank you for your commitment to developing the workforce that will carry Responsible Care® and our industry forward.

Chris Jahn

 

Chris Jahn Signature

Chris Jahn
President & CEO, American Chemistry Council

Participation in the Responsible Care© and Sustainability Future Leader program is only open to American Chemistry Council members and Responsible Care© partners.

Chemistry Lab with Teal Beakers

The Responsible Care® & Sustainability Future Leaders (RCSFL) Program is designed to equip high-potential, early-career professionals in the chemical manufacturing industry with the skills and connections to navigate future challenges. This program offers exceptional opportunities for learning, skill-building, and networking to those committed to advancing their careers in the industry.

Candidate Nominations

Nominees should be employees of ACC member or Responsible Care Partner companies who demonstrate high potential for positive impact within the environmental, health, safety, security (EHS&S), and sustainability fields.

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates should be early-career professionals with no more than 10 years of industry experience and should have core responsibilities within Responsible Care or Sustainability.

Program Fee

A non-refundable program tuition fee of $2,500 is required upon selection. This fee covers meals and lodging for the three in-person seminars, which will be arranged by ACC staff. ACC will cover the remaining program costs.

Example Schedule*

SEMINAR I: Program Onboarding Webinar

Participants will receive program overview, expectations, and requirements for the program; as well as Responsible Care (RC) and Sustainability 101. A leadership coach will be present on advancing emerging leaders to the executive level.

SEMINAR II: Responsible Care & Sustainability Conference

Future Leaders will participate in dedicated conference sessions designed to foster peer learning and engagement with industry leaders. Complimentary registration provided for the Fort Lauderdale conference.

SEMINAR III: Washington, DC Trip

Participants engage directly with ACC senior staff during a 2-3 day immersive experience in DC. The program may include observing industry Committee meetings, learning from ACC teams on key issues affecting the industry, and gaining firsthand exposure to regulatory and legislative engagement.

SEMINAR IV: A Day in the Life of a Sustainability Officer

Participants engage in candid, small-group conversations with senior chemical industry executives. Sessions offer firsthand insight into leadership journeys, day-to-day challenges, and the realities of executive roles—including what leaders find most rewarding and most challenging. Sessions may be offered periodically throughout the year, based on speaker availability.

SEMINAR V: Fall Workshop Palooza

Participants receive complimentary registration to the Fall “RCPalooza” workshops, where they will engage alongside ACC members and Responsible Care® Partners in a series of high-value, topical sessions designed to strengthen technical knowledge and practical skills. The workshops will be held in Houston, TX.

SEMINAR VI: Program Showcase Webinar

Participants deliver a presentation highlighting their primary takeaway from the program and how they plan to apply these insights to advance their work and leadership for the industry. All ACC members and Partners are invited to observe the presentation.