LEAD Program at TowneBank
The LEAD (Leadership Exploration and Development) Program is a three‑year management development track at TowneBank designed for new talent. The program features a comprehensive leadership and management curriculum, including:
- Two years of hands‑on training through job rotations across the Hampton Roads area of Virginia
- One year of on‑the‑job training in a selected career track
LEAD prepares young professionals for future management roles and long‑term career success, grounded in our belief that diverse talents and experiences drive innovation and strengthen the Towne family.
All graduates will receive a certificate of completion from TowneBank's Executive Chairman upon graduation.
Career Tracks Available
Banking Services
Enjoy a dynamic path for growth in commercial, private, or retail banking.
Towne Financial Services
Advance through diverse roles in our Mortgage and Insurance Family of Companies.
Enterprise Services
Learn specialized enterprise support like technology, audit, accounting, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Applications are accepted twice a year, in the fall and spring, for the class beginning the following July.- Fall applications open in September and close in October, with interviews conducted in November and December.
- Spring applications open in February and close in March, followed by interviews in April and May.
Please check back soon for details on the upcoming application cycle. -
As a LEAD Program Associate, you will be able to:
- Build professional networks
- Receive mentoring from previous program graduates and executives
- Participate in employee resource groups
- Engage with local community organizations
- Receive competitive pay and benefits (including medical, dental, 401k, and more)
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To meet all program prerequisites, applicants must:
- Acquire a completed bachelor's degree by August 2026
- Educational coursework required:
- Accounting: financial and managerial
- Economics
- Computer skills for business (spreadsheets, documents, presentations, etc.)
- Preferred additional coursework:
- Introduction to Finance
- Commercial Banking or Money and Banking
- Statistics
- Business Information Technology
- Marketing
- Authorization to work in US on a full-time basis without additional sponsorship
- Have participated in a university leadership or honors program
- Are active in their community
- Showcase initiative, have a great work ethic and leadership experience
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You will need the following:
- Resume with cover letter
- Copy of unofficial transcript(s)
- Typed single page essay that outlines:
- What strengths, attributes, and skills do you bring to the program?
- Describe some of your leadership activities and how they have benefited others.
- What is is about Towne that intrigues you?
- If you have not met all the program prerequisites, why do you believe you would make a qualified candidate?
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Learning opportunities will include:
- Participation in classroom and online learning, job rotations, special projects, group activities, and community volunteerism
- Presentation skills
- Advanced communication training
- Business etiquette and ethics
- Financial management
- More
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Yes, the LEAD program is a full-time position for new talent to the Towne Family. If you are interested in summer internships, please visit TowneBank Internship Request.
Meet Our LEAD Program Manager
Meredith Elliott
LEAD Program Manager
Meredith recruits, welcomes, and inspires future leaders of the Towne family. She values associates with diverse talents and experiences as they foster and enhance the Towne culture of excellence.
Meredith received her undergraduate degree in marketing and her graduate degree in marketing education from Virginia Tech. She is also a graduate of the TowneBank Management Associate Program and the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management.
Contact Our Team
Our team is here to answer any questions you may have. Please fill out the form below to have a member of our team reach out.