About CPBL
Building the next generation of community-centered professional business leaders.
Our Mission
The Certified Professional Business Leaders (CPBL) program exists to equip working professionals with the knowledge, frameworks, and practical skills needed to lead organizations and communities with integrity and impact.
We believe that leadership is not a title but a practice. Our program is designed around the conviction that the most effective leaders are those who combine strategic thinking with genuine community engagement, who listen before they direct, and who measure success by the lasting change they create.
Through cohort-based learning, live instruction, and rigorous coursework, CPBL prepares professionals to navigate the complexities of modern organizations while staying rooted in values of equity, collaboration, and service.
Program at a Glance
- Courses
- 3 sequential courses
- Foundations, Strategy, and Transformation
- Duration
- 8 weeks per course
- 24 weeks total for full certification
- Format
- Live cohort-based
- Weekly Zoom sessions with peers and an expert instructor
- Investment
- $2,000 per course
- $6,000 for the complete CPBL certification
What We Stand For
Every course, session, and assignment is shaped by these core values.
Community Impact
Leadership that creates measurable, lasting positive change in the communities leaders serve.
Equity & Inclusion
A commitment to diverse perspectives and equitable outcomes in every leadership decision.
Collaborative Learning
Cohort-based education where professionals learn from each other as much as from instructors.
Applied Practice
Theory grounded in real-world application through case studies, assignments, and projects.
Servant Leadership
Leaders who put the needs of their teams and communities first, leading by example.
Continuous Growth
A mindset of lifelong learning and adaptive practice in an ever-changing world.
Our Instructors
CPBL instructors are experienced practitioners and educators who bring decades of leadership experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Tony Creed, BBA, EMBA, DBA, CFC, CPBC
Founder & CEO, ARCCO Enterprises
Tony Creed is a retired Naval Officer and former CEO, COO, CFO, CAO, Director, Executive Director, and Associate Medical Center Director of several public, private, and non-profit…
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Tracey C. Jones, PhD, MBA, CPBL, CPBC
Founder, T3 Solutions
Dr. Jones is a seasoned executive, leadership expert, and coach with over three decades of experience spanning military service, Fortune 500 leadership, defense contracting, and…
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Jim Petersen, PhD, CFP®, CLF®, ChFC®, CLU®, CPBC
President & Owner, PBCA
Dr. Petersen is the The American College of Financial Services (TAC) Roger Hull/James S. Bingay Chair of Leadership and the Chartered Leadership Fellow (CLF) Program Director. Jim…
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Join the Next Cohort
The CPBL program is designed for professionals who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. Explore our courses and find the right cohort for you.