RSM Launches Family Office Advanced Leadership Program, Co-Developed with Cornell University

RSM Launches Family Office Advanced Leadership Program, Co-Developed with Cornell University

CHICAGO – (May 30, 2025) – RSM US LLP (“RSM”) – the leading provider of assurance, tax and consulting services for the middle market – is pleased to announce the launch of its Family Office Advanced Leadership Program, co-developed with Cornell University Executive Education, a global pioneer in delivering high-impact research and real-world learning solutions. The 18-month program is designed to equip family office senior executives with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of their roles and make informed, strategic decisions that drive long-term success for their families and businesses.

“We’re combining Ivy League academic excellence with practical, advisory-driven insights that enable family office senior leaders to perform their roles more holistically and dynamically,” said Karen Costa, leader of the family office enterprise practice for RSM US LLP. “Participants can expect to walk away with strategies and insights they can implement immediately as well as practical considerations to help them lead their organizations into the future.”

The program, launching in January 2026, will include in-person sessions covering topics such as leadership, family systems, governance and stewardship, with each session designed to enhance critical thinking skills, strategic vision, emotional maturity and effective communication. The in-person format helps foster meaningful peer connections and collaborative learning, enabling participants to navigate complex family dynamics and develop forward-looking strategies for their family offices. Upon successful completion, participants will earn a Cornell Executive Education certificate.

Distinguished program faculty, led by respected thought leaders in family office, governance and intergenerational leadership, include experts from renowned institutions and fellows from prestigious family business programs.

“This advanced leadership program is a continuation of our collaboration with RSM, all aimed at raising the bar on executive education for family offices,” said Daniel Van Der Vliet, John and Dyan Smith executive director of the Smith Family Business Initiative at Cornell University. “Together, we are committed to shaping the future of leadership within family offices, and to sharpen their governance strategies while deepening their understanding of complex family dynamics. Equipping family offices to empower the rising generation will enable future leaders to uphold and advance the legacy of their family, or the families they serve."

The creation of the Family Office Advanced Leadership Program expands on RSM’s collaboration with Cornell University's SC Johnson College of Business Smith Family Business Initiative. In 2022, RSM and Cornell co-developed the RSM Tony Wood Family Office Institute, which has successfully elevated the development of over 100 of RSM’s family office professionals across three cohorts.

Interested family office executives can register and obtain more information through the program webpage. 

About Cornell Executive Education

Cornell’s Executive Education is a university-wide platform leveraging the expertise of over 15 top colleges and schools, including its online ecosystem, to offer impactful educational programs for industry. The platform fosters academic-industry collaborations, tailored to address complex, real-time leadership challenges. Its programs serve Fortune 100 companies and meet the evolving needs of organizations worldwide.