A survey was made of 203 leaders in vocational education to allow a profile and comparison of leader characteristics, and determination of the extent to which selected characteristics relate to professionalism. Data analysis by several sub-programs showed (1) a mean score on the Professionalism Scale similar to that for other groups (54.58); (2) female leaders were significantly younger, submitted fewer items for publication, subscribed to fewer journals, and had worked in the field for fewer years than males, yet their professionalism scale scores were very similar, albeit lower in three subscales; (3) no significant relationship between a leader's sex and professionalism; and (4) no variables as good predictors of professionalism. It was concluded that women in leadership roles have primarily lower-level positions, and that the emphasis of vocational youth organizations on leadership training appears to be benefitting the profession. Professional mobility, furthermore, is not a sex-related trait for leaders, but hiring and recruiting through the "old boy" system definitely is. It is recommended that this system, which is responsible for 80% of leader placement, be replaced by an honest and thorough search for the best qualified individuals, and that the American Vocational Association work to end sex-role stereotyping since women continue to be clustered in home economics, health, and business education while men dominate agricultural and trade and industrial education. (Data tables and questionnaire are appended.) (CP)