The Delta Regional Authority has graduated five Arkansas leaders from its Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy.
Now in its 15 year, the Executive Academy is a leadership development program that aims to provide public, private and nonprofit leaders with the tools and networks to tackle regional challenges. The DRA takes leaders from its eight-state regional footprint, which includes Arkansas.
The five Arkansas leaders in the latest DLI Executive Academy class include Andy Davis of Roland, principal for New Water Systems, LLC; Susan A. Edwards of Little Rock, program analyst for the Delta Regional Authority; Suzzette Goldmon of Monticello, director of hospitality and tourism for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Samantha Montgomery of Little Rock, digital coordinator for the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office; and Gene A. White Jr. of Pine Bluff, director of advising and retention for Southeast Arkansas College.
“The five new graduates of the Delta Regional Authority’s Delta Leadership Institute started the term with the strength of their individual talents and calling,” Gov.Asa Hutchinsonsaid in a statement. “Over the past year, they added to their own skill sets the collective strength of their fellow graduates. Now they are equipped to accomplish more for the people of Arkansas than they could have individually and without this time together at the Delta Leadership Institute. The Delta Region is stronger for their commitment and leadership.”
As part of the Executive Academy, the members participated in six training sessions throughout the year. During these sessions, participants learned about economic and community development practices for the region, receiving instruction from local and national experts in a range of subjects, including small business and entrepreneurship, infrastructure, workforce development, public health and more.
The Executive Academy was launched in 2005 and has added more than 500 community leaders to its Delta Leadership Network since the program’s inception.
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