7 Arkansans graduate from Delta Leadership Institute

The Delta Regional Authority announced Friday (Aug. 4) the graduation of 49 individuals from its year-long Delta Leadership Institute.

The Delta Leadership Institute is designed to spur economic development through a training program for business and community leaders from each of the eight states served by DRA.

A list of the seven Arkansas Delta Leadership Institute graduates follows.

• Karen Castle, project manager, Arkansas Economic Development Commission in Little Rock.
• Tina Cole, community & economic development coordinator, Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District in Harrison.
• John Davis, assistant professor & director of governmental relations, University of Arkansas at Monticello.
• Adam Fogleman, Pulaski County attorney, Little Rock.
• Alexandra Johnston, rural services director, Arkansas Economic Development Commission in Little Rock.
• Cliff Jones, vice president of instruction, Arkansas State University-Mid South in West Memphis.
• Jason Willett, president, FJW Consulting in Jonesboro.

“Congratulations to the Arkansans graduating from the Delta Regional Authority’s Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said, according to the DRA release. “Arkansas is fortunate to have these seven passionate individuals who are invested in improving their communities and committed to tackling the challenges facing the Delta region.”

The graduates participated in seven workshops over the past year, looking at the economic development needs of the Delta region, and featuring input from area and national leaders in infrastructure and transportation, small business and entrepreneurship and workforce training, according to the release.

A full list of the 2016-17 DLI graduates can be found here.

Since 2005, DLI graduates have become members of the Delta Leadership Network, which now includes nearly 500 members.