Delta Regional Authority names six Arkansas leaders as fellows

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) named six Arkansas leaders as fellows of the 2021 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy.

DLI is an extensive, nine-month executive leadership program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from DRA’s eight-state region. The 2021 DLI class will consist of 30 fellows from all eight DRA states.

The leadership program empowers fellows with the tools, experiences, and networks needed to address local and regional challenges. Sessions led by local, regional, and national experts cover policy areas such as infrastructure and transportation, small business and entrepreneurship, workforce development, public health, and other fields necessary to facilitate economic growth in the Delta. As a result, DLI fellows graduate with improved decision-making skills, policy development know-how, strengthened leadership capacity, and a mutual understanding of regional, state, and local cultures and issues.

“To enact change, you need strong leaders with bold yet thoughtful ideas to move the needle in the right direction,” said DRA Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell. “The six fellows selected for the 2021 Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy are already leaders within their communities. With the knowledge and skill sets gained through DLI, they will evolve to become the change agents needed to address the most pressing issues facing the Delta.”

The 2021 DLI fellows representing Arkansas include:

Becca Caldwell, Little Rock | Grants Manager, Rural Services Division, Arkansas Economic Development Commission

Kimberly Davis, Little Rock | Director of Constituent Services, Office of the Governor

Tamika Jenkins, Blytheville | Vice President, Mississippi County, AR Economic Development

Rachel Langley-Hayes, Crossett | Field Representative and Constituent Services Representative, U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman

Dr. Kyle Miller, Helena | Museum Director, Delta Cultural Center

Clint O’Neal, Conway | Executive Vice President, Global Business, Arkansas Economic Development Commission

“Every year, Arkansas sends out to the Delta Leadership Institute a contingent of our brightest and best,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “A year later, the Leadership Institute sends them back to Arkansas brighter and better than when they left. The education and the networking the Institute provides strengthens the individuals and enriches our state.”

Since 2005, the DLI Executive Academy has provided leadership development to more than 500 community leaders from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and industries to strengthen skills development, information sharing, regional collaboration, and improve the economic competitiveness and social viability of the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.

After graduation, DLI fellows will become members of the Delta Leadership Network, which provides peer-to-peer engagement opportunities for continued leadership development, information sharing, and collaboration with other leaders dedicated to the future of the Delta region.