Following completion of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s eight-month economic development training program, graduates bring new skills and vision to their work strengthening Appalachian communities.
CHARLESTON, WV, June 11, 2026—The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is proud to announce that 40 fellows from Appalachia’s 13 states graduated from its Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI). The ALI training program equips the region’s public, private and nonprofit leaders to use economic development as a tool to drive positive change. Members of the class of 2026, along with their families and friends, attended the graduation ceremony today in Charleston, West Virginia.
“Congratulations to the Appalachian Leadership Institute Class of 2026! The dedication these fellows have demonstrated by actively participating in the institute will no doubt lead to stronger communities and a stronger Appalachian economy as a whole,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “I look forward to seeing these graduates draw from their experiences at ALI as they continue to drive positive change in our region.”
Throughout the eight months prior to graduation, fellows traveled to six Appalachian communities around the region for skill-building seminars, which incorporated case study analysis, peer-to-peer learning, and field visits to observe ARC-funded projects in action.
“Mississippi is proud to have strong leaders committed to creating new opportunities in our communities,” said ARC 2026 States’ Co-Chair, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. “The Appalachian Leadership Institute continues to equip professionals across our region with the tools, relationships and vision needed to strengthen economic development and improve quality of life for future generations. I congratulate this year’s graduates and appreciate their commitment to serving Appalachia and the State of Mississippi.”
These Appalachian leaders will apply the skills and knowledge from the ALI curriculum to continue serving their communities through business and workforce development, healthcare, tourism, and a variety of other public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Additionally, graduates of ALI gain access to the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network, with more than 250 leaders who help facilitate continued learning and idea exchange to strengthen economic development across Appalachia’s 13 states and 423 counties.
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About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to invest and partner to strengthen economic development in Appalachia to help the region reach its full economic potential.
About the Appalachian Leadership Institute
The Appalachian Leadership Institute is a comprehensive regional leadership training program developed by the Appalachian Regional Commission in partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Tuskegee University; and Collective Impact. The current class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute includes representatives from a variety of sectors and industries such as education, healthcare, economic development, public service, and other professions.