“The number of applicants this year was more than double the number of spots available,” she said. “The selection committee carefully worked to identify individuals who have demonstrated a superior level of professional and personal performance and a commitment to be outstanding leaders within their communities. This year’s class members represent a diverse set of industries from across the state, and I am confident that the program will further equip them as they strive to make Arkansas a better place to live and work.”
The Underwriting Sponsor for the 2023-2024 Leadership Arkansas program is Citizens Bank. The Presenting Sponsors are Central Moloney Inc., Southwest Power Pool, and ARcare. Statewide Program Sponsors are Nucor Steel Arkansas/Nucor-Yamato Steel, Farm Credit of Arkansas, Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., Walmart, and Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
To see photos and bios of each of the members selected for this year’s class, click HERE.
Leadership Arkansas is a nine-month program operated by the State Chamber/AIA. It consists of nine multi-day sessions held in different locations throughout the state. The sessions feature Arkansas leaders who represent a wide geographic base and who have diverse backgrounds and vocations. The members are given broad exposure to the many social, political, geographic and environmental complexities of the state; on-site demonstrations and tours; unique cultural experiences; insight into the people, places and history that influence public policies; and fun and casual settings, which foster new relationships and camaraderie.
Leadership Arkansas Class XVIII’s scheduled sessions include:
Session I: Orientation
September 17-19, 2023 – Fairfield Bay Conference Center, Fairfield Bay
Session II: Economic Development, Education & Workforce Development
October 19-20, 2023 – Batesville
Session III: Agriculture, Conservation & Outdoor Life:
November 15-16, 2023 – Stuttgart
Session IV: Government & Military
December 11 - 12, 2023 – Little Rock
Session V: Natural Resources, Defense & Industrial Development
January 17-18, 2024 – Magnolia, El Dorado & Camden
Session VI: Manufacturing & Infrastructure
February 20-21, 2024 – Blytheville & West Memphis
Session VII: Tourism, History & Revitalization
March 13-14, 2024 – Hot Springs
Session VIII: Regional Development
April 17-19, 2024 – Northwest Arkansas
Session IX: Leadership, Planning & Graduation
May 16-17, 2024 – Little Rock
The mission of Leadership Arkansas is to challenge, inform, inspire and engage current and future business and civic leaders to enhance the economies of – and the communities within – the state of Arkansas. Leadership Arkansas’s vision is to work to build a strong and vibrant state by training skilled community leaders to recognize and capitalize on opportunities, motivate others to act to strengthen regions and communities, serve as ambassador for the potential and growth of the state, and promote the election and appointment of officials who understand the diverse aspects leading to growth of Arkansas.
Since its inception in 2005, Leadership Arkansas has educated and engaged nearly 1,000 alumni, who represent almost every Arkansas county.