CORNELIA – Cornelia Community Development Director Jessie Owensby was one of 38 fellows who graduated from the Appalachian Leadership Institute this month. The Institute is a leadership and economic development program sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Members of the Class of 2021 and their friends and family attended the ceremony – 24 in-person in Washington, DC, and 14 virtually – on July 15.
“We congratulate the 2021 class of Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellows. In addition to network building, the Fellows have been hard at work over the last nine months building skills needed to help their communities thrive,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin.
“The Appalachian Leadership Institute gives local leaders the tools to make their communities stronger and more resilient,” said ARC States’ Co-Chair, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam.
In the nine months leading up to graduation, Owensby participated in six virtual sessions, all of which included skill-building seminars with regional experts, peer-to-peer learning, and case study analysis. All aspects of the curriculum were designed to equip fellows with the knowledge and network needed to create positive change in their communities. Owensby was one of three fellows representing Georgia in the class.
“I feel so honored to have been part of this amazing team of people who are doing their part to improve Appalachia. It’s great to see different communities with different demographics, psychographics, and industries coming together to develop solutions to common problems. I’m grateful to the Appalachian Regional Commission and the City of Cornelia for the opportunity.”
As a graduate of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, Owensby is now part of the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network. With each graduating class, the network will continue to grow, connect leaders, and facilitate continued learning and idea exchange across the 13 Appalachian states.
