Delta Regional Authority graduated 31 regional leaders from the Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy, an extensive, nine-month executive leadership program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. Jefferson Davis County Economic Development Director Gary Bass was one of those graduates.

“My experience with the DRA has been life changing,” said Bass. “The connections with our federal offices in Washington and the relationships forged with the fellows in my class will continue to benefit me and Jeff Davis County for years to come. I didn’t know that when I got accepted into the Leadership Academy that I would emerge as a civil rights activist.”

The 2022 DLI class was selected from a competitive applicant pool from all eight DRA states and marks the 18th year of DLI-trained regional leaders.

“There is power in human connection, and investments in people is an invaluable tool for creating change,” said DRA Federal Co-Chairman `Dr. Corey Wiggins. “DRA’s Delta Leadership Institute brings together a diverse group of community leaders who soon realize that while their hometowns may differ, the challenges within are alike. What happens next is the cultivation of a dedicated, passionate leadership corps equipped with the knowledge and networks to bring positive growth back home to their communities.”

The leadership program empowers fellows with the tools, experiences, and networks needed to address local and regional challenges. The graduates participated in six training sessions over the past year, learning best practices employed throughout the Delta region for economic and community development in order to catalyze innovative solutions implementable in their own community and region.