DRA invests in regional leadership through its annual Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy. Fellows representing each of the eight DRA states are selected by the eight governors and the federal co-chairman from a competitive pool of applicants that represent both public and private sectors. During the nine-month executive leadership development program, six sessions are held in different cities throughout the eight-state region, which focus on areas such as transportation infrastructure, government relations, and regional collaboration.
The deadline to apply is Friday, August 14, 2026.
Alumni of the DLI Executive Academy may continue their engagement with one another and support of the region through the Delta Leadership Network (DLN). DLN is more than 700 members strong.
2027 DLI Sessions
The Delta Leadership Institute will host six sessions in the following Delta communities:
Session I: Orientation
January 25 – 28 | Demopolis, Alabama
Session II:
March 1 – 4 | West Memphis, Arkansas
Session III:
April 26 – 29 | Natchez, Mississippi
Session IV:
June 7 – 10 | Washington, D.C.
Session V:
July 26 – 29 | Rolla, Missouri
Session VI: Graduation
September 13 – 16 | Paducah, Kentucky