Clarksdale, MS – Applications for the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) 2026 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy are now open. An extensive nine-month leadership development program, DLI brings together public, private and nonprofit sector leaders from the Mississippi River and Alabama Black Belt regions. Fellows are selected through a competitive application process led by DRA’s board of governors and federal co-chairman.
Since 2005, the DLI Executive Academy has provided leadership development to more than 700 community leaders from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and industries to improve economic competitiveness and social viability throughout the Delta region. DRA created the program to empower a corps of leaders with the tools, experiences, and networks to address local and regional economic development challenges.
During the leadership program, fellows participate in six in-person sessions led by local, regional, and national experts, which cover policy areas and skills related to public infrastructure, regional transportation systems, workforce development, coalition-building and other fields necessary to facilitate economic development in the Delta. Upon completion, DLI Executive Academy fellows graduate with enhanced decision-making skills, policy development know-how, strengthened leadership capacity, and a mutual understanding of regional, state, and local culture and issues.
Applicants for the 2026 DLI Executive Academy must live or work in the 255 counties and parishes that encompass DRA’s region, as designated by the U.S. Congress. The DLI Executive Academy seeks applicants in traditional or nontraditional leadership roles within organizations, businesses or communities. DLI Executive Academy fellows must have previously worked on community-based projects that support economic and community development efforts on the local, regional or state level.
2026 Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy Schedule
Session I: February 2 – 5, 2026 | Demopolis, Alabama
Session II: March 23 – 26, 2026 | Poplar Bluff, Missouri
Session III: April 27 – 30, 2026 | Monroe and W. Monroe, Louisiana
Session IV: June 8 – 11, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
Session V: July 27 – 30, 2026 | Marion, Illinois
Session VI: September 14 – 17, 2026 | Memphis, Tennessee
Those interested can apply through August 15, 2025, at Delta Leadership Institute – Delta Regional Authority (dra.gov).
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