CLARKSDALE, Miss. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is now accepting applications for its 2027 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy, an extensive nine-month leadership development program bringing together public, private and nonprofit sector leaders from across the Mississippi River and Alabama Black Belt regions.
Since 2005, the DLI Executive Academy has provided leadership development to over 700 community leaders from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and industries to improve economic competitiveness and social viability in 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.
“The Delta Leadership Institute is a unique program that develops emerging leaders from across our region to drive meaningful change,” said Sea Talantis, DRA’s Director of Human Infrastructure. “Through DLI, we equip participants with the knowledge and tools they need to return to their communities and lead efforts that strengthen outcomes for those living in our Delta region.”
During the leadership program, fellows participate in six in-person sessions led by local, regional, and national experts covering 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, 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 2027 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. The tentative schedule for the 2027 DLI Executive Academy is as follows:
2027 Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy Schedule
Session I: 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: September 13 – 16 | Paducah, Kentucky
Those interested can apply through August 14, 2026, at Delta Leadership Institute – Delta Regional Authority (dra.gov).
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