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.
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.
2026 DLI Sessions
The Delta Leadership Institute will host six sessions in the following Delta communities:
Session I: Orientation
Poplar Bluff, MO – March 23-26, 2026
Session II:
Monroe, W. Monroe, LA – April 27- April 30, 2026
Session III:
Washington, DC – June 8-11, 2026
Session IV:
Marion, IL – July 27-30, 2026
Session V:
Memphis, TN – September 14-17, 2026
Session VI: Graduation
New Orleans, LA – October 19-22, 2026