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 600 members strong.
2025 DLI Sessions
Before applying for the 2025 Delta Leadership Institute, please make sure that the following session dates do not conflict with your personal or work calendars:
Session I: Orientation
January 27 – 30, 2025 | Greenwood, MS
(Travel day: January 27 and convene at 2:00pm)
Session II:
March 3 – 6, 2025 | Paragould, AR
(Travel day: March 3; Convene morning of March 4)
Session III:
April 28 – May 1, 2025 | Selma, AL
(Travel day: April 28; Convene morning of April 29)
Session IV:
June 16 -19, 2025 | Washington, D.C.
(Travel day: June 15 or 16; Convene at 2:00pm on June 16)
Session V:
July 28 -31, 2025 | West TN
(Travel day: July 28; Convene morning of July 29)
Session VI: Graduation
September 8 -11, 2025 | New Orleans, Louisiana
(Travel day: September 8 and convene at 2:00 pm)
