The Atlanta Regional Commission recently announced that it has tapped 56 public, private, education and nonprofit leaders for the 2019 Regional Leadership Institute (RLI).
Three City of South Fulton leaders have been selected: Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs; Stacy Blakley, associate, T.Y. Lin International; and Dwayne Patterson, vice president of strategy and engagement, The Partnership for Southern Equity.
They will have the opportunity to dig into key regional issues during the week-long leadership development program to be held in Savannah from September 22 – 27.
The 2019 RLI class will delve into the importance of regional collaboration to ensure the metro Atlanta area’s success, with topics including water sustainability and resources, barriers to full employment and regional and community planning. Participants will also be presented with key interpretive lens to explore the week’s topics and sessions. Previous sessions have included discussions on building an educated workforce, innovation in transportation solutions for a vibrant, regional economy and the importance of comprehensive planning to shape the quality of life and sense of place wanted by their residents.
“RLI provides the Atlanta region with a priceless resource – leaders who understand the power of collaboration and who can think beyond their local jurisdiction,” said Doug Hooker, ARC executive director. “I participated in RLI long before I came to work at ARC, and I found it invaluable for my career. And even today, I call on my RLI classmates in good times and bad. We collaborate on issues like water, transportation, workforce development and other topics that don’t recognize political boundaries.”
Since 1991, more than 1,500 leaders from the business, government, education and nonprofit sectors have participated in the RLI program. This program is designed to expose current organizational and community leaders to the importance of understanding specific issues and challenges facing our region and how they are all interconnected.
Photo: Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs (Credit: City of South Fulton)