WASHINGTON, D.C.— Thrive Regional Partnership is proud to share that CEO Bridgett Massengill is among 38 graduates of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, a leadership and economic development program sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Members of the Class of 2021, along with their friends and family, attended the ceremony—24 in-person in Washington, DC, and 14 virtually.
“The Fellows have been hard at work over the last nine months building skills needed to help their communities thrive. The program offers a unique opportunity to learn first-hand from those who have provided leadership to help bolster the economic vitality of their communities. I can’t wait to see the amazing things these leaders accomplish.”
In the nine months leading up to graduation, fellows participated in six virtual sessions, all of which included skill-building seminars with regional experts, peer-to-peer learning, and case study analysis. All aspects of the curriculum were designed to equip fellows with the knowledge and network needed to create positive change in their communities.
“The Appalachian Leadership Institute gives local leaders the tools to make their communities stronger and more resilient. The skills these fellows have built over the past nine months will spur positive growth throughout the Appalachian Region. We know that local solutions are the best way to address the unique challenges facing Appalachia, and that remains true as we work together to recover from the pandemic and its impact on our communities.”
Fellows will continue serving their communities through civil service, finance, healthcare, recovery, tourism, and a variety of other public and private sectors. Additionally, as graduates of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, they are now part of the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network. This program will allow them to continue connecting with, and learning from, other leaders across Appalachia. With each graduating class, the network will continue to grow, connect leaders, and facilitate learning and idea exchange across the 13 Appalachian states.