Bevin Tomlin, economic and community development manager at Alabama Power, was one of 40 fellows who graduated from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Appalachian Leadership Institute.

The leadership and economic development program celebrated its inaugural class with a virtual event. ARC Federal Co-Chairman Tim Thomas, as well as governors from Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee provided congratulatory remarks for the fellows.

An inaugural class of 40 fellows completed the Appalachian Regional Commission Appalachian Leadership Institute. (contributed)

“I’m honored to be a part of the Appalachian Leadership Institute’s inaugural class and have had the opportunity to learn among this impressive and passionate group of professionals,” Tomlin said. “The dedication we all share to our communities is inspiring.”

With more than half of the fellowship taking place during the pandemic, Tomlin shared her view of the value of the Appalachian Leadership Institute’s network and support system.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, our class (members) throughout the Appalachian region have continuously shared ideas for response and support for how we can help our communities through these trying times. I’m grateful for this opportunity and the connections made.”

As part of the yearlong program, Tomlin participated in three in-person sessions and eight months of virtual programming, including skill-building seminars with regional experts, peer-to-peer learning and case study analysis.

The Appalachian Regional Commission Appalachian Leadership Institute was completed virtually due to the pandemic. (contributed)

The curriculum was designed to equip fellows with the knowledge and network needed to create positive change in their communities.

The extensive leadership and economic development training were developed by the ARC in partnership with the the University of Tennessee; Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy; Tuskegee University; and Collective Impact.

ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region.

ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.