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Bobbi Larson, '18, University of North Georgia (ǧÃŬAV) executive director of economic development and community engagement, was one of 39 graduates from the nine-month (ALI). Following six in-person sessions, the graduation was held July 26 in Washington, D.C. Larson is the first ǧÃŬAV employee to graduate from ALI.

The ALI, a leadership and economic development program sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), included fellows from 13 states.

"I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity to participate in the Appalachian Leadership Institute. It was a great experience. Each fellow brought a unique perspective on the region's challenges, opportunities and strategies," Larson said. "I look forward to continued engagement with ALI alumni and to putting all that I learned into practice for the benefit of communities in Georgia and throughout Appalachia."

Larson serves on several community boards including the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, Lumpkin County Library and Chestatee Regional Library System boards.

The ALI sessions 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.  

ALI is a comprehensive regional leadership training program developed by the Appalachian Regional Commission in partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; The Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy; Tuskegee University; and Collective Impact.

ARC is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 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.

"My enthusiastic congratulations to the 2023 class of Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellows. I'm proud of the work this industrious group of changemakers has accomplished over the last nine months as they dedicated themselves to sharing and building the knowledge needed to create long-lasting impacts on the region," ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin said. "The partnerships they built during their time at the Appalachian Leadership Institute will help bolster the strength and vitality of the region long after graduation, and I can't wait to see the further impacts they will have as they continue their leadership roles across our 13 states."

Prior to joining ǧÃŬAV in 2014, Larson spent 14 years with the American Red Cross serving in fundraising and management positions. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in management from Methodist College and an MBA from ǧÃŬAV.