Appalachian Regional Commission Names Jamie Carpenter as Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) named Jamie Carpenter, Downtown Manager with the City of Hendersonville to participate in the 2022-2023 class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, a free leadership and economic development training opportunity for individuals currently living and/or working in one of ARC’s 13 Appalachian states. The 2022-2023 class comprises a diverse network of professionals representing all 13 Appalachian states and a wide spectrum of perspectives and sectors, including tourism, healthcare, education, civil service, and more.
“Jamie's contributions both within the City of Hendersonville and the region as a leader in downtown development made her an excellent candidate for the Appalachian Leadership Institute,” said Community Development Department Director Lew Holloway. “We are excited about what the program will offer her as an individual, but also about the fresh ideas and approaches to the unique opportunities and challenges we face that she will be bringing back to Hendersonville.”
The nine-month curriculum is anchored by six multi-day seminars across the Appalachian region focusing on each of ARC’s strategic investment priorities, which aim to strengthen economic and community growth in Appalachia. The fourth class will run from October 2022 through July 2023, focusing on skill-building seminars and best practice reviews to prepare fellows to:
- Design effective economic development project proposals
- Integrate community assets into long-term economic development strategies
- Identify resources available to spark economic and community development
- Locate and access investment capital from a variety of public and private sources
- Prepare competitive applications for public grant opportunities
- Use expanded connections and leadership skills to create strong regional partnerships
"Congratulations to the incoming 2022-2023 class of Appalachian Leadership Institute fellows! These leaders are already growing their Appalachian communities and will be even better equipped to drive positive change after their work with this program,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “I am eager to see this class of fellows collaborate across state lines to set big goals that will help the entire Appalachian region thrive.”
Appalachian Leadership Institute fellows were selected via a competitive application process to reflect the Appalachian region’s wide range of economic development challenges, opportunities, and strategies.
Upon completion of the program, Jamie will automatically become part of the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network, a peer-to-peer working group of experts helping foster collaborative solutions that will build a stronger future for Appalachia.
Carpenter has served as the Downtown Manager for the City of Hendersonville's Main Street and 7th Avenue Municipal Service Districts since 2020.
To learn more about the program, visit: arc.gov/leadership.