Leadership Arkansas 

Leadership ArkansasLeadership Arkansas is a program designed to take a statewide view of the economic and political challenges that face our great state.  Leadership Arkansas offers leadership opportunities that expand the impact of community leaders across the state. Created by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, Inc., Leadership Arkansas builds a sense of statewide community by identifying and training individuals with the passion and commitment to become personally engaged in issues, programs and activities aimed at building a better Arkansas.

The individual contribution of Arkansas leaders is multiplied by their collective strength and enhanced by the distinct and diverse nature of the regions of Arkansas in which they reside.  The members of Leadership Arkansas are dedicated not only to their local communities, but to their statewide community. Leadership Arkansas is a unique program designed to promote statewide leadership. 

Leadership Arkansas is based on the belief that individuals can expand their leadership capacities to make a difference in the state of Arkansas. Leadership Arkansas alumni and class members learn, grow and change as they go through the nine-month program, which allows them to see firsthand the challenges and accomplishments of our local communities. 

The success of Leadership Arkansas to date has led to alumni members deciding to change the landscape of our state and their local communities by becoming state legislators, city councilmen, planning commissioners, etc. 

Leadership Arkansas has been fortunate to have the support of the Arkansas General Assembly with the former Speaker of the House serving as class chairman and members of the General Assembly participating in the class.

Leadership Arkansas sessions include:

  • annual educational, issues-oriented, nine-month class program
  • seven day-and-a-half sessions held in various communities throughout the state
  • Arkansas leaders who represent a wide geographic base and who have diverse backgrounds and vocations
  • exposure to the many social and environmental complexities of the state
  • on-site demonstrations and tours
  • diverse geographical and cultural experiences
  • insight into the people, places and history which influence public policies
  • fun and casual settings which foster new relationships and camaraderie

Leadership Arkansas now has more than 300 alumni with a program goal of one participant from each of the 75 counties within five years. 

Leadership Arkansas Class VI Roster, Schedule Announced

A total of 46 individuals from throughout the state were selected to participate in Leadership Arkansas Class VI.  Those selected to participate in Class VI are a diverse and interesting group of extraordinary business, educational and political leaders.  Over the past five years, Leadership Arkansas has been fortunate to have the support of the Arkansas General Assembly with the former Speaker of the House serving as a class chairman and members of the General Assembly participating in the classes.

To view the class roster, click here.

C. Tad Bohannon, a partner in the law firm of Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP serves as Leadership Arkansas Class VI Chairman.  Bohannon, a graduate of Leadership Arkansas Class II and past Chairman of Leadership Arkansas Classes IV and V, has been repeatedly named as one of the Best Lawyers in America.  He is also a graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock, Class XVI, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce. 

Leadership Arkansas is sponsored by Southern Bancorp.

Leadership Arkansas Class VI convened in September 2011. Participants are required to attend at least 80 percent of the program sessions, including the entire opening session, which is mandatory.

Below is the remaining session schedule for Class VI:

  • Session III – South Arkansas Economy, January 19-20, 2012 – University of Arkansas - Monticello
  • Session IV – Northwest Arkansas Economy/Healthcare, March 15-16, 2012 – Mercy Hospital - Rogers
  • Session V – Northeast/Delta Economy, May 17-18, 2012 - Blytheville
  • Session VI – Central Arkansas Economy/Leadership Arkansas Class VI Graduation, June 21-22, 2012 – Camp Robinson – North Little Rock

For information on sponsoring any of these sessions, contact Bill Watson at 501-802-1740 or bwatson@arkansasstatechamber.com.

For additional information on Leadership Arkansas, contact Susie Marks at 501-210-4206 or smarks@arkansasstatechamber.com.