Leadership

The Delta Leadership Institute and Delta Leadership Network are programs of the Delta Regional Authority. University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa and Southeast Missouri State University collaborate with DRA to implement the programs. Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill and Alternate Federal Co-Chairman Mike Marshall currently lead the Delta Regional Authority. DRA is governed by a Board of Directors composed of Governors of the eight DRA states.

State Governor’s Offices, DRA Board

Visit the official DRA website to learn more about the DRA Board Members and Alternates.

Governance of the Delta Leadership Network comes from a board of directors elected by network members. Each of the eight states has one member and one alternate. The board meets monthly either via phone conference or in person. The board exists to strategize a path for DLI alums to provide effective support for the Delta. Delta Leadership Board of Directors, from left: Woody Thorne IL, Chad Nichols (Vice Chair), Greg Terry, Sherri McCarter, Missy Marshall (Chair), B.R. Audirsch (Alternate for Mary Ann Moon), Herman Williams, Christy LeGrand (Board Facilitator), and Ron Earl.

Missy Marshall serves as the Board Chair and has been an advocate for the DLN from its inception. She says, "The Delta Leadership Institute experience was wonderful for me as a means to network with leaders from other states, to learn more about DRA, and to carry forward projects that have regional impact. We established DLN as an extension of DLI. We welcome, even insist, that DLI members remain active members of DLN for a number of reasons including the opportunity to have a more positive impact in their local communities by leveraging the strength of this ever-growing group."

Leading Delta Leaders

Meet the key individuals who lead the DLI and DLN.

Carolyn Dahl, Ed.D
Dean of the College of Continuing Studies at University of Alabama, Carolyn serves as DLI program chair. She oversees the Academy and DLN, and provides leadership for DLI enhancements and improvements.

Leonard Smith
Leonard works with the College of Continuing Studies at The University of Alabama and manages a variety of seminars and conferences for professionals in real estate, taxation, management and leadership.

Bevin Hunter
Senior Advisor to the Federal Co-Chairman, Bevin is the liaison between the DRA and DLI and coordinates many DRA activities that promote DLI and DLN.

Christy LeGrand
2007 DLI graduate now leads efforts to coordinate the DLN and its Board of Directors. She is Assistant Director Operations for the Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Southeast Missouri State University.