Lillie Read to Represent Georgia in Intensive Regional Leadership Development Program
September 30, 2021, CARTERSVILLE – The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) named Lillie Read, Director of the Cartersville Downtown Development Authority, to participate in the 2021-2022 class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute.
As an Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow, Lillie will participate in an extensive, nine-month series of skill-building seminars featuring regional experts, peer-to-peer learning, and case study analysis. The program begins virtually in October and culminates with the Class of 2021-2022’s graduation in July 2022.
“I am honored to congratulate the 2021-2022 class of Appalachian Leadership Institute fellows. These phenomenal Appalachians are the driving force of change in their communities,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “The work of this new class of fellows—and the ones who came before — gives me hope to the future of our region and is a testament to all that can be accomplished when Appalachians work together.”
Lillie will work directly with public policy, community development, education, investment, and other professionals who live and/or work in the Region to:
• Identify and implement best practices and strategies to inspire positive change in their communities;
• Build a robust network of leaders across the Region;
• Integrate community assets into long-last economic development strategies; and
• Appreciate the diversity and commonalties of the 13 states in the Appalachian Region.
Upon completion of the program, Lillie will automatically become part of the Appalachian Leadership Institute Network, a peer-to-peer working group committed to Appalachia’s future.
“Lillie is a rock star! She is a tireless advocate for Cartersville and the Downtown community. We are so proud of her achievements and selection as an Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow,” states Freddy Morgan, Assistant City Manager.
Lillie was selected via a competitive application process. ARC received more than 115 qualified applications for the 2021-2022 Appalachian Leadership Institute class.
The Appalachian Leadership Institute 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 Center for Public Policy; Tuskegee University; and Collective Impact. More information about the Appalachian Leadership Institute is available at www.arc.gov/leadershipinstitute.

Press Release