City manager graduates as fellow of ARC's Appalachian Leadership Institute
Greenfield City Manager Todd Wilkin
On July 15, 2021, Greenfield City Manager Todd Wilkin was one of 38 fellows who graduated from the Appalachian Leadership Institute, a leadership and economic development program sponsored by theAppalachian Regional Commission (ARC). Members of the Class of 2021, along with their friends and family, attended the ceremony -- 24 in-person in Washington, DC, and 14 virtually.
“We congratulate the 2021 class of Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellows. In addition to network-building, the Fellows have been hard at work over the last nine months building skills needed to help their communities thrive,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin.
"The Appalachian Leadership Institute gives local leaders the tools to make their communities stronger and more resilient," said ARC States’ Co-Chair, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. "Congratulations to the 38 graduating fellows.”
In the nine months leading up to graduation, Wilkin participated in six virtual sessions, all of which 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. Wilkin was one of four fellows representing Ohio in the class.
“I am extremely thankful to be part of this opportunity,” Wilkin said. “I learned from a lot of great leaders and expanded my network, which will help create a positive impact in our community and within our county.
“I thank the ARC for selecting me, and the village council for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the program.”
As a graduate of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, Wilkin is now part of the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network. With each graduating class, the network will continue to grow, connect leaders, and facilitate continued learning and idea exchange across the 13 Appalachian states.
About the Appalachian Leadership Institute -- The Appalachian Leadership Institute is a comprehensive leadership and economic development training opportunity for people who live and/or work in Appalachia and are passionate about helping their communities thrive. Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellows participate in an extensive training curriculum 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.
About the Appalachian Regional Commission -- The Appalachian Regional Commission (www.arc.gov) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 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.
