News

Downtown manager is chosen for Appalachian Leadership Institute

Jamie Carpenter

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 10, 2022

Jamie Carpenter, downtown manager for the city of Hendersonville since 2020, has been selected by the Appalachian Regional Commission to participate in the 2022-2023 class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute.

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.”

A free leadership and economic development training opportunity for individuals people living or working in one of ARC’s 13 Appalachian states. the nine-month curriculum is anchored by six multi-day seminars across the Appalachian region focusing on ARC’s strategic investment priorities. The fourth class will run  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