The Challenge

Leaders are not born; they are developed through learning and experience. Unfortunately, many people do not realize this and take for granted the future of our area by assuming that leadership talent will naturally emerge when needed. There is no better program to serve as the training ground for our future leaders than Russellville Regional Leadership Academy. The keys to the River Valley’s future are knowledgeable and skilled leaders who have an awareness and understanding of all facets of our community, including government, business, education, recreation, utilities, infrastructure, housing, health care, social services and more

The Purpose

Russellville Regional Leadership Academy aims to develop a network of competent leaders for present and future community needs. To meet this goal, RRLA seeks to:

Identify and motivate individuals with leadership potential;
Acquaint them with community needs, challenges and opportunities;
Offer a forum of exchange on methods for dealing with community issues;
Challenge potential leaders to become involved with local issues and the decision-making process.

Accomplishing our Objectives

Russellville Regional Leadership Academy seeks to develop community leaders by training and informing participants on a wide array of local public policy issues and concerns. In-depth training sessions focus on these issues, exploring their background, origin and present day-status. The program covers a full slate of topics including government, the area’s economy, education, social services and much more. The sessions combine lectures, tours, dialogue and interaction between speakers and participants.

Curriculum

The curriculum may vary slightly from year to year, but a typical year’s sessions are as follows:

Class Luncheon
Orientation/Retreat
Federal/County Government
Economic Development
Annual Meeting for Chamber and Alliance
Health and Wellness
City Government
Education
State Government
Emergency Services
Tourism & Hospitality
Graduation

Criteria for Selection

Strongly professed interest and commitment to serve the River Valley area beyond the training period.
Willingness to devote time to Russellville Regional Leadership Academy in terms of attendance and field projects during the program.
An occupational commitment to remain in the Russellville Region or little likelihood of transfer in the immediate future.
Community and/or civic service leadership as evidenced by the breadth and level of involvement in non- employment-related volunteer activities within the Russellville Region or demonstration of interest in becoming more involved.
Demonstration of leadership skills and abilities on the job.
Demonstration of strong interpersonal skills and a tendency to be proactive on issues of concern to the community.
Ability to make a substantive contribution to the program, both in terms of issues and projects, as well as networking with peers.
Financial and time commitment of applicant’s employer or sponsoring organization for applicant to participate in Russellville Regional Leadership Academy.
Commitment to RRLA (simultaneous or concurring participation in other local, regional, or state leadership programs is not allowed.)
Residence or employment in the River Valley for a minimum of one year.

Background

Russellville Regional Leadership Academy has been a program of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce since 1986. Since it began, Russellville Regional Leadership Academy has had over 600 graduates, many of which have become prominent leaders in the River Valley.

Participant Selection

An anonymous selection committee will give careful attention to choosing a class that represents a cross- section of the community and reflects its diversity with a balanced gender, race, socio-economic, and geographic representation that closely parallels the demographics of the area. Participants will be active in business, education, government, nonprofit, and community-based organizations.

Tuition

The tuition fee for each participant selected is $750 and is payable in full prior to the class announcement.

Time Commitment

The Russellville Regional Leadership Academy program consists of ten-full day sessions plus an out-of-town retreat. Sessions are usually held on Thursdays each month from October through May, but

a complete calendar will be provided to each participant prior to their acceptance. Attendance at the retreat prior to the first session is required. Some sessions will be conducted by the class members and will require planning time over and above scheduled class time. Additional projects may be assigned. Program participants are expected to attend each monthly session. While emergencies do arise, any participant missing more than sixteen (16) hours of scheduled events, for whatever reason, shall be automatically dropped from the program and no portion of the tuition will be refunded. Upon missing eight (8) hours, the participant will be reminded of his/her attendance status. Upon missing twelve (12) hours, the participant’s employer will be notified of the attendance status.

2025 - 2026 Leadership Schedule

Alumni Association

Upon completion of the Russellville Regional Leadership Academy program, participants will automatically become a member of the organization’s alumni association.

Application Instructions

Please complete each section fully. Limit answers to the space available. Application must be signed by both the applicant and employer/sponsor and returned to the Russellville Chamber of Commerce.

Application should contain a recent, high quality color head shot in a digital format. The photo may accompany the application or it may be sent separately by e-mail. Two letters of recommendation are required - one from an employer or co-worker and one from a community source who can speak to applicant’s ability to meet selection criteria. Letters may accompany the application or may be sent separately, and should be sent to: Angela Bonds, Russellville Regional Leadership Academy, 708 West Main, Russellville, AR 72801 or abonds@russellvillechamber.com. Applications and reference letters are the property of the Russellville Chamber of Commerce and will remain confidential. If you have any questions, please contact Angela Bonds at 479-968-2530. Deadline to apply is September 12, 2025

Russellville Regional Leadership Academy